View source for The Wheel Context

===About The Wheel===
A few key facts about The Wheel [http://www.wheel.ie]:
*a non-profit ''support and representative body'' for community and voluntary organisations in the Republic of Ireland. 
*established in 2000
*membership of over 500 organisations and individuals
*listens and responds to ''the unmet needs of community and voluntary organisations'', both locally and nationally, ''in accordance with the highest standards of openness, accountability and effectiveness''. 
*sees itself as an ''advocate'' for organisations: 
''We recognise that a vibrant community and voluntary sector is vital to a healthy society and democracy. therefore we act as an advocate for community and voluntary activity in whatever forum we engage in...''

===Government Pushes for Engagement===
In 2005, the [http://www.irlgov.ie Irish government] announced its intention to establish a task force in order to recommend measures which could be taken as part of public policy to facilitate and encourage a greater degree of engagement by citizens in all aspects of life and the growth and development of voluntary organisations as part of a strong civic culture (Terms of Reference of the Task
Force).

===The Wheel's Response===
====Consultation====
As part of this process, [http://www.wheel.ie the Wheel] decided to conduct a consultation on the issue of active citizenship, with a view to identifying the following:
* Views on who is an active citizen
* What should the States role be in active citizenship
* How can the Wheel facilitate active citizenship
* Reflections on the terms of reference for the Task Force on Active Citizenship

====Consultation Principle====
The principle purpose for conducting this consultation was to inform [http://www.wheel.ie the Wheel] of member/non-members views on different aspects of active citizenship. These views would then contribute to [http://www.wheel.ie the Wheel’s] own submission to the task force.

====Consultation History====
Previously, [http://www.wheel.ie the Wheel] had engaged in consultations with its membership, utilising traditional consultation techniques such as focus groups or requesting submissions by post. This time, however, [http://www.wheel.ie the Wheel] decided to open up participation in the consultation to the public, as well as its members. This was one reason why e-consultation was considered for the active citizenship consolation, albeit on a small trial basis. Overall, [http://www.wheel.ie the Wheel] hoped to consult representatives from member organisations, volunteers within the organisations, as well as members of the public.