Civil participation in national security creates a collaborative environment between the government and citizens, enhancing national security. Involving citizens brings diverse knowledge and resources, making anticipating, preventing, and responding to threats easier. It also builds trust between the government and the public, maintaining social cohesion and stability. This study underscores the relevance of civil participation in national security, particularly for countries with unique geopolitical vulnerabilities like Lithuania. It identifies three core strategies for fostering engagement: establishing supportive legal frameworks, offering public education and training, and enhancing interconnectedness among stakeholders, including NGOs and communities. Lithuania’s model demonstrates how comprehensive approaches can empower civil society and bolster national resilience. The findings provide actionable insights for other countries seeking to develop inclusive and sustainable national security frameworks.