Active Citizens

Would you like the opportunity to take part in an ambitious international project that supports successful community action? Then this project could be the one for you!

Scoping visit to riga

Sara Iles (ViSTA) on a recent scoping visit to Riga, Latvia

 






WHAT IS THE ACTIVE CITIZENS PROJECT?

Active Citizens is a global network of community leaders and volunteers that is being developed by the British Council and local civil society partners in participating countries. The goal is to build understanding and trust between communities by establishing an enduring global network of community leaders, who can work together to address the global issues of the 21st century. Participants will improve their understanding of global issues, cross-cultural effectiveness, and broaden their international connections.

Every participant will:

  • Develop a stronger sense of their own culture and identity through engagement with other cultures
  • Have an increased knowledge and understanding of how their local community works and its links to the rest of the world
  • Take action to improve society through sustainable initiatives
  • Work effectively with diversity

Active Citizens uses international cultural relations to help tackle the major challenges facing communities. These include issues arising from differences in race, religion or culture, access to sustainable livelihoods, environmental pollution and protection, health and educational opportunities, democratic participation, social exclusion and opportunities.

The British Council are providing funding for support, training, visits and the development of a social action programme over the next few months. ViSTA (the learning & development charity) in Somerset, in partnership with Vision for Frome, have been awarded the chance to put this project together.

This will build on the exciting work that Frome and other market towns in the county have already achieved in delivering community-based solutions to tackle things that matter to people.

 SO HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Join us on the dates below and during the project; through a four session course & project activities, you will get the chance to develop:

  • effective group work skills
  • the ability to influence decision makers
  • confident presentation skills
  • project planning skills
  • good listening skills
  • knowledge about who we are and how this impacts on how we relate to others
  • trust-building in communities
  • sustainable community action

You will also:

  • explore the importance of 'dialogue' in communities
  • understand the connections between local and global action
  • get to know people from other projects across the world
  • will have the opportunity to apply to take part in visits to Serbia and Latvia
  • take part in hosting Active Citizens in Frome who will come from Serbia and Latvia in late June
For more information or to take part in the project please contact Sara Iles at ViSTA:

sara@vistaproject.org.uk or 08453 580372

Or see details on our website:  www.vistaproject.org.uk

 

More information can be found on The British Council website:
http://activecitizens.britishcouncil.org/

ViSTA, The Town Hall, Bow Street, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9PR
Company no 6074763 , Registered Charity no 1119172, Telephone: 08453 580372
UK Learning Provider Reference Number: 10020323