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... filling out the online form below. When you are finished inserting your comments please fill in your personal details in the space provided and press the 'submit' button at the end of the online questionnaire or ... printing out the questionnaire from the link below and sending the completed form to us at - Taskforce on Active Citizenship, 2-4 Merrion Row, Dublin 2 If you feel that there is not enough space for your comments you can send in a hard copy of your response to us at the address above,send us an email at info@activecitizen.ie or attach a document using the upload function at the end of the questionnaire. Please Note: Submissions received may be made publicly available, including under Freedom of Information legislation. |
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 The 2003 Special Olympic World Games was one of the most recent and most dramatic examples of the depth and wealth of the civic spirit that still exists in Ireland today. It was a striking example of the willingness of people from all walks of life to give their time, talent and enthusiasm to community endeavour. And perhaps even more striking was the sense of reward people derived from doing this. As the CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, I am keenly aware that in today's society the most difficult thing for people to give is their time. However, as the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., recently pointed out the quality of life in society and the ultimate health of our communities depends on the willingness of people to become involved and active.
In short it is our belief that 'Together, We're Better'. And with that in mind the Taoiseach has set up the Taskforce on Active Citizenship. The aims of the Taskforce are to: - consider the extent to which people in Ireland play an active role as members of their communities and society;
- identify factors affecting the level and nature of active citizenship in different areas of Irish life;
- suggest ways in which people can be encouraged and supported to play an active role.
The Taskforce is interested in hearing your views on what it means to be an active citizen in today's Ireland and how that can contribute to a better quality of life for everyone. There are a number of questions for your consideration outlined in this document on the nature of active citizenship. As well as seeking your written contributions, the Taskforce will be organising a number of seminars around the country to tease out the topic. We are hoping for contributions from as wide a spectrum as possible. You may wish to check out the more detailed terms of reference of the Taskforce and the background discussion paper on our websitewww.activecitizen.ie I would encourage you to take the time to think about Active Citizenship and let us have your views by 29 September, 2006, at the latest. Thank you for your interest. Mary Davis |
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While there are different definitions of what it means to be an active citizen, it can include:- civic participation: for example voting in elections, contacting a local councillor or T.D. about an issue of public interest or attending a public meeting;
- formal volunteering/community involvement: unpaid help through a group or organisation;
- informal volunteering: unpaid help to an individual or others who are either members of your family or otherwise.
For the purposes of this consultation it is proposed to focus mainly on the first two areas of active citizenship: civic participation and formal volunteering/community involvement.
People working together whether as residents living in a particular place or as members of some community with a shared identity can make a difference. But, too often, people can feel taken for granted, ignored or excluded. Others may feel 'what is the point' or 'I don't have time' or 'I don't know how or where to begin'.
In the past families were seen as the main givers of care and educators of our young people. However, we are more aware than ever of the role of other institutions in providing essential services and care - to the young, the old, the sick and those in need of any kind. No one institution can do it all - whether it is the State, businesses, families or localcommunities. Each part of society has its own resources to draw on and its own reason to play a role.
Many significant problems can be solved when individuals and organisations work together and include all concerned in making and implementing decisions. Such involvement can also generate networks of support and connection that make all the difference. It is possible, for example, that communities in which there are strong local connections of trust and where 'people look out for each other' sustain a better quality of life compared to others.
Also, when communities are linked to other communities - for example disadvantaged ones with more advantaged ones - it is possible to get better information, engage more effectively with the political system and generate new talent and energy. A healthy and varied range of voluntary and community organisations is good for democracy. An inclusive range of engagement is also highly desirable so that all groups including the nine grounds covered under equality legislation (gender, marital status, age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, family status or membership of the Travelling community) have the opportunity, recognition and support to engage.
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The face of Ireland is changing. There is a welcome growth in diversity of cultures, lifestyles and backgrounds. This calls for both respect and tolerance of difference, as well as greater attention to common purpose and shared values and identity in those areas critical to democracy and social cohesion. In fastchanging times we should take our place in Europe and the World as a confident society that respects difference and makes the best use of the talent, energy and vision of all its people.
