However, the concept of citizenship has many more levels of meaning than legal citizenship. “Citizenship” today is much more than a legal construct and refers, among other things, to the personal sense of belonging, for example the feeling of belonging to a community that can be directly shaped and influenced. While active citizenship encourages people to turn to the common good, there is also an element of personal fulfillment. As Craig Kielburger said in 2004, “We think people have reached a point in their lives where they`re wondering, `Is this? Is that all there is? We hope to inspire them to connect more with their community, inspire them to take small and big steps to help people. A second aspect of the problem is a consequence of increasing globalization, including new patterns of work and migration, which mean that a significant number of people around the world reside abroad but cannot apply for formal citizenship. These people may include guest workers, refugees, temporary residents or even those who have decided to establish their permanent residence in another country. This concept of citizenship is also reflected in today`s most common understanding of citizenship, which refers to a legal relationship between the individual and the state. Most people in the world are legal citizens of one nation-state or another, which entitles them to certain privileges or rights. Being a citizen also imposes certain obligations in relation to what the State expects of persons under its jurisdiction.
Thus, citizens fulfill certain obligations to their state and, in return, they can expect the protection of their vital interests. Many people feel engaged in their neighborhood and are actively committed to improving the quality of life there. This is called “citizen participation.” For example, local residents volunteer, organize garbage clean-up campaigns, set up collectives to buy solar panels, or set up local care cooperatives. They can also be involved in decision-making on the municipal budget. Traditions and approaches to citizenship vary throughout history and around the world across countries, histories, societies, cultures and ideologies, resulting in many different understandings of the concept of citizenship. Volunteering is at the heart of active citizenship. A 2011 United Nations report states: “Volunteerism is an act of human solidarity, empowerment and active citizenship.” Those interested in global issues can volunteer for organizations that feed or provide health care to people in war zones and developing countries. These include Oxfam International, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières. Others could help national charities such as the Canadian Cancer Society; or local charities such as Meals on Wheels. Some organize groups of neighborhood guards, protest against unwanted development or advocate for more affordable housing. 3. The following core indicators have been developed for active citizenship: Question: Would you describe yourself as an active citizen? Active citizenship is a controversial concept.
However, it is often used to describe citizens who participate in a wide range of activities to promote and maintain democracy. These actions include civil society activities such as protest and petition rallies, community activities such as volunteering, and conventional political engagement such as voting or election campaigning. In addition to participation, there is an element of normative value of active citizenship. Active citizenship generally refers to participation, which requires respect for others and does not violate human rights and democracy. This additional element is used to emphasize that participation in itself may lead to or be part of undemocratic activities that may harm certain social groups. Crick, B. (1998). Citizenship education and democracy education in schools: final report of the Advisory Group on Citizenship, 22 September 1998. London: Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. Crick, B. (2003).
The English Citizenship Order 1999: Context, Content and Prerequisites. In A. Lockyer, B. Crick, & J. Annette (eds.), Education for democratic citizenship (pp. 15-29). Aldershot: Ashgate. The Council of Europe plays an important role in supporting and promoting participation and active citizenship. Participation is at the heart of the Council`s youth policy in several respects: it is not always the same to be a good man and a good citizen. Aristotle This can be an act of active citizenship to promote the active citizenship of others. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship is a charitable organization founded by former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and author John Ralston Saul.
It promotes acts of citizenship through volunteering and other actions. One of the institute`s objectives is to help immigrants integrate into Canadian cultural and political life. The right to citizenship is extremely important in every country because of its impact on the daily lives of individuals.
