From “citizen” to “engaged citizen”
A citizen is usually defined as an individual who lives in a city, town, province or country. Citizens of Canada are guaranteed certain rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including the right to vote. But “citizenship” also represents the contribution members of a nation/community make to its wellbeing and progress.
There are many ways to be an active citizen:
- Volunteering for a local charity
- Taking part in public service (e.g. local parent group or advisory committee)
- Helping a neighbour or friend with a problem or task
- Raising money for a cause you care about
- Learning about civic issues and voting in municipal, provincial and federal elections
We all benefit
When children get involved in the community, they come to understand the world around them. They begin to care about what’s going on in their communities. As they grow up, they want to do things to make the world a better place.
Engaged citizens make communities stronger, healthier and better able to meet the needs of the people who live in them. But engaged citizens also benefit. They tend to have a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging. That’s something we all want for our kids.