Hence, being a citizen is more than just eligibility for a particular type of passport. Being an active citizen is about how we live in a community with rights and responsibilities. We are responsible for neighbourhoods, families, schools, workplaces - through the time we spend in voluntary effort, the taxes we pay to keep public services going and the care we give to others in families and beyond.
We need to recognise the specific value of being active in various types of community groups as well as civic engagement in local, national and international issues. |
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Most have benefited from recent economic development. Unemployment, poverty and involuntary emigration are much lower than in the past. Yet, poverty and exclusion persist in many areas. Also, people - including people who are very well-off economically - seem to have less time than before. The time spent travelling, working and doing other things such as shopping has increased.
At the same time, events such as the Special Olympics in 2003 as well as the on-going levels of participation in sports at a local and national level suggest that there is a lot of engagement and goodwill - if it can be tapped and people are asked and enabled to play a role. Also, local events, the arts, sports etc can trigger great interest and involvement.
Many claim that it is increasingly difficult to get people to join organisations, to come out and give a hand or take responsibility for organising activities. Is this really true? Or, is it possible that people are giving time in other ways? What do you think? |
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| The future is in the hands of our young citizens. Through an active role in communities and in politics young people can help revitalise organisations and have an impact. To do this they need both encouragement and opportunity to share their skills and insights. There are ways in which schools and youth organisations can contribute more directly to volunteering in the community through programmes that make the link from formal and non-formal education to community service. |
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| Education is a vital part of everyone's life. For most of the years through childhood and beyond we spend a lot of time in school or college. What we learn there and who we associate with can leave a profound influence on our attitude and behaviour for life. This experience along with what we learn in families, youth organisations, communities and workplaces enables us to be socially active. Education doesn't end when a person leaves school or college, and adult education is an example of how people can draw on their own experience of life to enrich learning and make new discoveries. |
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A healthy democracy relies on citizens who are well informed, interested and engaged. It is also linked to a shared sense of empowerment - that a person feels they can make a difference by voting.
There has been much discussion about a lack of engagement in politics, including lower rates of turnout in elections. For example, research in 2004 found that approximately one in four of 18-24 year olds were not registered to vote. Given the relatively low level of political participation and voting in particular areas of disadvantage and among some groups there is a need to consider barriers in terms of interest, opportunity and capacity for civic engagement. |
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| Older citizens have accumulated a great deal of experience and skills which they can make available to the community. However, research has indicated lower rates of community involvement by older people. Given growing awareness of demographic changes, there may be scope for encouraging more active engagement by older people. |
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| The media play a major role in giving people information about what's happening in their community and in shaping views and expectations about citizenship. The internet and other new technologies are also changing how we get information and communicate with each other. |
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| Many commercial enterprises see that their role extends beyond making money to making a contribution to society and communities - as corporate citizens. For example, many organisations encourage their staff to be involved in local communities, volunteering and outreach to members of disadvantaged communities. Often people discover new opportunities for voluntary engagement through education or the workplace. |
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There is a large and varied range of communities and groups: from sports clubs to human rights organisations to self-help groups to support networks. Based on the good will and enthusiasm of people who enjoy giving their time and sharing their skills, this sector provides a huge contribution to society and economic prosperity that is difficult to measure or account for.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in investment in public services and community supports. Nonetheless, many people believe that further supports for communities would in turn help to stimulate a greater level of voluntary contribution through that sector.
In recent years there has been a significant increase in investment in public services and community supports. Nonetheless, many people believe that further supports for communities would in turn help to stimulate a greater level of voluntary contribution through that sector. |
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| As well as the views of individuals, the Taskforce also wants to learn about the experience of organisations in the community and voluntary sectors: |
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In thinking about what motivates people to be active in their communities we need to take into account the vastly changed circumstances of 21st Century Ireland. We need to consider a new and more inclusive context in which individuals are members of many different communities or networks, have a variety of needs and concerns and are enabled to give of their time, skills and effort.
To help us in its work, the Taskforce would value your views on all the questions posed, or on any other related issues. Please submit your views by 29 September 2006. |
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