November 25, 2004 | Read Time: 1 minute
Everyday Politics: Reconnecting Citizens and Public Life
by Harry C. Boyte
Politics has become a spectator sport, overrun by consultants, lobbyists, and pollsters who manipulate the emotions of the electorate against a partisan enemy, writes Harry C. Boyte. In this book, he explores ways citizens can become re-engaged politically, and how their involvement can strengthen the democratic process and society as a whole.
Mr. Boyte, founder of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, draws examples from the university’s partnerships with groups in and around St. Paul and elsewhere that are working to involve ordinary individuals in politics. For example, he describes how a collaborative effort called Public Achievement teaches young people about politics and citizenship by getting them involved in developing ideas to reduce teenage pregnancy, protect the environment, or improve their school curriculum.
The Jane Addams School of Democracy, meanwhile, fosters conversations between new immigrants and volunteers about citizenship and the problems facing individuals whose concerns may be ignored by politicians. In this program, immigrants are treated not as clients or customers, writes Mr. Boyte, but as people who have a stake in the outcome of political decisions and who need to develop the political skills and confidence to make government aware of their needs.
In addition to citizen groups, colleges and universities should encourage Americans to engage in politics, the author says. Universities should promote discussions about civic and social responsibility, educate students to become civic leaders, and build partnerships with local organizations to solve political and social problems, according to Mr. Boyte.
The Kettering Foundation provided support for the book and related research projects.
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press, 4200 Pine Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19104; (215) 898-6261; fax (215) 898-0404; http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress; 239 pages; $29.95; ISBN 0-8122-3814-1.
