Overview: 

The term “citizen sector” applies to the realm of activity that brings the power of private citizens to bear on important public issues. Implicit in the idea of a vibrant citizen sector are vibrant citizens—individuals, families and communities that devote their time and energy to public causes. They attend town meetings, monitor elections, volunteer at schools, and contribute to bettering society.

The rise and spread of democracy has made the citizen sector not only possible, but absolutely necessary. Through their civic engagement, citizens help society grow; they hold their government to standards of accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. This emerging sector has been growing at an unprecedented rate over the last three decades and is reorganizing the way the work of society gets done.

The ongoing effort to empower citizens to create positive social change is clearly articulated in the work of Ashoka Fellows. Whether effectively organizaing the voices of private citizens or by making people realize that contributing to society also benefits the self, social entrepreneurs are empowering a culture of participation.