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Active citizenship - United Kingdom

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British Youth Council

Run by young people, for young people. The council represents those aged under 26. It encourages everyone to get involved in society, decision-making and civil life, and provides a platform for you have your say.

http://www.byc.org.uk [EN]

Charter 88

Everything you need to know in order to be an aware citizen. There's information on voting, devolution, controversial political issues, rights, reform of the UK political system and, of course, citizenship. You can get sign the charter, and find other ways of getting involved, too.

http://www.charter88.org.uk/[EN]

Citizen X

What does it mean to be a citizen? This site is aimed at school pupils, but the information is useful for everyone. It covers political education, including European information, community action and social responsibility. If you don't know what all that means, take a look at the site!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/citizenx [EN]

Stonewall

This site provides information for lesbian, gay and bisexual people on practical ways to counter prejudice and promote equality. The resource bank contains information on current issues and multiple discrimination. There are free documents to download on becoming active in your community.

http://www.stonewall.org.uk/[EN][CY]

Citizenship Foundation

The foundation provides a range of support to help people become fully involved in society. There are resources that teachers and school pupils might find useful for studying citizenship.

http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk [EN]

Community Service Volunteers

If you want to give something back to your community, then this organisation can help you to get active and make a real change. Young people aged 16-24 can take part in the Millennium Volunteers initiative. You can also link to the community partners’ site on active citizenship.

http://www.csv.org.uk [EN]

Department for Education and Skills - Citizenship

The government's site, which is aimed at promoting citizenship education in schools across England and Wales. You can use the pupil, teacher or parent pages to access the information that's most relevant to you. There's information about competitions and prizes that can be won for school projects.

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/citizenship [EN]

Epolitix

Politics portal with information on Westminster, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and the EU. Get yourself clued up on all the latest topics and find out what the powers-that-be do and how they operate.

http://www.epolitix.com [EN]

Explore Parliament

Education site for the UK parliament. Find out about parliament, government, laws and elections, then test your knowledge in the online games and quizzes.

http://www.explore.parliament.uk [EN]

Future Citizens

This interactive website is designed to help young people explore citizenship issues, including rights and social responsibilities. It is aimed at people of secondary school age.

http://www.barnardos.co.uk/resources/futurecitizens/index.html [EN]

Giving Nation

If you're interested in charities and want to learn about getting more involved, you'll find plenty of resources here. The site has information on how to help a charity (for instance, by fundraising), and has advice on setting up your own campaign as well.

http://www.g-nation.co.uk [EN]

Global Footprints

This site provides information on global issues such as development, and has details of case studies to inspire you with ideas about what you could do to make a difference.

http://www.globalfootprints.org [EN]

Groundswell UK

How to take positive action to help excluded, poor and homeless people. Find out about projects that involve socially excluded people in finding solutions to social problems. There are various documents available to download (you can get Acrobat for free from the site if you don't already have it).

http://www.groundswell.org.uk[EN]

Hear by Right

Read about why young people should get actively involved in local government. You can download a copy of the report, or read it online.

http://www.nya.org.uk/Templates/internal.asp?NodeID=90031[EN]

Institute for Citizenship

Citizenship and politics aren't just about voting; you can be active as a citizen in lots of ways. Find out about the Active Citizenship Today and Democracy through Citizenship projects from the institute's site.

http://www.citizen.org.uk [EN]

Millennium Volunteers

Volunteering opportunities for young people. The idea behind the initiative is that you can use what you know (which could be pretty much anything) in order to help others. Find out about the youth forums and other ways of getting involved.

http://www.millenniumvolunteers.gov.uk [EN]

National Association of Clubs for Young People

One way of being an active citizen is to take part in organised activities through clubs and organisations. Find out how you can join a young person's club by linking to the relevant regional information.

http://www.clubsforyoungpeople.org.uk/[EN]

National Centre for Citizenship and the Law

Find resources and information on projects that aim to educate people about citizenship, crime and rights and responsibilities.

http://www.nccl.org.uk [EN]

Open Democracy

Provides up-to-date and non-partisan information about current global issues. You can take part in the discussion forums, or read the articles in the themes section, which covers topics such as the arts, conflicts, ecology, faith, globalisation, money, media and science and technology.

http://www.opendemocracy.net/home/index.jsp [EN]

Operation Black Vote

Encourages members of black and minority ethnic communities to play a full part in the democratic process. On this site, you can access news articles and information about the European and UK political system. You can also learn about the MP and magistrate shadowing schemes.

http://www.obv.org.uk [EN]

Peace Pledge Union

Get informed about global citizenship topics. The education pages have lots of resources and articles on topics such as war and injustice. There is also a section on children and pacifism.

