Identifying and Explaining the Importance of Civic Responsibility
What Is Civic Responsibility?
Civic responsibility is comprised of actions and attitudes associated with democratic governance and social participation. Actions of civic responsibility can be displayed in advocacy for various causes. Weeks (as cited in Romer, 2000) states that by advocating social issues or environmental concerns, people strengthen their commitment to their community as well as to their own individual citizenship. Markus, King, & Howard (as cited in Romer, 2000) suggests that some attitudes related to civic responsibility include the intention to serve others, the belief that helping others is one s social responsibility, and the tolerance and appreciation of human. . Examples of Civic Responsibility As noted in (Civic Responsibility, n.d.), examples of civic responsibility include the following: Communicating with the Community: Communicating organization’s intentions and activities to the public (e.g., local press, radio, television) and representing the organization in community affairs and public activities to promote awareness and foster goodwill. Helping the Community: Meeting the needs of the community by promoting opportunities for corporate giving of financial and human resources. Civic Action: Supporting participation in civic duties by encouraging others to vote and engaging in other duties of the political system. Adopting Beneficial Values for Society: Seeking and embracing values that benefit society rather than the organization. Providing a Good Example: Always acting in accordance with society’s and the organization’s laws, rules, and guidelines, and behaving in fair and ethical manner. Social Action: Actively creating necessary change in one’s community or country by advocating for underrepresented or needy groups. |
The Importance of Civic Responsibility For Developing Leaders According to Civic Responsibility (n.d.), as a developing leader, it is important to recognize that groups and organizations do not exist in a vacuum. Meaning they must reach beyond just their group. Groups and organizations not only exist in the community, but must maintain a reciprocal relationship with the community. Becoming involved not only supports the community but also can garner awareness and goodwill from the community towards your group or organization. Involvement, particularly in political processes, can also directly benefit groups and organizations by allowing its views to be heard and possibly leading to more favorable laws or more support from the government. Finally, as a leader it is important to behave in an honest, ethical, and moral manner in order to help gain the respect of those that you lead. Fulfilling your civic responsibilities is just one way in which a leader can demonstrate their honesty, ethics, and altruism. Think And Respond
Additional Teaching Lesson on Civic Responsibility:
Just a Spoonful of Rights Makes the Responsibility Go 'Round-Part I http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit44/lesson3.html |