Democracy and Active Citizenship

These days we are all being encouraged to be 'active citizens', but what does this really mean? For some, It's about volunteering - helping at local playgroups, organising jumble sales, for others the emphasis is more on campaigning on specific issues through lobbying councillors and parliament, etc, or does it simply mean turning out to vote when required?

This group will explore what being an active citizen means to them and some of the skills needed to help put your learning into action. Each week we will take a look at events in Scotland and in the wider world, as well as keeping an eye on more local developments. We'll identify the links between them and hold them up to democratic scrutiny. Since the Scottish Parliament took on its powers, members of the group have been 'auditing' its work, responding to consultation documents and lobbying on issues relating to democracy.

The group also works with bodies like the Scottish Civic Forum, and helps to organise public meetings, so that more people begin to realise the very real influence that politics has on their life, and how they in turn can influence policy.

*** Monday evenings 7.15-9.15pm

Culture, Politics & Community | Adult Learning Project