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.
I wash rayon in the washing machine all the time, cold water only, permanent press cycle, any soap is fine. I also dry it in the dryer on delicate, never on high heat. Once in a while one will shrink, most of the time it does not. You can always just hang it to dry if you are afraid of the dryer.