Citizenship

“You are a citizen where you are defined by your contribution, by what you create in the company of others, not by what you consume.” Mike Green

Citizenship is when a person is recognised under the customs or laws of a state that gives them the rights and duties of citizenship. That may include:

• the right to vote, work and live in the country
• the right to return to the country
• the right to own real estate
• legal protections against the country’s government
• protection by defence forces or relationships with other countries.

A citizen may also be subject to duties such as to:

• follow the country’s law
• pay taxes.

Citizenship is based on the human rights of people. It’s about recognising:

• how people are protected by the law
• what each person can add to the community under the law.

We believe citizenship is about so much more than rights. It’s also about what people can offer to each other and the community.

Beth Mount says citizenship relates to:

• all people being created equal
•  everyone having equal opportunities
• giving and receiving, which makes our society stronger and our culture richer.

Simon Duffy believes a society committed to citizenship supports all its members to be successful as unique individuals.

• Purpose – we have our own unique sense of who we are and how we should live.
• Control – we have the ability to shape and direct our own life.
• Money – we have enough money, so we can act freely and be independent.
• Home – we have a place of our own where we belong.
• Help – we are getting help and support from other people.
• Giving – we are adding something to the community.
• Love – we are being connected, valued and enjoying the many sides of love.

Citizen-Centred Leadership

WAiS would like to acknowledge and thank all the lovely people involved in making this video..

Paul Jay

Declan Brown

Melanie Hawkes

Jordon Steele-John

Chris and Heather Brennan

Andrew Watson

Lauren and Faye Gill

Sarah Genoni