Despite voluminous
analysis, ambitious statements and lofty ideals, experiences of civic
engagement and participation have frequently been disappointing or at best
confined to smaller, more localised practice.
Much of the analysis of such experiences focuses on the operation and
mechanics of engagement processes but often ignores crucial underlying elements
such as the central role of public administration as a primary facilitator of
citizen participation. This paper proposes
that for civic engagement processes to reach their aim of sustained citizen
integration into the democratic process, the mediating realm of public
administration needs to be more fully analysed and interrogated. To do this, it suggests that a deeper
analysis of three core elements - democratic values, public administration
responsiveness and social justice disposition – need to be take place. The paper presents an outline of a model
that enables such an analysis to be undertaken, allowing both for an
examination of existing practice as well as predicting the prospects for
success of civic engagement proposals.