Learning how to play our part in democracy is a basic skill that needs to be learned by everyone.
Author: Titus Alexander
If we want our democracy to be inclusive, effective and respected, we need to use every possible opportunity to create a democratic culture. The UK has a diverse and active democracy sector, including members of the The Democracy Network, Locality and Civic University Network. But it is relatively small and underfunded. To increase provision many more agencies need to support people learning how to take part effectively, including the BBC, public services, schools, universities and civil society organisations.
Many people in these agencies are wary about teaching practical politics. They quite rightly don’t want to become politicised. Many are afraid of being accused of indoctrination. But democracy is a core principle of our society. All schools are required to teach citizenship, although many do not. The BBC charter requires it to sustain citizenship and civil society, which it barely does at the margins of news and current affairs.
When Britain did badly in the 1996 Olympics, Prime Minister John Mayor increased investment in training and support for sport. Like sport, democracy cannot be learnt in the abstract. You have to take part. Also like sport, participation in democracy is a team effort in which you may win or lose, but always learn. Success also depends on camaraderie, solidarity and supporters, as well as commitment, ability and team effort. One big difference from sport is that democracy is not a zero-sum game in which the winner takes all, but it is a process that involves compromise and collaboration for the common good. Disagreement, dissent and deliberation are essential for people to work out what is in their best interests for the long term.
The economy also relies on competition and team work. Business skills used to be thought of as something some people are born with, or could be learnt on the job. Now it is the biggest subject in higher education, and supported by many other agencies, from banks to schools, teaching people how to compete in the market and make money. But very few agencies support people to take part in democratic politics and contribute to the common good.
This has to change. We need the government to be more supportive, (as Labour was after 1997), but people in many agencies must also take the initiative to engage people through existing networks and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to take part effectively. Learning for democracy comes from taking part, particularly through:
By starting from where people are and developing education and support to addressing issues they face, we can create a culture of democracy and renew our political system so that it serves citizens better.
For more information, download for free my book: Practical Politics - Lessons in power and Democracy and my action guide for higher education: How Universities Can Make A Difference.
Democracy Matters is looking for volunteers to help build a directory of organisations working to strengthen democracy and political education: please contact Titus@democracymatters.info if you can help.
Read more about our Citizen Democracy Series here.
The publisher is Citizen Network Research. Learning for Democracy © Titus Alexander 2024.
Citizen Democracy, local government, politics, England, Article