http://www.ppu.org.uk/indexa.html [EN]

Planet.com

Educational site from Channel 4 that aims to get school-age people thinking about global citizenship issues. Includes a take-action section with ideas for how you can get out there and do something to make a change.

http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/P/planet/menu.html [EN]

Time for Citizenship

Educational site packed with details on being a citizen and taking part in society. Mainly aimed at school pupils and teachers. Students can take part in a forum on citizenship issues, and there are lesson plans and ideas to download. You can get Acrobat for free.

http://www.timeforcitizenship.org[EN]

England: Multikulti

You need to be informed if you want to be an active citizen, but what if the information you need isn't available in the language you speak? This site tries to solve that problem by providing access to legal information in a range of community languages. Only applies to England.

http://www.multikulti.org.uk[SQ][AR][BN][ZH][EN][FR][GU][FA][ES][SO][TR]

England: e-Active

Have a look at these resources for young people who want to become active within their communities. Once you register, you can use the online tools and services - for instance, you can get help to set up your own mini website. You can apply for training as well.

http://www.nya.org.uk/templates/YAInternal.asp?NodeID=89522[EN]

Northen Ireland: Online NI

Get access to information about government in Northern Ireland. Find out about local councils, relations with the European Union, education and library boards, consultation with the public and more.

http://www.onlineni.net/index/individuals.htm[EN]

Northen Ireland: Youth Action

Find out about community-based activities for young people. The organisation works in areas such as gender equality, cross-community initiatives, arts projects and rural development.

http://www.youthaction.org[EN]

Northern Ireland: Youth Link

Information on how to get involved in citizenship-related projects. You can read up on what projects are running and how you could take part in them. In the interactive section, you can access the discussion forums or try the quiz. The bulletin board has details of upcoming events.

http://www.youthlink.org.uk/[EN]

Scotland: Junior Executive

The young people's pages of the Scottish Executive website. The virtual newsreader 'Seonaid' will help you stay informed about the latest political news and government policies.

http://www.juniorexec.gov.uk/[EN]

Scotland: Scottish Parliament

Find out how to let the politicians know what you think about issues that affect your life. From this page, you can access information on getting involved in politics and visiting the parliament. You can also browse the Knowledge Zone and try out the quizzes and interactive games.

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/education/index.htm[EN][GD]

Wales: Council for Education on World Citizenship

If you want to find out about citizenship in a global context, then this is the place to go. The council runs a range of projects for schools, and you can download some of its documents from this site as well.

http://www.cewc-cymru.org.uk/index.cfm?lang=we&lang=en[EN][CY]

Wales: National Assembly for Wales

The public information pages can help you find out what you want to know about the Welsh government. You can get access to official publications through the information register.

http://www.assemblywales.org/[EN][CY]

UK Youth

This directory has links to the websites of a range of youth organisations based in the UK and overseas. There are English, Northern Irish, Scottish and Welsh organisations listed here, and the page includes links to youth club associations.

http://www.ukyouth.org/[EN]

Scotland: Dialogue Youth

This is the place to go for those of you who want to have your say and create waves in your community. The site is currently under construction but more information will be added soon.

http://www.dialogueyouth.org[EN]

Northern Ireland: Young Citizens

Wondering what active citizenship is all about? Interested in taking part in community activites? Then have a look at this site. It's got lots of information on citizenship and young people. You can find out about volunteering and search for voluntary work opportunities as well.

http://www.youngcitizens.org.uk[EN]

Hands Up

This campaign is run by young people, and is designed to help other young people get active in politics, democracy and debate at all levels of society. You can get involved by writing articles for the site, or take part in a workshop. Check out the resources section for more information.

http://www.handsupfor.org/hu/home.htm[EN]

Directgov - Young people

Have you got ideas for things to do in your local area? Youth funds are available to pay for your ideas! Find out more about the youth funds, work and careers, health and relations, disability issues, crime and justice, leisure, travel, money, etc.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/index.htm[EN]

Northern Ireland: Children and Young People's Unit

The Unit was established to ensure that the rights and needs of children and young people living in Northern Ireland are given a high priority. Browse the website for more information on the legislation that affects children and young people.

http://www.allchildrenni.gov.uk/ [EN]

Headliners

Online newspaper written by young people and designed for everyone. Current affairs and news commentary, plus articles on children's rights, sport, arts and more. If you're aged 8-18, find out about writing articles for the site.

http://www.headliners.org/ [EN]

