Civic engagement is an activity of participating in activities that intend or whose objective is to improve the quality of life in the community by addressing many issues of public concern. Some issues that might be addressed include pollution, homelessness, and food security (Crosby & Brockmeier, 2016). In civic engagement projects, the key concepts include volunteering, service learning, and national service. Companies and businesses need to remember the community they operate in, intending to build good public relations and strengthen the bonds. The company can volunteer opportunities and vacancies for the locals (Crosby & Brockmeier, 2016).. they can also give back to the community by volunteering in many ways, like funding education programs for the locals, and paying for medical camps, among others. Indeed, companies and businesses that give back to the community via volunteering tend to have a good relationship with the society and community around them. Engagement in the national service demands that the company or a business participate in various activities, both mandated and volunteering (Crosby & Brockmeier, 2016).. some activities should be done by the government. However, the business may do it on behalf of the government, like environmental services and involvement in teaching programs, among others .lastly is service learning.
The experience has taught me that a lot is expected of a business or company, not only profit-making. Businesses ensure that the community is well served by availing better quality services and goods (“Case study: Asking questions and building hope: A proposal for youth civic engagement projects,” 2019). Businesses must invest in sewage disposal systems, water systems, and pollution management plans, among others, for the company’s good and to improve public relations. Giving back or participating in civic engagements is the best way the business and the community will have a good relationship and, more so, make people proud of the company or a business in the neighborhood.
To demand more as a consumer on more significant social and ethical accountability, it is essential to air the views and opinions of the business instead of expecting without saying what I expect. The community must be included as part of the community to be active in many interviews, give feedback on questionnaires, and participate in public gatherings (Crosby & Brockmeier, 2016). We should always expect to be ethical to reciprocate the good things the business is doing for the community. I must demand quality goods and services. We must work together to avoid pollution and, at the same time, safeguard the environment. The given ways are meant for communicating with the business. Among them include sending emails, being active on company social media pages, and talking directly with the necessary management.
As a business leader, it is vital to engage the community and the government to understand what is required and demanded from the business. It is good if, as a leader, we commit to what the government wants without causing tension and conflict of interest. As a leader, I must set a mechanism to employ the local community or adopt the quota system for the locals to benefit (“Case study: Asking questions and building hope: A proposal for youth civic engagement projects,” 2019). Having the locals employed in the business is the best way to have the community empowered and committed to helping the business. To identify what needs to be done, there is a need to have a good relationship with the community leaders to speak to and get what the community needs or wants done. As leaders, we must have a communication channel, and the responses should be timely and correct (“Case study: Asking questions and building hope: A proposal for youth civic engagement projects,” 2019). To improve the lives of the community, as a leader, I must do all necessary to reduce pollution, adopt better ways of disposing of waste, adopt ways of recycling materials, and have the community employed. The business can also pay school fees for the children in the community and build homes for people experiencing homelessness, among others.
References
Case study: Asking questions and building hope: A proposal for youth civic engagement projects. (2019). Framing Peace. https://doi.org/10.3726/978-1-4539-1376-5/23
Crosby, C., & Brockmeier, F. (2016). Community engagement program implementation and teacher preparation for 21st-century education. IGI Global.
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