Community engagement, solidarity, and citizenship are terms used to describe actions and initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in a community through both political and non-political means. These terms are often used interchangeably with civic engagement or public participation, and all of them refer to a desire to make a positive difference in ones community that manifests itself through action, combining knowledge, skills, values, and motivation.
Community engagement is important because it enables better understanding of communities' needs and aspirations, and it ensures that community members have access to valued social settings and activities, feel that they are able to contribute meaningfully to those activities, and develop functional capabilities that enable them to participate fully.
Examples of community engagement initiatives include activism, volunteer work, community gardening, tutoring, donating blood, environmentalism, and many more. Through community engagement, citizens can build and sustain cohesive communities and help their local governments better serve their constituents.
In summary, community engagement, solidarity, and citizenship are all about taking action to improve the quality of life in a community, and they involve a collaborative approach to addressing social problems and achieving social well-being.
