Institute for citizenship

The Institute for Citizenship is a national independent charity. Their aim is to promote informed, active citizenship and greater participation in democracy and society through a combination of community projects, research, education and discussion and debate. [ [http://www.citizen.org.uk/about.html Institute for Citizenship - About Us ] ]

The Institute for Citizenship was formed in 1992 by Lord Bernard Weatherill following the work of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Commission on Citizenship. Since its inception the Institute for Citizenship has campaigned for greater awareness of moral rights and responsibilities, and pioneered a range of citizenship resources in response to the introduction of Citizenship Education as part of the national Curriculum in 2002.

The Institute is currently involved in projects that promote vital 21st Century skills such as opinion forming, debating, speaking and listening skills that help to form an inclusive society of active citizens. These projects include Schools Question Time and the Young Citizens' Action Agenda. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/default.stm BBC NEWS | Programmes | Question Time ] ] On 10th July 2008 they hosted the Young Citizens' Action Event at Central Hall, Westminster which was attended by 1,400 teenagers and was hosted by Huw Edwards (BBC News). The Young Citizens' Action Agenda is a campaign led by the Institute for Citizenship to give young citizens the voice and skills to produce solutions for the 21st Century. [ [http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23515048-details/Knife+crime+tops+agenda+at+Westminster+youth+summit/article.do Knife crime tops agenda at Westminster youth summit | News ] ]

The current President of the Institute for Citizenship is David Dimbleby, Chairman of BBC ONE's Question Time. Dimbleby believes that the Institute's role is ensure we have an inclusive society of active citizens, 'The importance of involving young people – all people – in political decisionmaking is greater than ever. Globally and locally we face new and complex challenges, it is important that everyone takes part in the debate'. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/question_time/david_dimbleby/default.stm BBC NEWS | Programmes | Question Time | David Dimbleby ] ] The Institute for Citizenship's Chief Executive is Zandria Pauncefort. [ [http://www.citizen.org.uk/about_us/contact.html Institute for Citizenship - Contact Information ] ]

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