TOWARD MEANINGFUL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF CIVIL SOCIETY PARTICIPATION IN LEGISLATIVE REFORM

Civic engagement, with its focus on involving citizens and civil society organizations in thedevelopment of policy and legislation to address matters of public concern, is one vehicle topromote active citizenship and more responsive legislation. In this respect governmentsconsciously seek the views of citizens and social groups and have a genuine interest inachieving outcomes that incorporate their perspectives. Examples of civic engagement are:participation in elections, public policy/legislative processes, public consultations, advocacy,and participation in local community-level decision-making structures