Evolving Relationship, (An): Executive Branch Approaches to Civic Engagement and Philanthropy

This white paper is based on a briefing memo prepared for a White House meeting between leaders of the philanthropic community and Executive Branch officials. The meeting focused on the topics of service, civic engagement, social innovation, and public participation and where there might be shared interests between the two groups. The paper argues that a number of key trends in White House approaches to civic engagement are now intersecting and suggest a great deal of possibility for moving forward in the future. Civic engagement is a clear priority for this administration and has becoming increasingly embedded in the policies and practices of a number of Federal agencies. At the same time, key philanthropic institutions are making increasing commitments to the fields of deliberative dialogue, civic engagement, and democratic practice.