After starting our project on active citizenship, I’ve been reflecting on my own role as an active citizen. Am I an active citizen myself? What do I expect of myself in this regard? How does my environment perceive citizenship? How do others believe they contribute to our society? Is the society ours? And who are “we”?

In my quest for answers, I allow myself to experiment with various thoughts and perspectives on citizenship and to test my assumptions. I don’t want to write a vague philosophical blog about it, but instead, examine my everyday practice. The conversations that arise about active citizenship seem, in themselves, to be an example of active citizenship: reflecting on and defining my place as a citizen in my village, province, and as a global citizen.

A Member of Society?

For me, there is a comparison to be made between being a member of a football club, a music band, or an association, and being an active citizen. In an association or group, you contribute to a common goal, activity, or idea, and you reap the benefits both individually and collectively. But does this idea apply to active citizenship? You don’t choose the place you are born into in the world, nor the circumstances in which you grow up and must live. You are a member by a unique lottery of fate, with all its accompanying privileges or disadvantages.

Trying to Set an Example?

In my roles as a father to my children, a school principal, a partner, a neighbor, a friend, I consider how I participate and contribute. It is important to me to uphold and convey the values that I—or we—find meaningful. As an active citizen, I want to maintain an ethical awareness toward myself, others, and the world. From the Bildung perspective, I stand for the ideal of developing myself as broadly and fully as possible and of bearing social responsibility. How do I measure if I am achieving this? And how critically do I examine my own behavior when, for example, I reflect on my immediate reaction when the referee makes a decision in football that I feel is wrong?

Being Seen, Being Part of It

“Why do you greet everyone?” a question my son asked after we left the football club and, within five minutes, had greeted at least eight people with a “good morning.” It feels good to greet people and make sure they feel seen. For me, it creates a sense of connection. Greeting students at the school entrance represents, to me, the hospitality within our school; students and team members are welcome and safe in our learning and living environment.

Membership for the ‘Tennis Club’: Taxes

I am an active citizen because I pay taxes. Through my income tax, VAT on all my purchases, car taxes, property tax, water board taxes, and local levies, I actively contribute. I pay my taxes with a sense of pride, knowing that this expenditure enables us to accomplish the things we value in our society.

Many people view paying taxes as a necessary evil—something you do because you have to, and see mostly as a reduction of personal income. But imagine what society would look like without tax revenue. Who would pay for our roads, schools, healthcare, and security? In reality, paying taxes is an essential part of a well-functioning society—and something to be proud of. I can enjoy well-maintained cycling paths, affordable healthcare for everyone, and schools that have resources to provide quality education.

1. Contributing to a Shared Foundation

Taxes are a fundamental pillar of our society. They finance the infrastructure we rely on every day, such as roads, public transport, and schools. Thanks in part to my tax contributions, children can go to school, the elderly receive care, and we have clean streets and well-kept parks. These are all things we take for granted but would not exist without tax revenue. For me, paying taxes is part of active citizenship.

When you pay taxes, you contribute to this shared foundation. You help not only yourself and your loved ones but also people you may never meet. Think of the teacher who educates in a public school, the nurse who cares for patients, and the police officer who safeguards our security. Your tax money supports them all.

2. Progress and Innovation

Tax revenues enable the government to invest in projects that drive society forward. Think of research into new energy sources, building sustainable housing, and developing technologies for a cleaner and safer world. These investments promote innovation and prepare our society for the future.

In addition, many social programs are funded by tax money, such as unemployment benefits, study allowances, and disability support. This gives people who are struggling a chance to get ahead, which enhances social mobility. This contributes to a society in which everyone can participate.

3. Sharing Prosperity Together

In the Netherlands, we have a progressive tax system. This means that people with higher incomes pay a larger percentage in taxes than those with lower incomes. In this way, taxes contribute to a fair distribution of wealth. People who can afford it contribute a bit more, allowing us to create a safety net for those who are less fortunate. This results in a country where most people enjoy a high quality of life, and everyone has access to basic amenities.

4. Freedom and Security

Thanks to taxes, we can rely on basic services without constantly worrying about their availability. We know that if we need medical care, it will be accessible. We don’t have to worry about whether there will be firefighters available if a fire breaks out. This provides us with security and a sense of freedom. We can live our lives with peace of mind, knowing that our society functions well.

5. A Sense of Community

Paying taxes is an act of solidarity. It is a way of saying, “I am part of something larger than myself.” Instead of only thinking about our individual interests, we invest in the community to which we belong. And that’s something to be proud of. By paying taxes, I and we contribute to a society that is safe, just, and inclusive. Together with others, I help build a country where people look out for each other.

Paying Taxes: A Proud Gesture

It is easy to see only the costs of taxes and forget the benefits. But paying taxes is actually a powerful gesture of engagement. It means that we contribute to the welfare of our society and the future of generations to come. We help each other progress and ensure that the Netherlands remains a place where everyone can thrive.

A small but important step: Don’t Step Over Litter

One last example of how I play my role as an active citizen, which sometimes annoys those around me: My children and wife sometimes find it bothersome that I never step over litter. At work, as well as when walking down the street, I never step over trash. If there’s a lunch bag in the school hallway, I pick it up and throw it away. If I have to step over a can lying on the street, I pick it up. Every time I do this, I contribute, in a small way, to a society that is clean, tidy, and well-kept.

After all the above reflections and examples, I continue to ponder what citizenship means to me and how I want to and can contribute, and what I expect from myself and my surroundings in this regard. This, in itself, remains an example of active citizenship.

Written by Ralph de Jong (NL2)