Week 2- Level 2 Challenge Option: Is Community Service Civic Engagement?

Read the article “What Do We Mean By ‘Civic Engagement’?” by Richard P. Adler and Judy Goggin. Download “What Do We Mean By ‘Civic Engagement’?” by Richard P. Adler and Judy Goggin.

FIRST

Create an operational definition for civic engagement. You will use this definition to help you determine if the person you interview is civically engaged.  In social science research, this is called establishing an “operational definition.”  Although it sounds complicated, it is really very easy.  You can use a definition from the reading or video or you can also come up with your own definition.  You just need to be explicit and clear about how you are defining the term. Here’s how you do it in 2 easy steps:

• State your definition.
• Identify your civic engagement indicators (the factors that need to be present for civic engagement to be present).

NEXT

Identify a person who volunteers in his/her local community. You can interview a friend, family member, neighbor, or acquaintance. You can also contact a local nonprofit or religious organization in your community and request to interview one of their volunteers.

Contact the volunteer you identified. Here’s a sample email or telephone script:

“Hi!  My name is _____________.  I am a student in a Civic Engagement course at Indiana University. Right now, we are learning about civic engagement and volunteerism in our community. One of my assignments requires that I interview a volunteer and find out more about the type of work they do as a volunteer and the motivations behind what they do. I would like to interview you over the phone or via email, whichever you prefer. I will ask you several questions about the volunteer work you do and why you do it.  I will only share the information you provide with my instructor.”

Interview your volunteer to determine if s/he is “civically engaged”. Here are some ideas for questions you might want to ask  (Be sure to include the questions and responses when you submit your Challenge):

• Can you describe the type of work you do?
• What inspired you to do this type of work?
• How many hours of work do you?
• How did you start doing this work?
• Can you tell me a little bit about the organization you work for?
• What motivates you to do this work?
• What types of social problems does your organization address?
• What do you like the most about your work?
• What do you like the least about your work?

THEN

Analyze your interview data and answer the question, “Is it ‘civic engagement’?” Using your operational definition and civic engagement indicators determine whether this person is or is not civically engaged. Remember, you have to refer to the definition and indicators you chose above.  Answer the following questions in depth (at least one paragraph each):

• Is the person civically engaged? Why or why not?
• What did the volunteer say or not say that led you to conclude this?

How do you think we can increase civic engagement in your community? Use information from the Volunteering and Civic Life in America resource (see below) to illustrate your answer.