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This document discusses definitions and examples of active citizenship. It begins by outlining two definitions of citizenship focusing on contributing to society and supporting one's community. It then explains that active citizenship involves individuals participating in public life at local, national, or international levels through activities like volunteering, campaigning, or being part of political groups. The document also provides an example of a student club that promoted active citizenship through organizing a blood donation drive in response to blood shortages. The drive was successful with 92 donors participating on World Blood Donor Day.

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106 views1 page

Reading

This document discusses definitions and examples of active citizenship. It begins by outlining two definitions of citizenship focusing on contributing to society and supporting one's community. It then explains that active citizenship involves individuals participating in public life at local, national, or international levels through activities like volunteering, campaigning, or being part of political groups. The document also provides an example of a student club that promoted active citizenship through organizing a blood donation drive in response to blood shortages. The drive was successful with 92 donors participating on World Blood Donor Day.

Uploaded by

rachid
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Unit 7: Citizenship Reading comprehension

Before you read: discuss the following quotations:


A. ‘Citizenship is a quality, through which a person can contribute to the progress and development
1.
of the society from where he receives nourishment for his body and soul." (Balasubra, India)
2.
3.
B. ‘Citizenship means being a member of and supporting one's community. Voting, Conserving
4.
natural resources, participating in local community projects are all part of citizenship’ (Kane, USA)
5.
1. Which of these definitions express better your opinion?
2. Give examples of associations that work to promote citizenship in your city?

[1] There is no universally accepted definition of active citizenship There is a general


agreement that it refers to the involvement of the individual in public life; either at local,
national or international levels. The term is used at local level to refer to citizens who
become actively involved in the life of their communities tackling problems or bringing about
change. At national level, it can move from voting to being involved in campaigning pressure
groups to being a member of a political party. At international level, global active citizens
may be involved in movements to promote sustainable development, or eradicate racism.
[2] Active citizens are not necessarily people who follow the rules and laws of society. They
may challenge them although they should generally respect democratic processes and
should not become involved in violent acts. There is a general set of values that can be
associated with active citizens. These include justice, democracy, openness, tolerance,
courage and willingness to listen to and work with others.
[3] Active citizenship is also expressed through citizens’ initiatives and
participation in civic activities. (…) Two years ago a group of second year
Baccalaureate students set up a Club for Citizenship in their school. The
aim was to promote the values necessary for a person to act as a good
citizen. The club launched a project for blood donating. “There is a
shortage of blood in hospitals,” Nabil, the coordinator of the club
pointed out. “Blood transfusion is needed due to road traffic accidents,
premature babies and medical emergencies,” he added. When Nabil
spread the news, the response to his Facebook page was fantastic. The
Provincial Blood Centre got involved and the partners agreed on the
following slogan: “A Drop of Blood Saves a Life.”
[4] The date to donate was fixed to coincide with the World Blood Donor
Day in June. Believe it or not, ninety two donors responded. Speaking
after making her donation, Rahma commented: “The best things in life
are free. Blood donating is an altruistic act..., and my fellow students
have shown warm hearts, great spirit and amazing generosity.”
3. Words to explain:
eradicate emergencies
willingness shortage

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