"Civic Engagement is 'working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.' (Excerpted from Civic Responsibility and Higher Education, edited by Thomas Ehrlich, published by Oryx Press, 2000, Preface, page vi.) In addition, civic engagement encompasses actions wherein individuals participate in activities of personal and public concern that are both individually life enriching and socially beneficial to the community" (Association of American Colleges and Universities, n.d.).
Businesses operate within their communities, states, and nations with varying laws and regulations affecting their operations. Employers want to have employees who are engaged in their communities, understand the economic and social needs, and can represent themselves and the business formally and informally through participation in civic organizations.
In this section you will find resources for understanding the political structure and process of a democratic form of government, participating in the democratic process, contributing to the well-being of others, and making connections at the community, local, state, national, and international levels.
Source: Association of American Colleges and Universities. (n.d.) VALUE: Valid assessment of learning in undergraduate education. Retrieved from http://www.aacu.org/VALUE/rubrics/