Citizen Power

A guide to being an active citizen, covering topics such as how government works, animal rights, global issues and human rights. Includes information on how you can make your voice heard. There are polls where you can vote and opportunities for having your say on a range of topics. Uses Flash.

http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/C/citizenpower/index2.htm [EN]

Headsup

Is it really true that young people are more interested in Big Brother than they are in politics? If you disagree, and are aged 18 or under, then you can use this site to air your views on all things political. Or you can just laugh at the graphics of politicians with big heads. You can link to the site for Scotland here as well.

http://www.headsup.org.uk/ [EN]

Our World, Our Say

Enables people to have their say on important global issues, such as war. Reconnects ordinary citizens with politicians so that their views and voices can be heard. You can register to take part in a virtual lobby.

http://www.ourworldoursay.org/ [EN]

School Councils UK

You have to be there day in, day out until you're at least 16, so you might as well have some influence over what happens there. School councils are designed to help you get your opinions across and make a contribution to improving the environment of your school and surrounding community.

http://www.schoolcouncils.org [EN]

Speak Out!

From the Institute for Citizenship. Want to talk about European citizenship issues? Don't know what it's all about and want to learn more? Then try the discussion forums, which are open to everyone. There are also a number of debates that take place across the country on specific dates.

http://www.citizen.org.uk/speakout/index.php4 [EN]

The Newspaper

Online newspaper for young people. Read up on topics such as art, sport, science and health, as well as topical news stories from the UK and around the world. You can also write in with your own views on particular issues.

http://www.thenewspaper.org.uk [EN]

UK Youth Parliament

The parliament gives people aged 11 to 18 a platform for their views. It aims to get politicians and agencies to listen to what young people think. You can take part in the voting, or stand for election as a member of the youth parliament (MYP).

http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/index2.html [EN]

YouGov.com

This company provides research on what the British public thinks. You can vote online on a range of diverse issues, from football corruption to whether Harry Potter is any good or not. You can also vote on the same issues as Parliament. The results are emailed to MPs before they vote and the final results are posted back to citizens.

http://www.yougov.com [EN]

Young National Children's Bureau

Encourages young people to speak out, vote, debate and argue on topics that you find interesting or important. There is a section with information on politics and voting, making schools work and child poverty.

http://www.youngncb.org.uk [EN]

England: Local Government Association

Many local councils in England have a youth cabinet, where young people living in local areas can meet and air their views on matters that affect them. You can find your local authority here, and contact it to see if it has a youth cabinet or not.

http://www.lga.gov.uk [EN]

Scotland: Highland Youth Voice

An elected parliament of young people, based in the Highland region. It tries to ensure that all youth in the area have a chance to be heard, and it campaigns on issues that members feel are o important. You can read up on the latest news or take part in debates.

http://www.highlandyouthvoice.org [EN]

Scotland: Scottish Youth Parliament

The parliament is made up of elected members aged 14 to 25. On this site you can take part in the public discussions, vote in the polls and find out how you can be part of the parliament. There are documents on various topics that you can download. You can also find out about the latest events.

http://www.scottishyouthparliament.org.uk [EN]

Scotland: Young Scot

Get your point of view across on the discussion boards, or find out more about politics and getting active in your community. You can use the resources in this section, or try the local pages for information on what's available in your local area.

http://www.youngscot.org/channels/haveyoursay [EN]

Wales: Funky Dragon

Young people can use this site to get their views across to politicians in the Welsh Assembly, and swap opinions with each other in the discussion forums. Vote online on a range of current political issues. You need Flash to view the site.

http://www.funkydragon.org [EN][CY]

Big Listen

How do you go about 'having your say', especially if you’re not confident about speaking out? Maybe you think adults won’t listen to you anyway? From this page you can download a guide to lobbying politicians and other influential folk, and a practical guide explaining how you can express yourself at home, at school and in your community.

http://www.biglisten.co.uk/publications.html [EN]

Carnegie Young People Initiative

If you’re aged 10-25 and want to take part in public decision making, this is the site for you. Getting involved in decision making can boost your self-esteem, skills and responsibility. Find out more here.

http://www.carnegie-youth.org.uk [EN]

British Youth Council

The council provides a voice for young people aged under 26 and living in the UK. Find out more about the council's current campaigns, and learn how you can get involved.

http://www.byc.org.uk [EN]

Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Youth Forum

Got a burning desire to get your opinions across? Want to meet other like-minded souls and make a change to your school, home, community, government and maybe even planet? If you’re aged 14-25 and based in Northern Ireland, the Forum can help you do just that.

http://www.niyf.org [EN]

Directgov - Have your say on your rights

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child gives you a number of important rights and makes sure you can get your voice heard. The government must follow these rights when they make any decisions that affect you or your life. So, make your opinion heard!

