Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Cittadinanzattiva
An Italian citizens organization started in 1978; Defense of citizens rights and the promotion of civic participation in Italy and in Europe; Some 90.000 members, voluntaries. More than 30 years of experience
A European network started in 2001 Promotes the participation of citizens organizations in European and national public policies Over 100 partner organizations from 30 European countries.
International policies
Promotion of citizens participation in public policies and governance systems Health, transportation, waste, energy and water delivery, education and schools, etc Projects for empowerment of active citizenship to support local civic participation Morocco and Colombia with UNDP
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Citizens are a fundamental resource for democracy. They should play a more active role in society Not only voting or paying taxes Citizenship, individuals and organizations should be stregthened in their capabilities and powers to partecipate in everyday
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
The capacity of citizens to self-organize autonomously in a variety of ways to defend their rights, exercising powers and responsabilities in public policies for the caring for common goods
Common Goods
the common goods describes a specific "good" that is shared and beneficial for all members of a given community. Water resources, environment, sociality, public health, common value, etc Their protection depends on the behaviors and responsability of the community
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
The state, regions, provinces, municipalities and towns favour autonomous initiative of citizens, individually and in association, to conduct activities in the general interest based on the principle of subsidiarity (art. 118, 4, Italian Constitution).
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Local autorities as promoter of civic involvement Civil society organizations as resources to gather active citizenship
Good news
Active citizenship is not only an abstract idea, but a real event all over the world Concrete example of citizens involvement has been promoted in several cities, in Med area too
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Good news
Revolutions in North Africa were leaded by civil society movements and the average age of participant was 26 years. Not only violent upraising but also consciousness about the crucial role of community leader
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Libyan people in the opposition-held areas are taking great initiative to organize themselves now that there is a void of Gaddafi government structure.
They have formed local committees that address sectors such as food, water and sanitation, police and security, and other critical sectors. There are volunteers who are directing traffic, tending the public gardens, cleaning the streets and taking on many of the civil responsibilities necessary to maintain order in the city
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Morocco: constitutional reform based on centrality of local community and local Governance.
Examples of citizens involvement in local governance Colombia Cartagena and Pasto: Citizens (vocales de control) engaged to check the quality of local public services, to confront with companies and municipalities in order to improve energy delivering, utility bills and waste collection. Universities and students are involved in supporting common citizens in expertise.
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Because it strengthens social cohesion and develops democracy Because it is a widespread phenomenon around the world, expecially in contexts of crisis Because diffusion of information (eg. social network) supports the awareness of people
Polismed - 22 oct 2011
Because there is a lack of trust in traditional politics and politicians Because the institutions need support and collaboration from active citizenship
t.petrangolini@cittadinanzattiva.it t.petrangolini@activecitizenship.net