Civil society is an essential actor in the democratic process in this 21 century. Arab spring has proven that civil society activists confirm their capacity to make a change. The evolution of the concept and practice of democracy is linked with the strengthening of the role of civil society
As a context for civic education and the expression of citizens’ voices, civil society is a potential place for critical opinions and dissent opposition to the state and a control resource of the government. In this sense, civil society has made use of technological devices to improve their activities, to enhance participation in the democratic process, and to solve social needs that are communities concerns.
Social media now are very important communication resources between people around the world, which in this 21 century have great influence in our everyday lives. Social media are providing open access to information and connections between different actors in any country. Social media present great opportunities to enhance the role of civil society in democratic process.
In some countries, the government takes actions against the people cutting the Internet service, and it impacts on other countries, showing the role of social media handled by civil society in their purpose of changing the world.
The social control of governmental actions has improved with the activities of civil society and their forms of communication, interaction, and collective action. Individuals and civil society gives legitimacy to the government and armed with their devices like social media, could pressure for reforms which can satisfy the needs of individuals and the country at all.
The spirit of the social media contribution to civil society is in consonance with the Declaration of Principles of the World Summit on the Information Society, meeting in Geneva ten years ago.
Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
- The use of social media by civil society for policymaking participation.
- Social media for transparent electoral processes.
- The creation of civic spirit by civil society using social media.
- The role of civil society in democracy process
- Online parties and social movements
- Citizenship education through social media.
- Social media and women’s civil rights defense.
- Governance participation and social media use.
- Civil society enhancement by social media
Around the world researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before April 15, 2014, four-paragraph proposal explaining the mission and concerns of the proposed chapter and one short CV. Qualitative or quantitative studies and theoretical essays are welcome. Authors of accepted papers will be notified no more than April 30. The chapters guidelines will be sent in that moment. Full chapters must be submitted by July 30, 2014.
Editors:
Fatima Roumate PhD Institut International de la Recherche Scientifique, Morocco. E mail: roumate.f@gmail.com
Lic. Amaro La Rosa. E mail: amarolarosa@gmail.com
Institut International de la Recherche Scientifique