Participation in civic and social engagement among community members promotes community growth and strengthens communities and schools. Such engagement begins with creating and maintaining a sense of trust among all stakeholders. Research indicates that participation in civic and social engagement activities in minority communities depended on various factors but the two most common factors are economics and social capital (McBride, Sherraden, and Pritzker, 2004; Nath, 2012; Zani & Barrett, 2012). While there is an awareness of the importance of actively engaging in civic and social activities to support our communities, limited players in this endeavor are the youth. Thus, schools can be a major influence on increasing student involvement in community activities.
References:
McBride, A., Sherraden, M., & Pritzker, S. (2006). Civic Engagement
among low-Income and low-wealth families: In their words. Family
Relations, 55(2), 152-162.
Nath, S. (2012). Civic engagement in low income and minority
neighborhoods, and the role of public investment. Undergraduate
Economic Review, 9(1). Article 8. 1-24.
Zani, B., & Barrett, M. (2012). Engaged citizens? Political participation and
social engagement among youth, women, minorities, and migrants.
Human Affairs, 22, 273 - 282
