Abstract

The ideas behind effective citizenry and community organizing have been discussed, deliberated, and written about extensively. A Resource Guide to Civic Engagement by the CityCares Citizen Academy provides a comprehensive listing of books, websites, and quotes to provide "intellectual resources to those interested in thinking more about effective citizenry and our work as community-based organizations." The guide provides brief descriptions of books and websites on democracy, civic renewal, community organizing, leadership, mobilizing citizens, and civic engagement.

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Issue

Scrambling for resources can be time consuming and requires a fair amount of research and investigation.

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Action

A Resource Guide to Civic Engagement was created for the Citizen Academy with the support of The UPS Foundation and The Surdna Foundation. See the source document for the full listing.

The handbook is organized into the following four sections:

Section 1: The Framers' Intent
The first section is reserved specifically for thoughts about democracy, its definition, and the power within the idea.

Section 2: Civic Renewal and Community Action
Provides information about civic renewal and community organizing.

Section 3: Leadership and Attitudes in Service
Addresses qualities of leadership.

Section 4: A Tribute to the Courageous Ones
The last section is a tribute to women and men who have proved the possibility of mobilizing ordinary citizens to bring about massive changes in society and paradigm. Speeches and inspirational works are listed.

The handbook also includes civic engagement and leadership development websites, and quotes relating to civic engagement and social capital.

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Context

CityCares is a national organization that provides access to diverse, high quality volunteer opportunities and services in order to make a positive impact on individuals and communities nationwide. Established in 1992 and based in Atlanta, GA, CityCares serves as an umbrella organization of independent and innovative volunteer organizations that makes volunteering flexible and accessible to individuals in local communities across the country. CityCares affiliates (known as "Cares" or "Hands On" organizations) engage over 250,000 volunteers in direct service in their community each year — a total commitment of more than 1.2 million cumulative hours of service in 2002. CityCares affiliates manage and lead projects that have been created through partnerships with community-based organizations. Volunteers can choose to participate in one project, on-going programs, or a variety of initiatives that fit their schedules.

Hands On Atlanta, a CityCares affililiate, launched the Citizen Academy as a pilot initiative in 2000, providing an action-oriented forum for volunteers and citizens to explore service, civic participation, and social issues on a deeper level through such courses as, "Faith and Service," "Appalled by the Sprawl," and "Be A Social Entrepreneur."

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Citation

CityCares Citizen Academy. A Resource Guide to Civic Engagement: Books, Web Sites and Quotes. The UPS Foundation.

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Outcome

The reference list provokes further thought and discussion on effective citizenry and service in community-based organizations.

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Creating a roadmap to civic engagement
• Delivering civic engagement training to national service programs

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Related sites

Civic Practices Network

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