Community engagement: Universities’ roles in building communities and strengthening democracy

Abstract

Many universities are making concerted efforts to engage their communities as part of their effort to strengthen democratic principles and processes. These initiatives have included faculty and students assuming both traditional and novel roles to promote community engagement, with varying degrees of success. This article examines university engagement strategies through the lenses of community psychology and community development to identify challenges and opportunities in teaching, research, and service to promote democratic ideals. Specific examples of university practices that engage the community and vary in the advancement of democratic principles are outlined, with suggestions for ways that universities can enhance their ability to promote democratic participation.

Keywords:

• Democratic theory and participation
• marginalized communities
• university–community relations

Acknowledgments

This article grew out of a series of meetings sponsored by the Kettering Foundation, convening CD professionals to focus on the role of CD in advancing democratic principles. We greatly appreciate the foundation’s support and the stimulating discussions with our colleagues for helping shape the ideas herein.

Notes

1. The term citizen is meant here in the broad sense of someone residing and participating in life within a given area, not a member of a particular nationality.