Civic Engagement and Psychology

First, review some of the different types of civic engagement: Activism/Advocacy: Involves organizing to bring about political or social change or to show support for, bring awareness to, or promote a particular cause or policy Civic Learning: Acquiring knowledge of community, government, social issues, or political issues with or without the application of the knowledge. Community Service/Volunteerism: Engaging in activities to benefit others or one’s community; such activities may or may not involve structured training and reflection. Philanthropy/Fundraising: Collection of resources (e.g., money, food, clothing, etc.) to benefit charitable organizations or agencies. Community Engaged Research: Creation of new knowledge in collaboration with or on behalf of a community partner that contributes to student learning within the academic discipline while also strengthening the well-being of the community by working to solve or understand an issue of public concern. Social Entrepreneurship/Social Innovation: Combining innovation, resourcefulness, and opportunity to address critical social and environmental challenges through the development of business models, products, or services.

You will select TWO different types of civic engagement. For each type, do the following:

1. Identify how psychology can contribute to community well-being with regard to the selected type of engagement. How is it related or how can it benefit that type of community action? How could you participate in this type of engagement as a psychology student and/or what specific area of psychology might be most relevant? 2. Post a link to at least one organization, business, or engagement opportunity related to the type of engagement you selected. Explain how your classmates or psychologists could get involved. Include working links for both types of engagement. 2 paragraphs max (1 for each type of civic engagement