The article – based on empirical sociological research – shows that the issue of effective interaction between organized and unorganized activists with local authorities – is, first and foremost, their ability to form own social subjectivity, to respond to the expectations and demands of the community. Identified are components of competent participation that contribute to successful dialogue of community members with the authorities. Role and functions of intermediaries – mediators between social activists and authorities are analyzed. Conclusion is made that authorities’ desire to strictly control scope of civil initiatives leads to alienation, apathy, and spontaneous outbursts of discontent.