National Active Citizenship Network(NACN)

Welcome to the National Active Citizenship Network (NACN) members section

Mission  - “ an Ireland where the voices of all citizens are heard”

NACN members promote the facilitation of an Active Citizenship Programme in areas of low participation in the electoral democratic process. They promote a vision of an inclusive Ireland characterised by active citizenship and greater social and economic justice. This NACN brings together people in leadership positions in many parts of Ireland who are committed to promoting the participation of all citizens in the democratic life of the country. The voices of too many people are silent and therefore unheard at important decision-making moments affecting all citizens.

Why:

In 1997 a small number of people in Dublin had a vision of an Ireland in which the voices of all citizens were heard – an inclusive Ireland characterised by active citizenship and greater social and economic justice. They began to promote the facilitation of an Active Citizenship Programme in areas of low participation in the electoral democratic process. In 2002 as a result of Training Trainers Workshops with approximately 80 community leaders in different parts of Ireland in preparation for the General Election that year the advisability of establishing an Active Citizenship Network became obvious. This National Active Citizenship Network(NACN) brings together people in leadership positions in many parts of Ireland who are committed to promoting the participation of all citizens in the democratic life of the country. The voices of too many people are silent and therefore unheard at important decision-making moments affecting all citizens. A Network is necessary:

 

  • In order to maximise the outcome of the work to-date.
  • To support community leaders in different parts of Ireland, many of  whom can feel isolated in working for Active Citizenship/Voter Education  which is a relatively new element of  adult community education.

    This Network seeks  to:
  • Support, encourage and develop work already begun.
  • Provide a forum for best practice, information, resources/training.
  • Engage in advocacy – to promote the goal of active citizenship and greater voter participation on a national level as a means of tackling exclusion and poverty.
How:

  • By meeting community leaders already familiar with the Active Citizenship Programme to identify needs, areas for support, resources – (materials/training).
  • From regional meetings establishing a national network which will promote the importance of active citizenship at national level.
  • By providing a regular newsletter/briefing.
  • Funding – Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs gave grant towards the development of The National Active Citizenship Network.

Why:

  • The network has been established in the following regions: Dublin, Clare, Tipperary, Kildare, Kerry, Galway, Limerick, Donegal, Monaghan, Sligo, Cork, Laois, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.

Citizens Corner Newsletter: