Citizens League of Montgomery County

Civic Engagement

CLMC seeks to build upon the pockets of activism that exist within the County. Many of these activists lack effective localized civic associations. These local associations can be effective agents of change for local issues of significance. They can also do their neighborhoods a disservice if they do not properly engage their constituents to ensure they represent their views and needs. Although CLMC does not accept organizations as members, it will work with civic associations through memorandums of understanding (MOU). These associations can approach CLMC and develop an MOU for assistance on a ranges of issues. Whether they need help building the framework of their organization, are seeking help putting together a website or newsletter, or are seeking County-wide support for a challenging policy issue, CLMC stands ready to help. We organize our civic engagement around the following four basic tenets*:

• Those impacted by a problem must help define the problem. Solutions to complex challenges must come from those being most impacted. Civic organizing should strive for balance between diverse interests and the welfare of the whole.
• All Member Citizens are accountable for producing resources to solve the problem. Resources are not solely money. Member Citizens must commit time and knowledge.
• All Member Citizens are part of policy development. Residents at all levels are engaged in decision making; creation and distribution of resources; and rule making that holds self, others, and institutions accountable to produce democratic outcomes.
• All Member Citizens are accountable for contributing to sustainability by acting within and across institutions. Member Citizens develop strategies and policies that strengthen the civic capacity of fundamental institutions—family, faith, community, work, learning, governance—for the long term.

*Adapted from the Minnesota Active Citizenship Initiative Civic Organizing Framework.