NOTRE DAME OF TALISAY CITY
GRADE LEVEL: 12 MODULES: 4
SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN LIVING WEEK: 4
TOPIC: In Solidarity with the people: Civil Society and Solidarity
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OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should able to:
1. Differentiate the meaning of civil society and solidarity.
2. Identify the acts of solidarity.
3. Reflect the practice of solidarity.
LESSON PROPER:
In Solidarity with the people: Civil Society and Solidarity
The purpose of solidarity is to build our movement, and to embody our mutual care and concern for justice. Solidarity
works best when we respect each other’s differing needs and life circumstances, understand that there are many ways
of being in solidarity, and co-ordinate our responses.
Solidarity is a tool for reducing inequality and social injustice in the world. Solidarity leads to the sustainable
development of peoples. For this reason, it is essential that it be used for the benefits it can offer to a particular cause.
Solidarity can be cultivated through education, as children or adults.
WHAT AM I?
A reading from the letter of Paul of Tarsus to the Romans
“None of us lives for oneself, and no one dies for oneself. For if we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the
Lord;” We are not alone; we live with other people, and we are one with humanity. As social beings, it is part of our
nature to be concerned not only about our own needs but also those of others. We do not stop in making sure that our
family is living comfortably, but we also try to look for ways on how we can help another person in his or her difficulty.
CIVIL SOCIETY
Civil society refers to the space for collective action around
shared interests, purposes and values generally distinct from
government and commercial for-profit actors. Civil society
includes charities, development NGOs, community groups,
women’s organizations, faith-based organizations,
professional associations, trade unions, social movements,
coalitions and advocacy groups.
Civil society refers to the sector that is between the state and
the people.
The Philippine Constitution supports the endeavors of
groups that would like to do their share in helping different
sectors in the society for further human development. The
following articles are:
1. Article II, Section 23. “ The State shall encourage nongovernmental, community-based, or sector organizations
that promote the welfare of the nation”
The state is required to encourage these organizations because recent events have shown that, under
responsible leadership, they can be active contributors to the political, social, and economic growth of
the country.
2. Article XIII, Section 15. “The State shall respect the role of Independent people’s organizations to enable the
people to pursue and protect, within the democratic framework, their legitimate and collective interests and
aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.”
People’s organizations are bona fide associations of citizens with demonstrated capacity to promote the
public interest and with identifiable leadership, membership, and structure.
3. Article XIII, Section 16. “The right of people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation at
all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall not be abridged. The state shall, by law,
facilitate the establishment of adequate consultation mechanics.”
Role and Rights of People’s Organizations
WHAT IS SOLIDARITY
The Catholic social teaching principle of Solidarity is about recognizing others as our brothers and sisters and actively
working for their good. In our connected humanity, we are invited to build relationships.- Caritas.org.nz
The principle of solidarity refers to the firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good.
“Solidarity highlights, in a particular way, the intrinsic social nature of the human person, the equality of all in dignity
and rights, and the common path of individuals and peoples towards an even more committed unity”
-(Mater et Magistra).
True solidarity is about sincerely valuing others and respecting them as persons with dignity. Our solidarity with others is
born out of love for others. If we seek the basic needs like food, shelter, clothing, and companionship for ourselves, then
we must also seek them for others and help them attain these best way we can.
PRACTISING SOLIDARITY
Little actions that show the principle of solidarity are:
1. Donating food or clothing when there is a call for gathering goods for relief operations;
2. Participating actively in the school’s outreach program;
3. Sending or giving messages of encouragement to those who are suffering;
4. Volunteering to share our time and skills during outreach programs; and
5. Empathize or grieve with those who are lonely and hurting
