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Concept
Active
citizenship builds upon, but moves significantly beyond, the familiar
concepts and practices of civic and political/social education that
we learn from formal schooling and this brief seminar. Learning
to be an active citizen can be described as a lifelong process.
Throughout your life you will be given - or you will create - opportunities
to learn and grow as a citizen. Some opportunities will be structured
(civics courses) and some may be spontaneous or unstructured (simply
helping another). The opportunities may be intellectual, emotional,
or pragmatic.
Truly active
citizens approach these opportunities with two things: awareness
and intention. They are aware of opportunities that they are presented
with (or create), and continually critically analyze their participation
in democracy and their social purpose/meaning. Their intention is
to seek out and strive toward some public good.
This module
is designed to provide an opportunity for you to begin to think
of ways in which you can be lifelong, active citizens.
Pre-flective Activity
Think about a person (either someone directly involved in your life,
a local community member, or a historical figure) who you believe
to have demonstrated the qualities of someone who has been a lifelong,
active citizen. Who is this person? Write in your journal about
the qualities and characteristics of this person that make you feel
he or she epitomizes active citizenship.
Readings
Optional
Readings/Resources
One
way to be an active citizen is to encourage younger generations
to be active citizens. The New York Times web site has a variety
of engaging civic activities for in and out of the classroom: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/civics.html
The University
of California - Berkeley has compiled a list of suggestions for
teaching excellence. Visit this web site: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/compendium
Reflective
Activity
In your journal, make a list of at least 20 things that you
would like to accomplish as an active citizen over the next 20 years.
Try to be as specific as possible. This list may include any type
of community or faith-based volunteerism, civic organization affiliation
or leadership position, etc. 
Congratulations!
You have completed the Civic Engagement Seminar.
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Civic
Engagement Seminar
