A Definition of Citizenship
Citizenship can be loosely defined as taking an active, responsible role in the community. More formally,
"Citizenship names the process whereby the self is responsibly connected to the environment and the community. It recognises that effective democracy requires individual responsibility as well as individual rights. Citizenship means more than membership; it implies active engagement of the individual and leadership groups in an effort to serve the community. It implies social or civic responsibility. It is, in short, the value of caring about others."
From Leadership for Social Change by Helen Astin
About Campus/July-August 1996
History and Membership of the Citizenship Working Group at the University of Guelph
The Citizenship Working Group was formed in 1996 as an initiative out of the Student Leadership Program, part of Leadership, Service and Involvement Programs. It was chaired and coordinated by a Senior Peer Helper and had as its initial mandate to "Promote active and responsible engagement in the community while focussing on motivation and the importance of working with others towards achieving positive social change". Its role was to serve as a resource body and a vehicle for networking, and its main activity was organising a Speaker's Series. In the following few years, the CWG functioned in a similar manner, with the addition of coordinating an annual Citizenship Awareness Month. In the summer of 2000, the CSA Local Affairs Commissioner and the Coordinator of Citizenship Education Programs met to plan the future of the Citizenship Working Group. They decided to function as co-chairs and to carry on the work that had been begun through the Student Leadership Program. In addition to the activities mentioned previously, a priority became to increase and broaden membership in the group, as well as create a stronger identity for the group through increased promotion. By 2002, membership in the Citizenship Working Group included the CSA, Citizenship Education Programs, Student Volunteer Connections, Interhall Council, some College Governments and other interested campus community members. A highlight of this past year was the publication of "Our Community", a newspaper highlighting positive efforts by University students that bring the campus and greater community together. The Citizenship Working Group plans to be active as long as there is need and interest; anyone is welcome to join!
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