This report presents findings of a rapid review of evaluations of programs that aim to improve civic and political participation carried out in the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Member States of the European Union and the European Free Trade Agreement, Australia, and New Zealand.

The findings underscore that there is no singular (nor simple) way to improve civic and political participation. While there was an absence of evaluations of comprehensive civic education programs among the 48 included studies, evaluated programs focused on a wide range of areas (e.g., the environment, health, access to justice). Most of these programs were designed to build people’s or communities’ capacity to participate in political processes relevant to the focus area or develop leadership skills to improve collaboration and cooperation in the community. From this perspective, it is essential to provide people with the necessary resources, support, and skills to advocate for themselves and their communities to facilitate civic and political participation. Crucially, programs need to be sufficiently funded and resourced, and based on participatory and strengths-based approaches that are culturally appropriate and safe, respond to community needs, and are evidence-based.

The findings of this rapid review also point to limitations in the evidence base underpinning efforts to improve civic and political participation. Among the 48 included studies was only one based on a randomised controlled trial design; one based on an experimental design; and one based on a quasi-experimental design. Furthermore, few studies attempted to identify which program components contributed to the success or otherwise of the program as-a-whole. In the absence of detailed descriptions of program content and implementation, as well as rigorous evaluation methods, more research is needed to establish which programs work to improve civic and political participation, and why.