Three excuses to not get involved

“I don’t have the time”

The Active Citizens programme is designed to work around different lifestyles, no matter how hectic that lifestyle might be! A great deal of flexibility can be built into the local training you’ll undergo when you join. What’s more, a network of support is available to help ensure your project is a success. By working as part of a team with your fellow Active Citizens and partners, you’ll find the demands on your time won’t be anything like as pressing as you expected. So don’t be put off just because you’re busy. Instead, discuss your situation with your local facilitator/mentor. The Active Citizens programme aims to include everyone who wants to help, regardless of their circumstances. This means we’ll help tailor your commitments so your project works for you as much as for your community. Ultimately, as your contribution makes an impact on other regions, through teamwork and the sharing of ideas across the Active Citizens network, you can be assured that your time – however much you have to spare – will be well spent!

“Other people have more experience than me”

What makes the Active Citizens programme unique is that it demands no prior skills or experience from its participants. All we ask is that you bring enthusiasm and a commitment to make a difference. In becoming an Active Citizen, you’ll have access to all the tools, advice, information and support you need in order to get your project up and running. You’ll also tap into a network of individuals and organisations who share your enthusiasm for change through intercultural dialogue. So, even if you don’t have the specific skill you need to make your project happen, you’ll be sure to know someone who does. Pooling resources is essential to the programme, allowing you to access the collective knowledge of fellow Active Citizens from around the world. 

“There’s no way I can influence global change”

Make no mistake, the Active Citizens programme has big ambitions. It’s certainly a tall order to launch a project that can serve your local community while aiming to have an impact somewhere around the globe. But in becoming an Active Citizen, you’ll be joining a global community of like-minded people similarly dedicated to community initiatives that transcend borders. We’ll provide the means for you to connect with one another, share skills, ideas and experiences. We already have a vibrant internet community up and running. By talking to one another, both online and through a packed calendar of intercultural interaction, this is your opportunity to make a positive impact both within your region and elsewhere in the world.

Related Articles
Andrae Palmer Q&A
Joining Forces
Make Your Project Happen
Setting Up Your Project
 
Further Reading
Check out the skills resource website MindTools for tips on successfully managing your time.
Need a confidence boost before communicating with people about your project? Try these top tips.