Towards Change! Rethinking Representation in Advertising’s Post

Civic engagement plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength of democracy. It is essential for citizens to actively participate in the political process and contribute to the decision-making process. The significance of civic engagement lies in its ability to give power to the people and ensure that their voices are heard. By engaging in activities such as voting, joining advocacy groups, and participating in community initiatives, individuals can actively shape the democratic system. Civic engagement also fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among citizens, as they become more aware of the issues affecting their society. Moreover, it promotes social cohesion and unity by encouraging dialogue and collaboration among diverse groups. A strong democracy relies on the active involvement of its citizens, making civic engagement a vital component in its preservation.

Thanks, PublicInput! 💯 These two buzzwords are at the forefront of the conversation when it comes to civic engagement: equitable and representative. Engagement can be equitable without being representative – and it’s important to understand when to prioritize each so that Planners can place engagement data into context and make better-informed decisions. #publicconsultation, #publicengagement, #publicinvolvement, #onlinecommunityengagement, #communityengagement, #urbanplanning, #livablecommunities

The Benefits of Civic Engagement   There are many benefits of citizen engagement including improved policy decisions, greater buy in for public policy decisions, improved trust in governments and public institutions, a greater sense of community, empowerment and belonging for participants, improved inclusion and social cohesion and more. When I first researched civic engagement as a municipal CAO, I read one meta-study that concluded that citizens in high engagement communities were healthier and happier than citizens in low engagement communities.   There are many ways to engage citizens and stakeholders in public policy-making, including public meetings/hearings, advisory committees, focus groups, surveys, citizen panels/juries, social media and online tools. While I applaud governments and public institutions for their engagement efforts, I fear that they do not get the most out of them. This is because their engagement process is typically not curated to uncover the best information and advice, nor to achieve shared understanding and commitment among participants on one or more recommended policy options.     This is what drove me to create Civonus, which is designed and intended to help governments and public institutions get the most out of their engagement efforts for public policy decisions!   #civic-engagement #public-policy #governance

Our latest brief explores the powerful impact of integrating intersectional feminism into democracy support initiatives 🌏 From human rights, justice, and the rule of law to online discourse and local governance, we delve deep into how an intersectional feminist lens can foster inclusive civic participation. Read the brief here: https://bit.ly/FemDem It covers Institutional and Capacity Strengthening 🏛️ Move beyond traditional training to include local knowledge systems, empowering diverse communities and promoting critical thinking. Raising Awareness 📢 Utilise innovative and digital formats to reach a more inclusive audience with accessible, non-discriminatory messaging. Building Networks and Fostering Engagement 🤝 Create safe platforms for civic actors to collaborate, exchange experiences, and amplify the voices of marginalised communities. Supporting Policy Change 💡 Involve grassroots civic actors in public consultations and policy-making processes to address tangible issues. Access it here: https://bit.ly/FemDem Have insights to share? Let us know, using the hashtag #FeministDemocracy

This is next-level insanity. Nothing says “Season’s Greetings” like racism and exclusion.  Celebrating the diversity of their community is a noble idea, but why can’t all people participate? What happened to welcoming allyship from all groups? Essentially, they are celebrating inclusion by…excluding others? I think (but am open to correction) the ridiculousness of this speaks for itself, so I won’t elaborate much further, but give this scenario some consideration if the opposite were executed—if a party that excluded any other specific race isn’t acceptable, how is this? Diversity and inclusion are about eliminating barriers, and this simply cannot happen when people are overtly being excluded.    #diversityequityinclusion #racism #criticalthinking

As our heads spin the week after NM's short legislative session ends, I am again reminded of the importance of civic engagement. Advocating for inclusive policies and driving social change have been central themes throughout my career. Each interaction with policy leaders has provided valuable insights into shaping equitable systems and amplifying underrepresented voices. Let's connect if you're passionate about advancing policy initiatives for a more just society! #PolicyAdvocacy #SocialJustice #EquitablePolicies

Imagine a world where the social sector has recruited, developed, and placed thousands of people from the communities we serve into direct service, advocacy, and policy organizations. Imagine if these thousands were ready to utilize their personal life experiences and professional expertise to catalyze systems change through better service, community-driven advocacy, and better-designed policies. Now imagine that these thousands already exist in every sector and city but have not been organized to leverage their dual lived and professional expertise. This is the situation we are in today and this is why we are organizing. We're building an ecosystem of Intersectional Professionals - people who leverage their lived experience of broken systems and marginalization in their work. We're building towards well-being through a tightly bonded community of peer support and mentorship. We're expanding our influence to affect systemic change through leadership development, thought leadership, and the power of informal networks. We're designing a future that works for all through campaigning actionable visions that reflect the needs of our communities and the capabilities of our organizations. Intersectional Professionals, join us in building out this ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/eP-hP67x All, promote the work by liking and resharing. Learn more about the movement by subscribing to our Substack: https://lnkd.in/eZicBqyg

Living a life in service to society entails dedicating oneself to actions that contribute positively to the well-being of others and the community at large. It means aligning personal goals and actions with the greater good, prioritizing the needs of others over self-interest. This can take many forms, from volunteering time and resources to supporting causes that address social, environmental, or economic challenges. One way to make life a service to society is by fostering empathy and compassion in everyday interactions. This means actively listening to others, seeking to understand their perspectives, and offering support when needed. Additionally, contributing skills and expertise to projects or initiatives that aim to tackle societal issues can make a significant impact. Furthermore, advocating for justice, equality, and human rights can be a powerful way to serve society. This may involve speaking out against injustices, supporting marginalized communities, and promoting policies that promote fairness and inclusivity. Ultimately, living a life in service to society is about recognizing our interconnectedness and striving to make a positive difference in the lives of others, both locally and globally. It requires a commitment to empathy, compassion, and action, with the belief that even small efforts can create meaningful change.

Your Civic Engagement Matters More Than Your Party