Civic Engagement and Civic Infrastructure to Advance Health Equity : Proceedings of a Workshop

There is increasing evidence that civic participation - from voting to volunteering - is a social driver of health. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Population Health Improvement convened a workshop to explore the links between civics and health; between measures of civic engagement and quantitative and qualitative measures of health equity; and the roles that civic infrastructure, narrative, and media play in shaping civic engagement. Presenters discussed voting along with other important dimensions of civic engagement; others include the ability to set agendas, shape how policies are implemented, communicate information, model civic behavior, and support the involvement and inclusion of other individuals and groups.

There is increasing evidence that civic participation - from voting to volunteering - is a social driver of health. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Roundtable on Population Health Improvement convened a workshop to explore the links between civics and health; between measures of civic engagement and quantitative and qualitative measures of health equity; and the roles that civic infrastructure, narrative, and media play in shaping civic engagement. Presenters discussed voting along with other important dimensions of civic engagement; others include the ability to set agendas, shape how policies are implemented, communicate information, model civic behavior, and support the involvement and inclusion of other individuals and groups. Table of ContentsFront Matter1 Introduction2 Key Concepts and Measures3 Civic Infrastructure4 Media and Narrative5 Democratic Deliberation and Closing ReflectionsAppendix A: ReferencesAppendix B: Biographical Sketches of Speakers, Moderators, and Planning Committee MembersAppendix C: Workshop AgendaAppendix D: Prioritizing Civic Infrastructure Investments to Advance Health Equity: A Mini-DeliberationAppendix E: Readings and Resources