What does Civic Engagement look like in your community?
According to Wikipedia, Civic engagement or civic participation happens when any individual or group addresses issues of public concern, or “the greater good”. Civic engagement includes communities working together or individuals working alone in both political and non-political actions to protect public values or make a change in a community.
If you have ever attended a public meeting, been to a worship service or a community fundraiser, run for elected office, or volunteered your time, you were participating in civic engagement activities. Good for you (and good for everyone who benefitted from your presence)!
These acts of generosity and kindness are so important in any community, but especially in rural communities like South Algonquin. The church suppers, the work of the recreation committees, the Seniors Active Living centres and more all contribute to social cohesion and improve quality of life enormously for locals and tourists alike.
Civic Engagement - Governance
There are so many threads to explore on civic engagement, but for today, let’s talk about civic participation in policy making. Public policy refers to the set of laws, regulations and guidelines developed by a government, to address a particular issue or problem affecting the public. It is created by governments using legislative powers to define what they will do (or not do) to improve their community.
We elect people to make these decisions for us about every four years. Policy that might impact tourists could be anything from short term rental regulations, to Business Improvement Areas, to Accommodation taxes. It’s important that we the tourism businesses participate in local policy because that affects you, our customers, too!
Active participation in policy matters is important
Voting is an act of civic engagement. But in Canada, our democratic system encourages transparency, accountability, and public participation beyond just voting.
Meaningful and regular civic engagement strengthens decision-making and builds trust between government and residents. Which is why it’s distressing to sometimes hear people who are expressing concerns shut down with statements like “You elected them”, “You run for office next time”, or “Why do you complain and criticize?”
While it's true that we elect people to represent us, participation doesn't pause between elections. Elections are not coronations.
The South Algonquin Business Alliance actively engages in policy matters to advocate for our concerns and your visitor experiences all the time. It took us seven years to get council to finally acknowledge they had a role to play in economic development. It was hard work to secure this change in policy. When residents speak up, we bring lived experiences that can inform better, more effective policy. Dismissing public input as unnecessary or unwelcome diminishes the chance to hear valuable perspectives.
Voting is the beginning, not the ending
Voting is just the beginning of civic engagement, not the end. Residents have the right and the responsibility to participate, advocate, and engage in meaningful public conversations throughout local government decision-making processes because public engagement is a cornerstone of effective leadership, not a challenge to authority. How easy is that to do in your community? How easy is it to do that in the communities you vacation in? How easy is that to do in South Algonquin?
When staff or council try to shut down civic engagement and public participation, it essentially tells the community that you, the public, are not considered part of the team. If the rejection is frequent or painful, people eventually stop trying to engage.
Politics is a team sport, not a members-only club
It is council's job to put public interests ahead of their own private interests. They work for you. When council governs in a way that residents feel empowered and welcomed to participate, and decision-makers and the community listen to each other, where we're all considered and feel part of the team, research shows that communities are far more likely to thrive.
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