. HOW ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP CAN BE LINKED TO A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE Jacopo Barbati JEF-Europe's FC member JEF-Italy's International Officer

Summary - Part 1: what we mean by "active citizenship" - Part 2: what be mean by "healthy lifestyle" - Part 3: how to link these two aspects

Part 1: what we mean by "active citizenship" definition "Active citizenship" is an ambiguous term, there is not a clear and unique definition. The most used one depicts the "active citizenship" as the taking of consciousness, by a normal citizen who does not have any governing role, of his/her importance into the society. In few words, a citizen who takes responsibilities towards the society and the environment is an "active citizen".

Part 1: what we mean by "active citizenship" what to do - volunteering - supporting non-governmental organizations - being involved in local events - being interested in politics - recycling - etc. (human ideas are infinite)

Part 1: what we mean by "active citizenship" and the EU The EU has a web-page about active citizenship: It's a list of useful links of organizations and institutions who can provide an opportunity to be an active citizen: - volunteering associations - youth-representation institutions - the so called "agoras"

Part 2: what be mean by "healthy lifestyle" definition A healthy lifestyle counts on: - regular physical activity - good and balanced feeding - good balance between sleeping hours/wake hours - rejection of alcohol and drugs

Part 3: how to link these two aspects As we said before, the active citizen is the one who takes responsibilities towards the society and the environment. Let's see how to link this aspect to a healthy life style:

Part 3: how to link these two aspects responsibility towards the society - organize multicultural sports events, tournaments, or competitions: sport's language (such as art's language) is universal and the same for everyone - organize public seminars or workshops about good and balanced feeding, good balance between sleeping hours/wake hours and rejection of alcohol, and drugs. Why people use alcohol? Try to find the answer and offer to the community an alternative solutions

Part 3: how to link these two aspects responsibility towards the environment - don't use polluting cars if not necessary: walk, ride a bicycle, and convince the others to do it (have you ever tried to wake up really early in the morning, when the air is fresh and birds are singing?) - if in your city there are not specific paths for walking and cycling, ask to build them. In this way, you will have done a good turn to you (physical activity), to the environment (less pollution), to the society (giving the good example and involving the others: you know, walking with the company of someone is better) - use dynamo-systems

. But anyway, remember that these are only few amongst the thousands of ideas that you can develop about being an active citizen according to a healthy lifestyle, so go on thinking about it! After all, also letting your brain running is a good physical activity!

. THANKS FOR ATTENTION! ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ!