Civic participation is defined by its main ideas and the goals it seeks to achieve.
Main ideas of civic participation
Everyone has the right to civic participation, meaning that any member of the public affected by, or interested in a particular issue, has the right to express their opinion. Civic participation can be restricted, but only when required by law and in exceptional cases, such as when the rights of other people are threatened or when national security, public order, or public health or morals are being put at risk.
Civic participation can take place at any time, including prior to a decision affecting you being made, whilst it is being made, or after it has been made. Civic participation is another way of participating in democracy, along with voting.
Goals of civic participation
The main goal of civic participation is to encourage the public to participate in the making of public decisions so that these decisions are in line with what the public need and want. It also aims to ensure that decisions which are made are explained to and understood by those affected by them.
Civic participation helps to identify problems when they arise, to consider alternative solutions, and to strengthen the effectiveness of a solution.