Purpose
Purpose
The Civic Engagement Program of the Alliance encourages and supports members to work for social changes that improve the lives and bolster the chances of success for vulnerable children and families. The Alliance encourages members to engage boards, volunteers, clients, and residents in mission-based advocacy and civic engagement efforts.
Definition
There are many ways in which people participate in civic, community, and political life and by doing so, express their engaged citizenship. From volunteering to voting, from community organizing to political advocacy, the defining characteristic of active civic engagement is the commitment to participate and work for social changes that can improve the conditions of life and bolster the chances of success for children, families, and communities. Civic engagement can be a powerful process that moves people toward greater self-efficacy.
The Alliance for Children and Families works with its member organizations to:
- inform them about effective civic engagement tools and strategies,
- support them with grants and consultation to become effective facilitators of civic engagement efforts that bring out the "authentic voice" of constituents,
- provide leadership in the human services field to foster national attention to the importance of civic engagement in creating positive social changes.
Civic Engagement Steering Committee
