Title: Effective Citizenship | The Public Square Academy
Headings: Effective Citizenship
Effective Citizenship
Effective Citizenship

Content: Effective Citizenship | The Public Square Academy
Effective Citizenship
Effective Citizenship
by Michael Freedman | Mar 8, 2019 | Effective Citizenship
Let’s take it as a given that a Democracy requires a conscious and intentional effort to keep it running at it’s best possible state. We are in an era where - for better and for worse - passions are inflamed and positions are hardened. In the essay “ Revitalizing Civic Education ,” we make the case for a fresh approach to educating today’s citizens about their civic responsibilities and the threats our democracy faces. But what exactly is effective citizenship? What does it mean to carry out your civic duty? Here we explore the characteristics of an effective citizen and opportunities for creating programs that aim to educate and empower today’s citizens. Please let us know your thoughts. An effective citizen: Holds and defends democratic values, is a champion of human rights
Balances the needs of the individual with the needs of society
Understands and protects the values of the society’s founding documents (in the US- the Constitution)
Uses protects and defends a free press
Makes it a practice to be an informed citizen
Knows their positions on current issues and can evaluate candidates and ballot propositions
Protects the integrity of elections
Regularly works to improve their personal capabilities
Is emotionally intelligent, maintaining their integrity under social pressures
Practices independent thinking and decision-making and is cognizant of their limitations: personal, cultural, the impact of biases and fallacies
Is a leader among a society of leaders
If you are an individual who believes in upholding and defending our democracy, where do you turn to develop your skills as an effective citizen??