Action Learning Network: Notes from the 4th Network Session June 14, 2013 at MCYS Boardroom

What is the Action Learning Network (ALN)?

The purpose of the Action Learning Network is to share and network available resources with the aim of improving the services the voluntary sector delivers. Hosted by the Volunteerism Support Platform with support from Cuso International and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the ALN creates a setting where organizations and individuals can gather to share best practices or resources; share experiences with other organizations and individuals; create and expand networks; examine issues within their respective service sectors; and to explore solutions with the aim of facilitating organizational sector development. The ALN is expected to snowball into a structured body that will provide the scope for organizations and individuals to tap into a pool of existing and documented Guyanese resources and approaches to forward the development of the voluntary sector.

Summary of Main Presentation Points from June 14 Session

Topic for ALN session: Facilitator: Civic Engagement and Active Citizenship Dr. Janice Jackson

What is the definition of a citizen? Person who is entitled to enjoy all the legal rights and privileges granted by a state to the people comprising its constituency, and is obligated to obey its laws and to fulfill his or duties as called upon. (Source: BusinessDictionary.com) What is the definition of citizenship? The state of being vested with the rights, privileges, and duties of a citizen. The character of an individual viewed as a member of society; behavior in terms of the duties, obligations, and functions of a citizen. (Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/citizenship A number of documents may be helpful reading as background to this, including the Constitution of Guyana, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, etc. What is the definition of civic engagement? Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/ref/college/collegespecial2/coll_aascu_defi.html
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Forms, actions and activities of civic engagement Forms of civic engagement include individual voluntarism to organizational involvement to electoral participation Examples of actions include efforts to directly address an issue, work with others in a community to solve a problem or interact with the institutions of representative democracy Activities include working in home construction, serving in a community-based organization, writing a letter to an elected official/newspaper, participating in a rally, public debates on policy issues and voting. The role of the media and of political/organizational leaders should be taken into consideration. The spectrum of engagement (Activity) The actions of individuals and organizations can range on a spectrum from being highly disengaged to highly engaged o Individuals in the session were asked to suggest and discuss examples of activities in Guyana and where they fit on this spectrum, as well as what these activities meant in the context of civic engagement o Examples which were placed towards the highly disengaged end of the spectrum included littering, improper road use, violence, effects of the tax system including VAT o Examples which were placed towards the highly engaged end of the spectrum included protests in Linden, women protesting mining activity in Aishalton What is active citizenship? Active citizenship requires people challenging the way that things are currently happening to become awkward and critical citizens who challenge the systems and structures of governance so they work better for them and their communities. This entails support for and motivation of empowered and empowering citizens who understand how things work, who feel able to get involved, to challenge people and existing mechanisms and structures to be more inclusive and open. (Source: http://changesuk.net/themes/active-citizenship/) It is everyones responsibility not just that of government - to ensure that civil rights are granted that the responsibilities which accompany them are accepted and carried out. What does active citizenship require? Being informed Being trained Knowing how to participate Knowing where to participate Barriers to civic engagement and active citizenship Existing structures Cultural beliefs and practices
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Attitudes Fear of reprisals Lack of information/access to information Community fragmentation and disharmony

Overcoming barriers to civic engagement and active citizenship Challenge self and others to become active citizens Ask question, debate issues Promote of learning for literacy (financial, health, political, legal) and empowerment Build individual knowledge and self-esteem Build collective identity and self-confidence Build leadership and followership capacity in organizations

Action Stemming from the ALNs session

Representatives from various organizations present at the working session once again indicated their interest in the National Youth Policy, and connected with a volunteer representative associated with the Commonwealth Youth Programme to get involved in their initiatives to form a National Youth Council and to participate in future efforts regarding the national youth policy. The Facebook group is online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/161463550702531/?fref=ts

Ideas for Future Action Learning Network sessions

Possible future topics: - Creating an Enabling Environment for Civic Engagement; Toward Community Transformation; Resource Selection and Development for Civic Engagement

Next Action Learning Network

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Date: Friday, July 26, 2013 Venue: GNS sports Complex Facilitator: To be announced Topic: To be announced