What is Civic Engagement?

One aimless Sunday afternoon I randomly asked people on the streets of Manhattan what civic engagement is. Here are some of their responses.

"The peaceful prelude to a stormy marriage."

"Voting."

"Doing something more than just voting."

"I really have no idea."

"Can't say, nor do I want to stand here with you talking about it."

"Civic what??"

"Knowing enough to do more good than harm."

"An agreement to meet at the Civic Center."

"I know what civic is, sort of, and I definitely know what engagement is, but when you put the two together, I'm lost."

"Serving people who need help, whether it's in a soup kitchen or participating in an organized walk to fundraise, or something else to add value to life in the community."

"Doing anything in the public sphere to promote the public good."