Is Civic Responsibility a Purpose for Leadership Development Programs

• Published in: Journal of College and Character Vol. 5; no. 9; pp. 5 - 10
• Main Author: Lloyd, Jan M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Routledge 01.10.2004; De Gruyter
• ISSN: 1940-1639; 2194-587X; 1940-1639
• DOI: 10.2202/1940-1639.1402

Civic responsibility is a term that leadership development programs continue to hear on college campuses. It might be a part of the mission statement for the institution; it might be an objective of a single program; or it might be an illusion of a hopeful society. Defining civic responsibility or civic engagement is a difficult task. According to Komives, Lucas, and McMahon (1998), civic responsibility "is the sense of personal responsibility individuals should feel to uphold their obligations as part of any community" (p. 15). But according to Astin, Astin, & Associates (2001), it is the act of becoming effective social change agents by making a positive difference in society to help solve the problems that plague America. The Campus Compact website states that there is not a consensus on one definition of civic engagement (O'Meara & Kilmer, 1999). In its simplest form, civic responsibility could be defined as providing community service. Those individuals who volunteer and help others are being personally responsible to their community.