It means you get involved. Technically, our local forms of government are not participatory democracies. Officially, participatory democracy is direct democracy, in the sense that all citizens are actively involved in all important decisions.
It shouldn't if washed with gentle care. Rayon is a cellulose fabric and like most cellulose fabrics, it may shrink when washed. If the manufacturer has indicated the garment should be dry cleaned only, do not push your luck. If it is hand-washable though, you can use the gentle cycle on your washing machine and Woolite to get the job done.
Moisture is a fierce enemy of viscose rugs, as the rayon fibers lose 50 percent of their strength when they come in contact with liquids. A rug made entirely of viscose is known as a disposable rug and is not made to last very long under normal foot traffic.