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This module will focus on active citizenship and how to be an active citizen at the EU level.
Is voting every few years not enough for you? Do you think that representative democracy is not the only way for citizens to be heard?
If you answered “yes” to both questions, you may want to be more participative in the political debate, but how? Well, here you will some more information about it.
“...You don't have to wait for everybody, you can do it on your own. This is how we change the world - one person at a time saying:`This is what has to happen, and I'm not gonna take the Bullsh* anymore.´” - Michelle Obama
What is active citizenship?
What is active citizenship?
Active citizenship is a term used to broadly describe various forms of involvement by individuals like you and me, beyond the classical political activities like voting. Active citizens engage in the public sphere to resist an unwanted change, promote a positive change or a better quality of life at all levels of society. Active citizens are the heart of a healthy and sustainable democracy.
Responsibilities of an active citizen
Responsibilities of an active citizen
In a democratic state active citizens have rights that are clearly defined and set by law such as the right to vote, to volunteer, to run for office, participate in a protest, collect petitions or join a social movement. However, as an active citizen you also have responsibilities that are not set by law but more of a normative nature and thus a little bit more difficult to point out.
Those responsibilities include respecting the values of Human Rights and democracy, respecting cultural diversity, being aware of your own perspective and privileges, and advocating for cooperation, equality and justice. These responsibilities highlight something very important. Namely that it is not participation in protests or petitions etc. per se that makes you an active citizen but also your commitment and willingness to uphold democratic and Human Rights values.
To learn more about this subject:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_citizenship
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_society
https://www.eesc.europa.eu/resources/docs/eesc-2011-35-en.pdf
https://www.eesc.europa.eu/sites/default/files/resources/docs/qe-04-15-149-en-n.pdf
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-eurostat-news/-/DDN-20170914-1
https://volonteurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ACTIVE-CITIZENSHIP-FOOTPRINT-report-1.pdf
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