Civic Engagement at Butler University
The terms Civic and Civility imply:
- The conviction that the equitable distribution of resources is
a worthwhile practice.
- A tolerance for diversity that sustains a pluralistic and
- A sense of shared purpose and common destiny.
- Having to do with the matters of the public sphere.
The terms Engage and Engagement imply:
- Occupying one's attention or efforts.
- Entering into conflict with.
- Assuming an obligation.
From our perspective, civic engagement is both a philosophy of
education and a way of thinking and acting in the world.
Individuals who are civically engaged:
- Accept and act upon the obligation to become aware of,
understand and be involved with the "ideas, conventions, practice,
institutions, and relationships directed toward carrying on the
affairs of the public" (Norman Jacobson, Pride and Solace, 1978,
- Recognize they do not live alone in the world but understand
how their decisions and actions affect others.
- Are civically minded. As we use the term, civic mindedness is a
"reflective disposition that informs action….civic mindedness
involves a developed awareness of others that engages our moral
imaginations and enhances our sense of efficacy and empathy as
human beings who dwell in civil society" (Brabant and Braid
- Recognize that civic engagement is inherently political (see
Brabant and Braid 2009).
Within an academic context civic engagement becomes a
pedagogical strategy for creating programs and learning
environments wherein students are obliged to become aware of,
involved with, and comprehend the orientations, processes and
practices essential to a salubrious community.
Brabant, Margaret and Donald Braid. 2009. "The Devil is in the
Details: Defining Civic Engagement." With Margaret Brabant. Journal
of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement,13, 59-87.
Jacobson, Norman. 1978.Pride and Solace: The Functions and
Limits of Political Theory. New York: Methuen.
Copyright 2011 Donald Braid and Margaret Brabant