PARTICIPATIESAMENLEVING IS AN ILLUSION On the shifting relationship between citizens and civil servants Abstract With the question “How is the policy Samenleving Voorop changing the participation of citizens in Leusden society?” the paper discusses within the concept of citizenship how the relationship between civil servants and citizens is shifting. Citizenship is about contributing to society. Citizens create network communities. These network communities play a role in achieving new goals when the government is retreating and giving more space to citizens to set up initiatives and take up a greater role in society. Like van der Ham-van Hulten - 5700655
[email protected] Master programme: Cultural Anthropology: Sustainable Citizenship Supervisor Diederick Raven,
[email protected] 2 July 2017, Utrecht University … A large aggregate of men, healthy in mind and warm of heart, creates the kind of moral conscience which we call a nation. So long as this moral consciousness gives proof of its strength by the sacrifices which demand the abdication of the individual to the advantage of the community, it is legitimate and has the right to exist. If doubts arise regarding its frontiers, consult the populations in the areas under dispute. They undoubtedly have the right to a say in the matter.” … Wait a while, Gentlemen; let the reign of the transcendent pass; bear the scorn of the powerful with patience. It may be that, after many fruitless experiments, people will revert to our more modest empirical solutions. At certain moments, the best way to be right in the future is to know how to resign one’s self to being out of fashion.” (Renan, 1882, a challenge to his public) The cover photo was taken on 15 September 2016 during the award ceremony for the Best Idea of Leusden.