Journal Article

Civic Engagement and Voluntary Associations: Reconsidering the Role of the Governance Structures of Advocacy Groups

Barakso, Maryann

2005

Overview

Despite the ubiquity of politically oriented voluntary associations, many scholars are unimpressed with the opportunities available for civic participation within the interest group sector. I argue that the dismissal of interest groups as insignificant contributors to civic life has been hasty. We lack data regarding the avenues available to group members to participate in ways other than check writing. Analyzing the political infrastructure of the National Organization for Women (NOW), I show that understanding the internal structure and political dynamics of advocacy groups can contribute to the debate about whether and how member-based political groups impact citizens' political engagement. Specifically, the governance structure of such groups reveals the extent to which members are, or could be, significant partners in decision-mailing processes. Finally, I note the contributions associations such as NOW make to the civic education of citizens as well as to the provision of \"free spaces\" for the exchange of ideas among them.

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan,The University of Chicago Press,University of Chicago Press
• Subject: Advocacy / Associations / Citizen participation / Citizenship education / Civil Society / Decision making / Democracy / Dismissal / Feminism / Governance / Group structure / Infrastructure / Interest groups / Nongovernmental Organizations / Political campaigns / Political debate / Political interest groups / Political participation / Political systems / Politics / Voluntary associations / Voluntary organizations / Voting / Women / Womens rights movements