DO YOU THINK civic participation WORKS ???  Or does it backfire as OFTEN AS SUCCEED !!!?
594653
i think civic participation works if you can get past the egoes & work for the common good of the people. but civic, backed by military on one side, IS force, & is neither civic, nor civil.
562132
I think that civic participation should be taught more vigorously in elementary and high schools. Children grow up simply apathetic to domestic and international politics and then they don't participate in keeping this democracy alive and well when they have the opportunity to. Democracies can only thrive with active widespread participation. Obviously there is an age limit to make sure that the people going to the polls are mature. But I think that if 15 and 16 year olds are old enough to be charged as adults if they commit crimes, then they should be old enough to go to the polls.
160135
If you really want to make an impact, try writing your local government officials (mayor, US. Representive, Senator) with a signed statement with lots of signatures. I'm sure your not the only person who wants things to change. Just because 70% of the local population is made up of idiots doesn't mean 15% can't make a dent.
441033
I've been in a few before, and found they worked...but i'm not the lovey dovey sort and don't tend to miss people so i think it depends on how each of you are - good luck :)
198918
It works.  As long as we, the voters, respond positively to all the trash, politicians will continue to use it.  \n\nThe Internet provides a means to examine some of the claims made, but so too do local and regional news sources. \n\nIf citizens start to responsibly inform themselves most of it can end. You know Abe Lincoln's line  "You may fool all of the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time."  Do your homework - don't be the fooled.
937406
The latest vote that took over the House and Senate sent a big message to the politicians, and don't assume marches don't work. I  don't know if you were around during Viet Nam but marches did make a difference. It took time but they got the message. This has already gone on too long, so we can assume they are trying to figure a way out without losing face. Individually you write your congress person or Senator from you state and area. I have done that, make a copy of the letter and keep sending it off about every two to three weeks.
779840
It's hard to do so, I do believe that there are many responsible countries out there that are really trying, but not every country is a responsible one, some counties are ruled by selfish rulers who's only concern is power that they can acquire for them selves. I think it best if counties are ruled by governments that allow their citizens to have a voice, when we can get the world on board with that I think we might have a chance.
508250
I often find that kids are reluctant to participate in a large group setting.  I try to always have them share their answer with a neighbor first and then when I call them back together I ask them to share what they heard instead of what they shared and that lowers the risk which almost always increases participation!
426388
this came under civic participation . . . . ahhhuuuhhhaaa
78463
Perhaps if your community provided some alternatives that were appealing, children wouldn't "loiter"  I mean, do you think that anyone prefers standing around doing nothing?\n\nMany public libraries are creating programs for teens/adolescents, designed with input from teens/adolescents. That is an approach worth modeling.
380231
I love this question...we could be like the 60's and just boycott! If you can find someone to organize this nationwide...I'm in...until then I suggest we all get more involved in our community, state and national elections. The fact of the matter is that only a small percentage of the public actual vote. If more people were like you and purposed this question, maybe we could do something about it!
1120632
I COMPLETELY agree.  I've been pretty lucky.  I know exactly how my local government works, and I have participated actively.  If more students were exposed at a younger age to the basic structure of their hometown government, I think there would be more people to make positive changes the right way.
246081
Yes indeed,however they were called the "GREAT SILENT MAJORITY" this is true and there attempts to rally Drew a minority of support.Ask anyone over 52 yrs. old about the great silent majority and that should jog there memory!
1067650
It can't work.\n\nYou can not reward apathy..  if you are given everything, and dont need to work hard to get ahead..  then you wont.  If you dont work hard then the society does not move forward, if society doesn't move forward, then the society crumbles.........\n\nCapitalism is the light
91990
It may not cause big changes in a short amount of time...but you never know when, where, or how you may influence another rational mind, and thereby ignite change.\nI'm thankful to Yahoo for giving us the means to express our opinions here.
214905
If your state has an initiative process, you can take your idea to the people. If you get enought signatures for your petition, then it goes on the ballet. If the majority of voters say yes, it's law!
1104202
It has certainly sparked some discussion and may provoke some useful answers.  Do you think that it will result in a program or initiative, started by Isaiah Washington?  \n\nIt's an interesting thought...  but from what I saw so *many* of the people answering were uninformed!