School of Citizenship

I have already said in GlobeLiveMedia that it is necessary to create civility to strengthen civil society.

This morning i woke up inspired. An idea came to my mind. Yeah, I wish to contribute to the creation of a School of Citizenship learn to be a better and more useful citizen.

I immediately started writing this article.

It is an original idea for the promotion of civility that our countries so badly need, but it requires adequate, independent and sustainable funding. I say independent so that no one interferes negatively with the noble and new civic-academic work to be undertaken.

All those who engage daily for the public interest would teach there. And they have been doing it for years, accumulating rich experience. Either through non-governmental organizations or directly, on a personal basis. I do it both ways. Thus, I was co-founder of Transparency International Spain (acting there for many years in specific integrity programs in the public and private sectors) and I promoted various administrative claims and court cases in Argentina and Spain to defend the principle of legality, public interest and cultural heritage. My last great achievement, with very good media coverage, was the rescue of the emblematic Albéniz Theater in Madrid (I was the pro bono lawyer for the Aid Platform for the Albéniz Theater which prevented the building from becoming shoe store, supermarket or similar). Thanks to the successful reopening, Antonio Banderas performs there these days with the musical company.

That’s why the idea seems great to me. Because it is a means of teaching citizens how to be a better and more useful citizen. Thus, in controlling the political work of our rulers, there are more and more citizens alongside journalists and other civic organizations who are already acting – with great merit and courage – in this area.

To be a pupil at school, one only needs enthusiasm for civics, for what belongs to everyone. No special qualifications or age would be necessary. Simply being a citizen and wanting to practice as such in a modern sense.

I can think of dozens of possibilities (banks, companies, foundations, etc.), so many that it would require co-financing. But a private entity should lead. Public money? No. Private only.

I insist: we need more and more citizenship. But it is necessary to teach the use of civic tools that are often available but misunderstood.

One example suffices for me: the exercise of the right to information. We have the right, we already know that. But how to exercise it effectively must be a new school subject. The form of the proposal would be studied, how to obtain legal assistance, etc.

Each country could have many schools in its region, community or province.

And politics would be outside of them as far as their government or administration is concerned. But This does not mean that politicians are excluded, who can be both students and teachers.

Of course, I will answer. In one role or another, the politician will be able to teach and learn. AND he will do it with a smile. “Learning to be free is learning to smile” (Octavio Paz, “The Liberal Tradition”).