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1) What knowledge is
characteristic of a good citizen?
- Emphasize education, history, current events. how government
works, sociology (e.g. values), and Constitution
- Basic understanding of law/legal system and your rights/responsibilities
as a citizen
- Public opinion—to understand opposing opinion/public interest
- Understand what civic movements have accomplished
- Civil actions that have not worked and why
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- Understanding types of activism
- Know your power—one person can make a difference
- How change happens/doesn't happen (barriers)
- Know the power structures and oligarchy
- Know the community on their own terms
- Know that I can make a difference
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2) What are the skills
of a good citizen?
- Critical, independent thinking
- Communication
- Decision making
- Commitment
- Follow through
- Involvement
- Non-passivity
- Mapping
- Reading
- Reasoning
- Self-determination
- Debate
- Empathy
- Recognize greater good
- Self-sufficient
- Listening
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- Leadership
- Cooperation
- Disagree in civil ways
- Negotiating
- Writing
- Computing
- Open-minded
- Friendly
- Work in cooperation
- Focus on problem, not politics
- Creativity
- Speaking
- Community building skills
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3) What are the values
that make a good citizen?
- Respect for differences for human dignity
- Respect for self and others
- Acceptance
- Belief in equality (of everyone)
- Value participation (commitment)
- Honesty
- Trust
- Political awareness
- Courtesy
- Compassion
- Contribution, productive, active
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- Sense of universal citizenship
- Sense of belonging to community
- You can make a difference (value self)
- Willingness to learn, open-minded
- Effective, open communication
- Self-expression
- Public good (over individual gain)
- Sense of right and wrong
- Morals and ethics
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4) What actions are
necessary to feel that you are an effective citizen?
- Accomplishing goals (e.g. I voted)
- Help as you perceive need
- Making a difference you can see
- Observe change
- Coalition building
- Interact with fellow citizens in positive way, good neighbor
- Interaction with different people: age, ethnicity, "crossing
boundaries"
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- Educating oneself—obtaining knowledge as a way toward action,
critical thinking
- Expressing views in public forums
- Participating in community organizations regularly, "community
meeting"
- Stop to assess needs
- Energy
- Sometimes lead/follow
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5) What is the commitment
to be a good citizen?
- Community change
- Time to do the things that need to be done
- Flexibility—open to new ideas
- Passion for it
- Tolerance—be accepting
- Willing to compromise
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- Commitment to cooperation
- Moral principles
- Understanding "stakes in the ground," what is of primary importance...
- Willing to be involved over the long haul
- Commitment to the larger society
- Solidarity
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