This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is necessary for achieving positive social change. Their contributions demonstrate that, while protest and non-state action may have their place, citizens must also work effectively with public bodies to secure sustainable improvements. The authors explain why the problem of civic disengagement poses a major threat, highlight what actions can be taken, and suggest how the underlying obstacles to democratic cooperation between citizens and state institutions can be overcome across a range of policy areas and in varied national contexts.

This book brings together leading figures in democratic reform and civic engagement to show why and how better state-citizen cooperation is needed to improve democracy and public service. It explains why the problem of civic disengagement poses a major threat and shows how obstacles to democratic cooperation between citizens and state institutions can be overcome.

Enabling Active Citizenship and Community Learning explores the role of the worker in facilitating participation, learning, and active engagement within communities. The book is a timely addition to general community work texts, focusing on recent UK government initiatives to strengthen citizen and community engagement at a community and local authority level. It provides guidance, frameworks, and activities to help in work with community members, either as different types of volunteers, or as part of self-help groups, and it sets UK community work as an educational process. It raises dilemmas that can arise from possible interventions and it gives strategies for reflective, effective practice.