Community engagement
Alternative labels
public engagement
civic engagement
Research Summary
Young Australians’ civic engagement
This research snapshot from the Growing Up in Australia study provides a nuanced picture of young people’s civic and political engagement. It supports the idea that their engagement is evolving; young people continue to participate in civic and political life, through digital and informal pathways, as well as traditional pathways.
Report
Giving together: the power and potential of collective giving in Australia
This report provides a comprehensive snapshot of collective giving, or pooled funding, across Australia. The research shows that the impact of collective giving goes beyond the money and is a gateway to deeper and more sustained civic engagement. At the same time, the movement is progressing without the infrastructure and support it needs to fully flourish.
Guide
Roadmap to social impact: your step-by-step guide to planning, measuring and communicating social impact
This guide supports organisations in planning, measuring and communicating program outcomes. It outlines key components of outcomes measurement and evaluation, explaining core concepts, their importance and practical application. It is intended for individuals and organisations seeking to create positive social impact and understand their contribution at individual, organisational, community and societal levels more clearly overall.
Report
Mapping the civic life journey: summary of 2025 cross-sector data and policy hackathon
Australia's civic participation is declining but across our lives we are active in different ways. This report summarises a forum to test the practical value of a civic life journey framework, looking at how policies could approach civic life from a life course perspective.
Case study
Korea’s Open Policy Lab: a participatory approach to public sector innovation
This case study examines Korea’s use of participatory and collaborative approaches to policymaking through the Open Policy Lab (OPL). The OPL functions both as a platform and a structured methodology, bringing together subject-matter experts, frontline practitioners and other stakeholders to co‑create policies. It focuses particularly on early‑stage policy design under conditions of uncertainty and complexity.