CIVIC AWARENESS

Definitions

• Civic awareness: «Attitude of commitment to the national community and its institutions and regular participation in its activities, especially through exercising voting rights». «Citizen gives priority to the interests of the nation over his private interests». Larousse French Dictionary. [Online]. Page consulted on 15/06/2012 http://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/Civisme%20
• Civility: «Observation of propriety in use among the people who live in society; politeness; courtesy.» Larousse French Dictionary. [Online]. Page accessed on 15/06/2012 http://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/Civilité

« Generally speaking, civic awareness is dedication to the public interest, to the ‘State' ». Civic awareness therefore requires a ‘political consciousness' and involves knowledge of his/her rights as a citizen and his duties vis-à-vis the community. Civic awareness is the state of the citizen abiding by his/her rights and duties.

VALUES RELATING TO CIVIC AWARENESS

• « Love for one's country »
• Respect for the State
• Loyalty/fairness, integrity,
• Responsibility
• Participation in public life
• Tolerance
• Promotion of the general interest and the common good
• Solidarity
• Monitoring government initiatives/policies