Identifying a citizenship community action project

Welcome to Your Citizenship Journey!

Every big change starts with a single idea. In this chapter, we are going to learn how to find that "spark"—the issue or problem that you want to tackle for your Citizenship Community Action Project. This project is a huge part of your IGCSE (20% of your total marks!), so getting the start right is very important. Don't worry if it feels a bit overwhelming; we’ll break it down step-by-step!

What is a Citizenship Community Action Project?

Before we pick a topic, we need to know what we are actually doing. The syllabus defines citizenship community action as a planned course of informed action. This means you aren't just doing something randomly; you are researching an issue and then doing something specific to create a benefit or change for a community.

Your project can be local (your school or neighborhood), national (your whole country), or global (the whole world).

Key Takeaway:

A good project must have a clear issue, a clear action, and a clear benefit for others.

Step 1: Identifying an Issue

The first step is to spot a problem or a "cause of social need." To make sure your project fits the IGCSE course, it should link to one of the four key themes you are studying:

1. Politics and Governance: Think about human rights, voting, or how laws are made.
Example: Campaigning to lower the voting age or protecting the rights of a specific group.

2. Economic Development and the Environment: Think about climate change, poverty, or fair trade.
Example: Setting up a recycling scheme or promoting ethical shopping in your school.

3. Culture and Community: Think about migration, diversity, or protecting local traditions.
Example: Creating a project to help new refugees in your town learn the local language.

4. Technology: Think about social media, cyberterrorism, or access to the internet.
Example: An educational campaign about the risks of "fake news" or online bullying.

Quick Tip: Use the "Problem-Solution" bridge. Look at a problem (e.g., plastic waste) and imagine the solution (e.g., reusable bottles). That bridge in the middle is your project!

Step 2: Choosing Your Method of Action

Once you have an issue, how will you actually do something about it? There are different "levels" of action you can take:

Individual Action: Things you do by yourself.
Example: Writing a letter to your local MP or choosing to only buy Fairtrade products.

Collective Action: Working together with a group of people (like your classmates).
Example: Forming a school committee to reduce food waste in the canteen.

Social Action: Direct activity that helps a community.
Example: Organising a "beach clean-up" or a charity fundraiser.

Consumer Action: Using your "buying power" to make a point.
Example: Encouraging people to boycott (stop buying) products from a company that treats workers unfairly.

Mass and Social Movements: Large groups of people pushing for big social changes.
Example: Using a hashtag on social media to raise awareness for a global cause.

Step 3: Learning from the Pros (Case Studies)

You don't have to reinvent the wheel! Many Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and charities already do amazing work. You can look at them for inspiration:

The Red Cross: They focus on helping people during conflicts or natural disasters. They also run educational projects to teach people about health and safety.
Amnesty International: A major campaigning organisation that fights for human rights and protects people who have been treated unfairly by governments.

Did you know? Your project doesn't have to be as big as Amnesty International! Even a small project, like teaching five people a new skill, counts as "educational action."

Important: The "Global Citizen" Mindset

The exam board uses a definition of a Global Citizen (from Oxfam) that you should keep in mind when picking your project. A global citizen is someone who:

• Is aware of the wider world.
• Respects diversity.
• Is outraged by social injustice.
• Participates in the community from local to global levels.
• Takes responsibility for their actions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Being too vague: Don't just say "I want to stop climate change." Say "I want to reduce electricity use in my school building."
2. Forgetting the "why": Make sure you can explain why your project relates to one of the four themes (Politics, Economics, Culture, or Tech).
3. Taking on too much: You only have a limited amount of time. Choose a project that is achievable.

Quick Review: Check your Progress!

Before moving on to the next chapter (Research), ask yourself these three questions:
1. Is my project aiming to create a benefit or change?
2. Which Theme (Politics, Economics, Culture, or Tech) does it link to?
3. What Method of action (Individual, Collective, or Social) will I use?

Note: Once you have identified your project, the next step is Undertaking primary and secondary research to make sure your plan is based on real facts!