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/DG_064462 [EN]

Active Citizens - ContinYou

Citizenship is now part of the school curriculum in England and Wales, but that doesn't mean that citizenship activities need to be restricted to the classroom. Get ideas for your own project from the pupil-led activities page. Others have tackled topics such as bullying, environmental awareness, substance abuse and gender discrimination.

http://www.continyou.org.uk/content.php?CategoryID=255&ArticleID=97 [EN]

Changemakers

Get practical advice and support on organising projects that could help make a change in your community or society. The publications include a practical guide to help young people devise and run their own projects.

http://www.changemakers.org.uk [EN]

Youth Act

This project provides free training and support to small groups of young people aged 11-18 who want to make a difference in their school, youth club or community.

http://www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk/main/page.php?69 [EN]

Citizenship Pieces

Information for school pupils on running your own council and taking decisions into your own hands. This site recommends that you extend your discussions 'beyond the school toilets' and get your views known!

http://www.citizenship-pieces.org.uk/schoolscouncils/argument.htm [EN]

Community Action Network

This is a support network for 'social entrepreneurs'. A social entrepreneur is the same as a business entrepreneur, but works in the not-for-profit sector, bringing new ideas to tackle social problems. Look up the directory for contacts and find out more.

http://www.can-online.org.uk [EN]

Crime Concern

Information on a range of active citizenship programmes aimed at young people. The projects encourage ideas to help make our communities safer and crime-free.

http://www.crimeconcern.org.uk/pages/projects.asp [EN]

Get Involved!

How to be active in your school, community and the wider world. The site has ideas to help you organise your own school-based project, which could be centred on a local or global theme.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/citizenx/getinvolved/index.shtml [EN]

Millennium Awards

So you've got an idea, but you need a bit of help to make it happen? Well, these awards might be just the thing for you. You can get financial support to set up a project that will benefit your community and help others. Existing projects are also eligible for support. Anyone aged 16+ can apply.

http://www.unltd.org.uk/ [EN]

Prince's Trust

The Trust awards grants to young people wishing to develop a project as a group. There are also European grants to develop job skills overseas and developmental grants for help with training and studies. Use the menu on the left-hand side of the page to take you to the relevant information.

http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/Main%20Site%20v2/14-30%20and%20need%20help. [EN]

Your Turn

Read about what other people have done to improve and strengthen their communities. If there is an issue you feel strongly about and want to do something positive about, have a look here for ideas on how you can make a change.

http://www.commonpurpose.org.uk/home/programmes/under18.aspx [EN]

YouthBank

Youth banks are run by young people and provide small grants to fund projects run by other young people. You can use these pages to find out how to set up or join a youth bank, and you can also discover how to apply for funding from one of the banks.

http://www.youthbank.org.uk [EN]

England: Community Champions Fund

For people who want to become more involved in the community, or want to help others get involved. You can apply for a grant to help get your ideas going. If you need inspiration, take a look at the case studies to see what others have done.

http://www.dfes.gov.uk/communitychampions [EN]

Northern Ireland: Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

Find out about the funding it offers for community-based action. It can help young people, women and minority ethnic communities in particular, and supports cross-border community-strengthening and rural communities work.

http://www.communityfoundationni.org/home.htm [EN]

Scotland: Create

Like music, art, dance or drama? Young people and those who work with them can use this site to get advice and resources on setting up a creative arts project.

http://www.create-scotland.co.uk/home [EN]

Energize

Is there something you care about that you want to take a stand on, or something that really annoys you that you want to fix? Then look at this resource for young people wanting to make an impact on their school, college or local community. There’s advice on how you can turn your ideas into reality - and learn new skills in the process.

http://www.timebank.org.uk/energize [EN]

England: Youth Action Network

Want to get involved in your community and make a difference, and don’t want other people making decisions for you? This organisation can help you realise your plans by putting you in touch with an action agency (see under ‘Find a Youth Agency’).

http://www.youthactionnetwork.org.uk/ [EN]

Young People's Initiative

Projects that encourage young people to influence decision-making could be eligible for finanical support. The Carnegie UK Trust awards these grants, and is particularly interested in projects that are run by young people themselves.

http://cypi.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/cypi/home [EN]

Connect Youth: Group Initiatives

Would you like to help your community? Are you aged 15-25? If so, this programme might be ideal for you. It provides financial help to groups of young people who want to start up a project that could benefit their local area. You need a minimum of four people in order to apply, so get together with some friends and see what you could do!

http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning/connectyouth-programmes-group-initia [EN]

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