Submitted by mark on January 23, 2012 - 1:47pm.
About the Active Citizens programme - "Globally connected, locally engaged"
In today's world, we encounter a greater variety of perspectives, cultures and communities than ever before. This is partly the result of globalisation, through which people and countries have become increasingly connected culturally, politically and economically.
The Active Citizens programme envisages a world in which these increasing connections lead to positive outcomes. A world where people feel empowered to engage peaceably and effectively with others in the sustainable development of their communities. We think this vision is important at a time when decisions taken locally can have an immediate impact globally and vice versa – whether it‟s controversial Danish cartoons or decisions on the global climate, we are reminded of our interconnected lives.
Who is involved?
Active Citizens is a not-for-profit programme run by the British Council in partnership with civil society organisations (like Oblong and Together for Peace) who share our vision. The programme works with people who have demonstrated they are local social responsibility, including youth workers, womens groups, educators and faith leaders. Working together, these local influencers build trust and understanding, develop skills, and deliver projects on urgent themes such as poverty, literacy, democracy and climate change. Connecting local and international agendas through the programme.
So far it has reached around 80,000 Active Citizens from diverse communities in over 30 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Linked as part of a global network – including 21 communities from the UK – they undertake a common learning journey that enhances their leadership, inter-cultural and project management skills.
The taught part of the course will be run from Saturday 28th January for four Saturdays. Each day will focus on a different element of the Active Citizens programme. The sessions will run between 10am and 4pm.
,b>Saturday 28th January - Introduction, Me - identify and culture
Introduce ourselves to each other. Understand the active Citizens programme and why people are motivated to take part.
Have a strong sense of our own cultures and identity.
Have a better understanding of how our sense of identity and cultures are formed and change.
Saturday 4th February - Me and You - dialogue
Have curiosity and value difference
feel more motivated and able to share and learn from others
Saturday 11th February - We Together - local & global citizenship
Have a better understanding of the relationship between personal, local and global connections.
Feel motivated to take action for lasting social change that benefits the wider community.
Have a sense of responsibility towards sustainable development.
Saturday 18th February - Project Planning
Identify issues that affect our communities and the projects to address these
Be more effective in tackling social issues in our communities.
By the end of the Project Planning session we envisage the group splitting into smaller groups each focusing on a different social action project. Each group will be allocated a mentor who will support them in the development and delivery of their community project. It is expected that the group will meet a number of times, when it is convenient for them, to plan and deliver their project.
Saturday 28th April - Celebration and Reflection
An opportunity for us all to share what we have done and learned from the programme.
If you would like more information or apply for the course call Mark or Duncan at Oblong on 0113 245 9610 or email mark@oblongleeds.org.uk or Duncan@oblongleeds.org.uk