28 March 2011

Season of Nonviolence – Day 58: Citizenship

Welcome to Day 58 of the Season of Nonviolence – 64 Days of peaceful wisdom honoring the lives and nonviolent principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Cesar Chavez.

Nonviolence begins with learning how to be less violent and more compassionate towards ourselves. We learn by building the courage to speak and act with respect, honor and reverence for our own being.

Day 58: Citizenship

Citizenship is a tough occupation which obliges the citizen to make his own informed opinion and stand by it.” ~ Martha Gellhorn

Citizenship in any democratic nation is more than a matter of birthright. It carries a responsibility to understand the issues our governments and world face. Citizens are called cast informed votes. To do this it is necessary to seek out facts from reliable sources and decide for ourselves what we believe is right.

How do you respond to your duties of citizenship? Do you sign petitions or cast your vote in major elections? How do you help determine the path your country takes? Contemplate or journal about the role of citizenship in your life today.

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