Active citizenship means that people get involved in their communities and democracy at various levels, from local to national issues. It can include activities like volunteering, political participation, and educating others about democratic values. For active citizenship to work well, many sectors of society need to collaborate toward shared goals. It is also important for educational programs to help develop skills like cooperation, critical thinking, and openness to diversity. When citizens participate in this way, it can help ensure their voices are heard in decision-making that affects their lives.

1. ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP
Erasmus + KA2
S.I.S.
DIMITRIOS VAGIANIS
MARINA PANAGIOTOPOULOU
5th Senior High School of Ilion, Greece
24-28 April 2017

2. Giving people a voice
Active citizenship dates back to Athenian democracy where
citizens had direct participation in society and governance.
The word citizen incorporates the meaning of active. Those
who did not participate in society or attempt to influence the
decisions taken on their behalf were looked down upon.
Indeed, the Greek Constitution’s last article states that the
defense of democracy is in the hands of its people.
“If we participate in society then the public becomes ours”

3. Active citizenship is defined as both a right and a responsibility
of citizens to participate in the political, economical, social and
cultural life of their country, ensuring that they are well informed
and that their voice is reflected in decision making that affect
their livelihood and rights.

4. Get up and get active!
A catalogue of the activities that could qualify as
active citizenship would be wide-ranging and
extensive, and together they build a healthy,
participative democracy.
They cover voting and standing for election,
teaching and learning, donating to good causes,
recycling and caring for the environment,
campaigning and volunteering.

5. We can identify some key characteristics of Active Citizenship:
• Participation in the community (involvement in a voluntary
activity or engaging with local government agencies)
• People are empowered to play a part in the decisions and
processes that affect them, particularly public policy and
services
• Knowledge and understanding of the political/social/economic
context of their participation so that they can make informed
decisions
• Able to challenge policies or actions and existing structures on
the basis of principles such as equality, inclusiveness, diversity
and social justice.
Council of Europe, Education for Democratic Citizenship, Dec 2004.

6. Nothing about us without us
The 3 pillars were the
citizens can contribute
are :
• Society
• Economy
• Environment
Some actions might be:
• Founding on dialogue
• Seeking alternatives
• Helping the marginalized
• Improving lives for
people with disabilities

7. Active citizenship means..
• We share values. • All sectors of society work
together to reach mutual
goals.

8. Active citizenship means people getting involved in their
local communities and democracy at all levels, from towns
to cities to nationwide activity. Active citizenship can be as
small as a campaign to clean up your street or as big as
educating young people about democratic values, skills and
participation.
Also, educational program’s need to be developed to
improve competencies like co-operation and
communication as well working to increase critical ability,
reduce prejudice and build tolerance, understanding,
empathy, and an openness to diversity.

9. Education for life
Environmental responsibility
“Helping people help us well, it
makes us happy.”
Participatory democracy
Part of the community
A gesture of solidarity

10. Bibliography
• https://sheffrock.wordpress.com/2016/03/09/civic-and-citizenship-teach-by-
example-learn-through-participation/
• http://jcimarina.com/news/council-of-europe-definition-of-active-citizenshi
• http://ccinjax.blogspot.gr/2012/03/active-citizens-create-sustainable.html
• http://european-intercultural-forum.org/?page_id=65
• http://jcisingapore.cc/blog/2013/04/14/council-of-europe-definition-of-active-
citizenship/
• https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/active-citizenship-can-change-
your-country-better
• http://www.eesc.europa.eu/resources/docs/eesc-2011-35-en.pdf
• https://computingforsustainability.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/3weak.jpg
• https://www.hsj.co.uk/Pictures/web/f/q/o/hands_up_learning_education_trainin
_384.jpg
• https://computingforsustainability.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/asc_diagram.gif?
w=594

11. Thank you for the attendance