The following is an excerpt from Volume 27, Issue 3 (December 1999) Desmond M. ConnorPublic participators need to recognize the unique character of citizen engagement and civil society. The focus is on the development of citizens and political action. "Civil society is the network of autonomous associations that rights-bearing and responsibility-laden citizens voluntarily create to address common problems, advance shared interests and promote collective aspirations." (op.cit., p. 6) Civil society is composed of autonomous voluntary associations (Civil Society Organizations or CSOs) which develop a dense, diverse and pluralistic network. As it develops, civil society will consist of a range of local groups, specialized organizations and linkages between them to amplify the collective voice of civil society as a partner in governance and the market. Values are the core domain of civil society; its essential function is to enable citizens to identify and articulate their values, beliefs, civic norms and democratic practices in order to work towards consensus and a collective definition of the public good. The society we live in is made up of three components: the state, market institutions and civil society. To the state, people are electors and taxpayers; to the corporation, they are consumers, employees and investors; to civil society, they are citizens. Peoples' competence and contribution in one of these three spheres will reflect on the others. If many people are disillusioned and suspicious as voters, taxpayers, consumers, employees and investors, their state of mind may be partly due to an underdeveloped participation in civil society. When preparing a social profile or cultural map of a community, notice the type and range of NGOs and their linkages. Is the local civil society strong, intermediate or weak? What are the implications of this for a public participation program? I believe that every public participation program has spinoff effects for the public - more awareness of public processes and more skills to apply to future proposals. i.e. some strengthening of civil society. Should we be doing more to foster civil society? What kinds of clients will support this? Your comments and suggestions are welcome!
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