Analysis of civic activity as an element shaping local level threat resilience in communities

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of the research is to determine the essence of civic activity in shaping resilience to threats in communities at the local level using the example of a municipality. Approach/Methodology/Design: In order to solve the research problem, a diagnostic poll method was used, carried out by means of a survey technique, with the use of a survey questionnaire tool. The Statistica v.13.1 software package was used to develop the survey results. The general population included the residents of Nowa Iwiczna, located in the Lesznowola municipality in the Mazovian Voivodeship in Polnad. The size of the research sample was 1351 people. Findings: Self-governance has been developing for more than two decades and local communities still have a problem with a mediocre sense of civic responsibility. Therefore, cooperation of communities with their authorities (representatives) at the local level is justified and necessary. Moreover, it is very often an elementary point in addressing threats. Probably the problem stems from the lack of proper civic education (one can say that it starts at an early age), low level of civic competence of the community at the local level and disturbed communication at the level of residents-inhabitants and residents-local authorities. Practical Implications: It seems reasonable to argue that authorities elected by unconscious, socially lazy and showing little activity citizens will only act in a given area according to their own perception and respond to imaginary, not real, needs. This state of affairs is therefore a complete denial of building a community resilient to threats. Local authorities should look for the best and most effective ways to contact, understand and involve communities in civic life. It is worthwhile for the local authority to take into account the so-called local action plans in the general strategy of community development. Originality/Value: The argument proving the strength and essence of the indicated topic of the scientific article is not its niche character - on the contrary - it is the widespread interest of the scientific and administrative community and the society itself. Research findings can be used by stakeholders to build a resilient local community.