CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation is an international alliance of
civil society organisations and activists at the local, national, regional and international level spanning the spectrum of civil society, from non-governmental organisations to trade unions to faith-based networks to associations. Started in 1993 [Link], CIVICUS has worked for nearly two decades to strengthen citizen action and civil society throughout the world, especially in areas where participatory democracy and citizens' freedom of association are threatened. CIVICUS' work is built on the belief that the health of societies exists in direct proportion to the degree of balance between the state, the private sector and civil society. CIVICUS provides a focal point for knowledge- sharing, advocacy and convening these disparate sectors. CIVICUS advocates for citizen participation as an essential component of governance and democracy world- wide. CIVICUS seeks to amplify the voices and opinions of ordinary people and give expression to the enor- mous creative energy of civil society. Our mission: CIVICUS is an international alliance dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world. Our vision: A worldwide community of informed, inspired, committed citizens engaged in confronting the challenges facing humanity. Our values: • Justice and Equality - CIVICUS believes in the equality and dignity of every person, and that all people should be free to exercise their rights as citizens as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. • Reciprocity - CIVICUS exists to ensure that people treat one another with the respect with which they them- selves wish to be treated. Civil society cannot thrive without mutual respect. • Knowledge - CIVICUS recognises that to increase its global awareness of civil society and before it can assist or take action, it needs to form alliances with other concerned bodies to increase its influence and knowledge. • Vision - CIVICUS is realistic about conflict in today's world, but remains optimistic that most people, organisations, governments and businesses will work together for the benefit of all. • Principled Courage - CIVICUS will always promote civil justice and pledges to act in a manner that honours the principles of democratic civil society. |
