Civic Pride 2022
As the war rages at the borders of the European Union and people flee their land en masse in search of peace and safety, it becomes once again obvious why we need vibrant civic space enabling active citizenship not only free from state interference but also recognized and supported to act in full independence and capacity.
Civil society in Ukraine is mobilizing to support civilians, helping them to stay safe and to leave the war zone.
Civil society across Europe, and especially in countries bordering Ukraine, has stepped up to provide direct legal, humanitarian and psycho-physical support to those crossing the borders, collecting medicines and other basic goods to be sent to civilians remaining in the country.
People have flooded squares all over Europe as well as Russia and Belarus to oppose the war, calling for peace. They are welcoming people from Ukraine in the train stations, opening their homes in name of solidarity.
Civic organisations are also carrying out direct advocacy to European and national policy-makers to stand up for Ukraine and find a peaceful solution to the war.
Civil society at the borders with Ukraine is stepping up, relying on its own resources, being placed under great pressure, from responding to the emergency with little cooperation from state authorities. The long-term sustainability of these crucial efforts is at stake, institutions cannot leave civilians and civic actors helping alone.
We call on institutions to support civil society to #LeaveNoOneBehind
In light of the terrible attacks currently ongoing in Ukraine, we invite you to share with us the initiatives you are taking to rescue, provide shelter, support refugees or simply organise solidarity and call for peace. What actions are you taking? What support do you need from national and EU institutions in the current context? We want to pay tribute and bring your voice to the EU institutions through the campaign #CivicPride. Feel free to use other visible hashtags such as #StandWithUkraine to highlight appeals, calls for support and other actions for peace and solidarity towards those fleeing war.
The Civic Pride is an annual celebration of achievements by civic organisations, activists, associations, which form the backbone of democratic, inclusive, equal and solidary societies. This year we will celebrate a whole month, from 1 to 31 March!
On issues that the population considers key, such as climate change, fight against poverty and social exclusion or public health, CSOs and associations have been on the forefront for decades, to mitigate the consequences or lack of public policies.
The Civic Pride campaign aims at:
- Demanding EU institutions to recognise the role played by CSOs in our societies, through the adoption of a Civil Society Strategy;
- Making visible the work of hundreds of thousands of civic organisations across Europe;
Together, it is time to amplify our voices. Join the celebrations: stand and act for Civic Pride!
Because our voice and actions count
- Tweet your MEPs and decision-makers for an #EUCivilSocietyStrategy on 7 March at 1:00 P.M.
- Promote the positive role of your organisation or a symbolic action you are leading on social media with the hashtag #CivicPride (find some inspiration HERE);
- Stand up for the values we collectively care and make sure we #LeaveNoOneBehind;
Objectives:
- Advocate for the EU institutions to adopt an EU Civil Society Strategy.
- Promote a positive narrative about civil society and civic organisations;
- Raise awareness about the role played by hundreds of thousands of civic organisations across Europe.
Past Editions
2018
In 2018, the European Civic Forum and its member organisations initiated a campaign: Make Europe Great for All
The objective was to stand up together for Solidarity, Justice and Rights for ALL, against the rise of regressive tendencies all over the globe.
In 2018, as the 70 anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was nearing, we called upon all the civic actors, organisations and movements, all citizens, that support the fight for rights and justice, equality and solidarity, liberties and democracy, that want our planet to be a better place for present and future generations, to join us in a symbolic but visible “No day without us” all across Europe.
2019
Given the success of the first edition, civic actors and organisations stood up again in 2019, calling this time for a “Civic Pride”, calling upon institutions to recognise their role in the societies.
IN JUST THREE YEARS, NEARLY 3000 ORGANISATIONS AND ACTIVISTS TOOK TO THE SOCIAL NETWORKS TO EXPRESS THEIR PRIDE FOR WORKING IN SOLIDARITY FOR RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY FOR ALL, IMPACTING ABOUT 4 000 000 PEOPLE WORLDWIDE.