Active citizenship programmes include:
▶️ The right partners are indispensable:
Good partners bring an understanding of local context and culture; they often have well-developed networks with those in positions of local power – crucial for brokering negotiations with citizens’ groups.
▶️ Start with power analysis:
Promoting active citizenship means building the power of citizens, starting with their ‘power within’ – self-confidence and assertiveness.
▶️ Build the grains of change:
The case studies demonstrate that the exercise of active citizenship is often built on collective organisation. Marginalised individuals in any society are weak when isolated; coming together can transform their influence.
▶️ Individuals and relationships matter:
There will be some individuals on both sides of the negotiating table who are more able and willing to understand the dreams and demands of all sides, and more interested in seeking change and compromise. Identifying, understanding and building relationships with them is an essential part of making change happen.