In today's world, we encounter a greater variety of perspectives, cultures and communities than ever before. This is often seen as the result of globalization, through which people and countries have become increasingly connected and interdependent on cultural, political and economic levels.
The vision of the Active Citizens program is of a world in which people recognize their potential and exercise their responsibility to engage peaceably and effectively with others. Through dialogue and social participation, Active Citizens can establish positive, sustainable development of communities both locally and globally.
Application form and program information at the bottom of the page
This programme aims to contribute to social change within communities and sustainable development by establishing an enduring global network of leaders who as influencers in their communities dialogue, learn and act together to address global issues. It works with leaders of youth, women’s, cultural, recreational or religious groups, with NGOs or local governments, to build on their own skills and models.
It also aims to increase the contribution of those who already play a role in their local communities, through civic engagement with community-based organisations and projects. It consequently supports grassroots initiatives around the world, in turn promoting community cohesion and cross-community understanding.
The programme will assist the growth of active citizens by reinforcing a strong sense of local culture and identity, understanding of local community, a sense of responsibility towards sustainable development, values for working effectively with difference, and by developing project planning and management skills.
The local programme has three components:
- Local training workshops that focus on global citizenship, working effectively with difference to achieve better understanding of the local community and global interdependency.
- Social Action Projects, planned and delivered by the participants based on what they learned and where they feel they can make a positive impact in their own community and communities they interact with.
- International exchanges and networking provide participants with opportunities to experience and learn from international practise, especially in areas of common interest. Community leaders themselves will meet in annual events to share best practice, develop new thinking, and strengthen cross-community and cross-border partnerships.
Active Citizens was launched in 2009 and is currently running in 20 countries in Europe, as well as in Africa and Asia.
Positive British experience, both in the local and global dimension, within the scope of active citizenship, social dialogue, and multiculturalism, have been incorporated into the training programme in the form of case studies and video materials to be analysed. In addition, the UK will host a series of international meetings for activists and facilitators representing the countries participating in the project.
In Latvia the project will be implemented from October 2010 and will cover whole Latvia. Project will be implemented in cooperation with partners - NGO Valmiera Regional Fund (Valmiera) and NGO Society Development Center (Liepāja).
We invite people who are passionate for their communities and would like to invest their time and potential in local development to take part in the project and become Active Citizens. Below you will find a project description and application form (in Latvian) as well as project flyer.
Please complete, sign (and stamp) the application form and send it back by 20th October to the 67504100 fax number or e-mail the scanned form to mail@britishcouncil.lv.
More information on Active Citizens can be found at the Active Citizens website. http://activecitizens.britishcouncil.org/
Please contact Ilze Saleniece for further information about the Active Citizens project in Latvia.
Ilze Saleniece
Projects and Partnerships Manager
Telephone +371 67504107
E-mail ilze.saleniece@britishcouncil.lv
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