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<br /> New Functions for collective action. E\"eryone has ci\"ic responsibilities.
<br /> I Government Leaders EVeT):one contributes in different ways. .
<br /> Hmv can elected officials, managers, and program . Build confidence. Unfortunately, tearing down city
<br /> staff solve problems, promote citizen responsibility. and hall has become an acceptable wav for local officials -.
<br /> regain people's conlidence? Leaders must forgo the to pander to the citizens who distr~lst or feel disdain
<br /> temptation to identify and analyze community problems for government. If those who h3\-e been elected Of
<br /> and then organize service programs. To promote a vital appointed foclls on govemment as the problem,
<br /> civic society. leaders mllst adopt some of the following government will lose its capacity to help solve I
<br /> roles: problems. If officials empower people and become
<br /> . Educate, educate, educate. If citizens do not their p<utners, however, citizens will regain their
<br /> confront the same "bra\.e new world" as their local confidence in themseh'es and in government.
<br /> government officials, people will continue to .
<br /> assume that government can solve all their problems
<br /> and thus will go on being disappointed. Consequent4 Rediscovering Citizenship
<br /> ly, leaders must educate people regarding new .
<br /> realities using many different opportunities, The future for local government lies in transformincr
<br /> . f b
<br /> including state~of-the-community addresses, passive consumers 0 public services into responsible
<br /> nev,.sletter articles, interviews, presentations to citizens. Because of the complexitv of the problems
<br /> civic groups, and remarks at citj: councilor board facing communities, many people sullenly withdraw .
<br /> meetings. In the process, leaders must understand from the political process and from their civic
<br /> that educating is also learning; it is a hvo-way responsibilities. They make unrealistic demands on local
<br /> process. To engage in dialogue, not monologue, government, ignoring any need for common sacrifices; I
<br /> leaders must listen as well as talk. In the process or they seek out heroic rescuers like Ross Perot or Colin
<br /> they revise their own perceptions of the brave Powell.
<br /> ne...,. world. Local government can help people rediscover their
<br /> . Create a new mission for local government. The l?st.sense of responsible citizenship. Citizenship is not .
<br /> core business of localities is solving problems, not lLmlted merely to voting in periodic elections. Even
<br /> delivering services. Providing se['{ices is a good role when individuals do not have a personal stake, active
<br /> for local government, but it is only one aspect of a citizenship requires them to: ..
<br /> total problem-solving approach that must engage . Inform t~e.mselves on key issues confronting their
<br /> citizens to be effective. commUOltIes.
<br /> , Convene stakeholder groups in creative \vays to . Participate in civic improvement groups.
<br /> .
<br /> confront problems. Government leaders must avoid . Struggle to find common ground with others, I
<br /> "rescuing" people. Rather than relieving people of as \-veIl as advocate their private interests.
<br /> their civic responsibilities, government leaders need . Become responsible for their local governments
<br /> to stimulate public discourse about concerns and and their communities. .
<br /> to encourage brainstorming about alternative Yes, local government faces a brave ne\v world.
<br /> t solutions. Creative strategies for engaging citizens
<br /> .
<br /> I in such discussions include visioning workshops, Ultimately, cities and counties cannot govern and
<br /> design competitions, chanettes, and problem- call1:ot soke complex problems if people are merely .
<br /> solving "festivals:' passIve consumers. Local governments do have a vital
<br /> . Stimulate discussion on values, aspirations. and future, however, if they can reconceptualize their role
<br /> fears. Instead of discussing technical solutions, in engaging people as responsible citizens. ""(..."{ .
<br /> government officials must encourage people to
<br /> articulate their values and to envision possibilities Frank Benest is city manager, Brea, Califomia.
<br /> for the future. I
<br /> . Identify what local government can contribute. [n
<br /> , promoting problem solving with people, as opposed
<br /> I
<br /> 1 to delivering services, the local government agency I
<br /> .I also must contribute resources. These contributions
<br /> might include expertise, skills, facilities, training
<br /> programs, seed grants, and coordination.
<br /> . Forge collective action. After helping to identify ,
<br /> community concerns and stimulating public
<br /> dialogue. government leaders must promote ..
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