Frequently asked questions

What is the Active Citizens programme?
Our purpose is to increase the contribution of those adults who have a social network within their local communities towards achieving sustainable development both locally and globally. We support grassroots initiatives around the world that promote community cohesion and encourage people to improve their communities through either civic engagement or through volunteering with community-based organisations and projects.
 
The programme stems from our vision of a world in which people recognise their potential and exercise their responsibility to engage peaceably and effectively with others.
 
We focus on developing particular leadership skills and knowledge, such as understanding global interdependencies, empowering and motivating individuals to action, and the art of intercultural dialogue within social action. Participants are offered training in order to develop these skills. Participants are also offered specialist guidance in designing and running SAPs (social action projects), which aim to generate positive change within the participant’s community. Participants can also benefit from peer support via connections made within the global Active Citizens network.
 
The programme began in 2009 and is run by the British Council with the support of partner organisations. It is presently at work in over 20 countries, and aims to expand to 30 more within a three-year period. To find out which countries are currently involved, visit the Regional Spotlights section of our website.
 
For a more in-depth look at the programme, visit our Active Citizens Explained section:
 
What is the British Council?
The British Council is the UK's international cultural relations body, connecting the UK to the world and the world to the UK.
 
The British Council believes that creating opportunities for people to better understand each other, work together and learn from one another is crucial to building a secure, prosperous and sustainable future for us all. Read more about the British Council’s work around the world in the sectors of learning, the arts, science and society by visiting their website.
 
The British Council receives some funding from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) and other grants. It also receives revenue from managing international contracts and from its commercial businesses. To access further information about how the British Council is run, visit the About Us section of their main website.
 
What is a SAP (social action project)? 
SAPs are set up by Active Citizens, either individuals or groups, who want to transform the lives of their communities for the better. SAP developers will identify a community problem and design an action plan to help improve or overcome that problem.
 
With the support of programme facilitators, training, plus local and global peer networks, developers can gain a valuable insight into the best methods of running their SAP while advancing intercultural dialogue and improving social cohesion.
 
A wide variety of SAPs are linked to the Active Citizens programme. These focus on a multitude of issues, from disability integration to youth engagement, provision of sanitary water, access to the internet, HIV/AIDS awareness, environmental awareness and much more. SAPs are designed in diverse, resourceful and imaginative ways in order to engage communities in tackling such issues.
For more information about setting up a SAP, read our guide to Making Your Project Happen.
 
How are SAPs funded? 
The Active Citizens programme provides training and workshops that help participants identify ongoing SAPs to which they can contribute, as well as potential sources of funding for SAPs of their own.
 
Partner organisations involved in the programme may also provide funding for SAPs as part of their existing remit. The British Council does not normally fund SAPs, but may provide funding support for local activity that promotes intercultural and international dialogue. For more information, read our article ‘Funding Explained’.
 
How can I apply to take part in the Active Citizens programme?
Contact the partner organisations delivering the Active Citizens programme in your country, or ask your local British Council office for more details. Find out more about how the programme is delivered in your country by visiting the Regional Spotlights page of our website.
 
How can my organisation become an Active Citizens partner?
The Active Citizens programme involves participants who represent a range of social and cultural backgrounds within their local community. We want to establish partnerships with organisations involved in community engagement and civic education initiatives. In this way, we can help develop the Active Citizens programme and make it both relevant for individual communities and supportive of relationships and joint activity with overseas partners.
 
If you’re interested in becoming a partner, contact your local British Council office.
 
Is my country involved in the Active Citizens programme?
To find out which countries are involved, visit the Regional Spotlights section of our website.
 
Who are the facilitators and what is their role within the Active Citizens programme?
Facilitators are experienced Active Citizens who have undergone specialist training that gives them an in-depth understanding of how the programme is run within their region. With this expertise and strong community networks, the facilitators help run local training workshops and offer guidance to fellow Active Citizens, especially those who are new to the programme.
 
What training is available?
Local training is carried out in a flexible, modular format based around core sessions, as well as sessions that are specifically tailored to the group’s goals and requirements. You will develop skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, global literacy, project planning and management, and much more. Training resources and tools are available on this website. To access them you first need to register.
 
How can I access further information? 
You may find what you’re looking for by exploring our website. To access even more resources and helpful tools for your Active Citizens journey, ensure that you register your details on this website.
 
You can also get in touch via the Contact Us page.
 
What is intercultural dialogue and why is it so important?
The concept of intercultural dialogue is central to both the British Council and the Active Citizens programme. It encourages communication between people of diverse backgrounds on both a local and a global level.
 
The British Council's overall approach to intercultural dialogue provides the UK with the framework needed to build lasting international relationships based on trust and understanding. Successful intercultural dialogue depends on people listening respectfully to people from other cultures in order to explore their diverse viewpoints and values. Find out more about this topic by visiting the Intercultural Dialogue page of the British Council website.
 
How can I share an inspiring Active Citizens story?
We'd love to hear any inspiring stories that relate to the Active Citizens experience. We read every story with interest but regret that we cannot guarantee every one will appear on the website. Please send a description of your story idea to us via the Contact Us form.
 

Related articles
About the British Council
Active Citizens explained
Active Citizens: A Short Film
Funding explained