Active Citizenship

Ten Guiding Principles for Active Citizenship

■ Active Citizenship concerns everyone. ■ We all have rights and responsibilities as members of different communities: family, neighbourhood, shared interest, national, European and global. ■ Active Citizenship is based on the values of inclusion, equality and solidarity with those who are disadvantaged. ■ Strong and healthy communities welcome and value diversity in cultural expression, values and lifestyles. ■ Openness, accountability and trust will help maximise participation in the democratic and decision-making process. ■ Subsidiarity is a foundation of active and engaged citizens – by enabling and empowering decisionmaking as close to the citizen as possible. ■ Respectful dialogue allows Government, citizens and communities to seek the common good while acknowledging differences. ■ A successful society depends on partnership - with citizens, civil society, elected public representatives, the public service, businesses and trade unions all contributing in different ways. ■ Active citizens are made not born – lifelong learning allows us to develop and grow at each stage of our lives. ■ Active Citizenship needs leadership - and we are all potential leaders in our communities.

Report of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship

March 2007

Queries on the report, requests for copies of this document and other Taskforce reports can be directed to: Secretariat of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship 2-4 Merrion Row Dublin 2 Tel: (01) 619 4332 Email: info@activecitizen.ie Website: www.activecitizen.ie

RepoRt of the taskfoRce on active citizenship

RepoRt of the taskfoRce on active citizenship

Taoiseach’s Foreword

I am delighted to welcome this Report by the Taskforce on Active Citizenship. I would like to commend Mary Davis and the members of the Taskforce for their commitment in completing their work and producing such a good quality report within a tight timeframe. I established the Taskforce on Active...