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Maintaining Participation in Community Organizations

Theorists of participatory democracy argue that increasing the participation of citizens in those decision making processes that affect their lives, is beneficial to both the system and the individual participants. And researchers provide empirical support for these claims. Increased participation enhances both the stability of the system and the social and political integration of its members (Lipsky, 1970; ~Shostak, 1966). In addition, by broadening their horizons to the fullest extent possible, it contributes significantly to the individual development of the participants. The participatory experience, studies show, increases the interest in and the ability to acquire new knowledge and skills, enhances self esteem, and encourages the development of tolerance and empathy (Blumberg, 1969; Patemen, 1970; Hallman, 1968). Yet, in spite of these systemic and individual rewards, the apathetic citizen remains a problem for community organizers and scholars alike. There is a popular tendency to assume that apathy is an innate characteristic of American citizens who prefer to focus on