Civic Engagement

Engagement at PSU	Engagement Events	National & International Collaborations

At its core, civic engagement is defined as "the interaction of citizens with their society and their government." Portland State University has expounded on this idea to create a definition of civic engagement tailored to the PSU motto of "Let Knowledge Serve the City."

At PSU, civic engagment is defined as "active involvement in the discourse dealing with the need to develop and utilize knowledge for the improvement of society, to use talents and offer wisdom for the greater good, and to provide opportunities for education in the spirit of a democratic society. A civically educated and engaged citizen is one who is skilled in coalition-building, collaboration, negotiation and synthesis of multiple perspectives" (PSU Delphi process, March 2001).

Although the meaning of civic engagement can vary widely, there are common themes consistent to nearly all definitions:
Civic engagement is active participation, focused on community, and manifested through a variety of activities. 
(Themes adapted from Gottlieb, Karla & Robinson (2002). A Practical Guide for Integrating Civic Responsibility Into the Curriculum. Community College Press: Washington D.C.)