"Everyone should contribute to the welfare of society"

Social responsibility is a fundamental part of good citizenship. It means that everyone in society has a duty to, and should, act with concern and sensitivity for others around them. Being aware of the impact of their actions on others, the effect it has, what it does and how it makes them feel, making sure that your actions back up the welfare and interests of others in society as well as yourself.

Social responsibility can be seen as a part of a social contract, in that it is the responsibility of each entity, whether it is the state, government, a corporation, organisation or individual, that they are contributing to the good of society. In a way it's just like the old idea of 'treating others as you'd like to be treated yourself'. This responsibility can be "negative," in that it is a responsibility to stop yourself from acting in a bad way, or it can be "positive," meaning a responsibility to act in a good way.

"Always treat others as you'd like to be treated yourself."

Unfortunately, you're not guaranteed to win a prize for this. It's just the unwritten contract that everyone has within society. You can choose to accept it and work with it to benefit yourself and others, or choose not to. Those who choose not to, do not care about the benefit, or the impact of their actions on others. This tends to be selfish, arrogant and anti social behaviour.

Social Responsibility includes:

• Recognising the basic human rights of your self and others.
• The ability to be open to new ideas, experiences and people.
• Recognising and accepting individual and cultural diversity and equalities.
• Recognising and accepting the consequences of each action and decision you take.
• Developing a sense of ownership and involvement within society.
• A caring attitude towards your self and others.
• Development of leadership, communication and social skills.