Civil society

Are you an active citizen?

Who do you think is an active citizen? Do you consider yourself one? Here are several ways one can become a more active citizen:

• Learn about issues. Read a newspaper, talk with people, follow social networks. Read critically.
• Figure out what doesn't work, and try to come up with solutions.
• Take action. You can write, call, and meet with your elected representatives
• Make sure you talk to others. You should inform as many people as possible, so that they will take their own actions and the problem can get solved. If you are a good leader, you might start your own club or organisation. Though the most important thing is letting the word spread.
• Make an informed vote. It is especially important to vote for local offices like the council of people and mayors (remember, as a citizen of a country, you have the right to vote). These could really mean the difference between whether your town improves or worsens in the next few years. Make sure you read as much as possible. If possible, meet with them or their representatives to ask questions.

Practical task

• What would you like to change in your surroundings?
• Take your camera and go for a short walk around the place where you live or work. Notice the things that do not work properly, are untidy, dangerous or missing and take some pictures of them. You can focus on green areas, traffic, barriers in movement, missing cycle roads, visual or other pollution...
• Share these pictures on social media or in other places with your colleagues, neighbours or friends and try to analyse the problem and think of the steps that can be taken to find a solution to this and make things better.