Module6

Civic Responsibility

[AmeriCorps Project Ayuda]

Module 6: Social and Economic Issues and Struggles

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Concept

Civic engagement is becoming an integral part of higher education. For some of us civic engagement has become second nature. Some of us have never heard of this concept. Regardless of where you are on your civic engagement journey, it is important to explore and discuss what role it plays in your life as you continue to serve as a leader in your community. Before you can explore the social and economic issues locally, regionally or globally, it is important to first understand the concept of civic engagement and to raise your voice.

Active Thinking

People define civic engagement in many different ways. Represented below are items that people might cite as exemplary civic engagement. Place a “1” next to the action that most closely models your own idea of civic engagement. Place a “2” next to the action that is the second closes, etc., up to 15. You do not need to send this in.

	Joining the armed forces.
	Helping to start an after-school program for children whose parents work.
	Talking with a friend about a social issue of importance to you.
	Working for a candidate in a local election.
	Serving on a jury.
	Picketing and protesting at a local corporation whose plant overseas employs child workers.
	Giving to the United Way.
	Leaving your car at home and biking or walking to work/school every day.
	Tutoring a migrant worker.
	Attending a neighborhood meeting.
	Providing dinner once a week at a homeless shelter.
	Visiting different houses of worship (churches, synagogues, mosques, etc.) to learn about different religions in the community.
	Giving blood.
	Stopping to assist a driver whose car has broken down on the side of the road.
	Voting.

Reflective Activity:

1. Take some time to think about why you ranked these items the way that you did. Were you surprised by some of your own opinions?

2. If you were to compare your answers to the answers of people who are your family and friends how do you think they would rate things differently?

3. What does this exercise teach you about people's ideas concerning participation in civic life?

Now, you must send in your answers:

E-mail them to pvcceap@pvmail.maricopa.edu

Fax them to 602-787-7297

Or, mail them to:
ATTN: Project Ayuda
Paradise Valley Community College
18401 N. 32nd Street KSC 151A
Phoenix, AZ 85032

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*Special thanks to the Midwest Campus Compact Consortium for their work in putting this guide together.