Citizen Spotlight - Democracy Fitness
Join us to hear from the founders of Democracy Fitness - a training program developed in Denmark in 2017 to enhance citizens' participation in democratic processes by exercising specific "democracy muscles." These sessions are designed to be both fun and active and focus on skills essential for effective democratic engagement.
Each Democracy Fitness session lasts 30 minutes and targets one of the following democracy muscles:
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Active Listening: Fully concentrating on what others are saying.
Compromise: Finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Verbal Self-Confidence: Expressing opinions confidently.
Disagreement: Engaging constructively with differing views.
Opinion Formation: Developing and articulating personal viewpoints.
Mobilisation: Encouraging others to participate in democratic activities.
Activism: Taking action to support or oppose causes.
Curiosity: Being open to learning and understanding diverse perspectives.
The programme emphasises that, much like physical muscles, these democratic skills require regular exercise to remain strong and effective. Training is conducted individually but always within a group setting, reinforcing the collective nature of democratic participation.
Since its inception, Democracy Fitness has expanded beyond Denmark, with trainers and participants engaging in various countries, including the UK. The initiative aims to foster a culture of active citizenship, ensuring that democratic values are upheld through continuous practice and engagement.
For more information, visit their official website at democracyfitness.eu.