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Civic and Community Engagement Commons™
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Full-Text Articles in Civic and Community Engagement
Reviving American Democracy: Fueling Civic Engagement Through Campaign Finance Reform, Christina Levin
Reviving American Democracy: Fueling Civic Engagement Through Campaign Finance Reform, Christina Levin
Honors Capstone Projects - All
In this paper, I contend that the skyrocketing influence of money from wealthy individuals and special interest groups has thwarted accountable policymaking and disengaged the average American voter from civic life. This is a pressing concern for a participatory system of government, which relies on its citizens to contribute to lawmaking and the selection of its officeholders.
I begin by outlining how civic engagement has been the bedrock of American democracy.
Then, I proceed by asserting that the rise of the corporate state has sparked the downfall of a representative political structure that is accessible and responsive to all voters. …
Ecotourism In Costa Rica: Empowering Local Communities, Rachel Lequire
Ecotourism In Costa Rica: Empowering Local Communities, Rachel Lequire
Honors Capstone Projects - All
This paper explores a community-based ecotourism initiative called La Tortuga Feliz, in Pacuare Beach, Costa Rica. This organization founded and run by Western expatriates using a conservation approach provides benefits to the local community while meaningfully involving them in the process.
My research included an extensive literature review, informal and formal interviews as well as participant observation for one month on-site. The objective was to understand what it means to empower and involve local communities in a meaningful way in community-based ecotourism projects.
I will argue that La Tortuga Feliz, although facilitating some benefits to the community, also disempowers the …