Primary school students

An affirmation ceremony is a short ceremony where all present are given the opportunity to publicly affirm their loyalty and commitment to Australia and its people by reciting the affirmation.

The affirmation is based on the pledge of commitment made by candidates at citizenship ceremonies in order to become an Australian citizen.

Affirmation ceremonies increase awareness of Australian citizenship, promote community involvement and participation, and help people feel that they belong.

They also help build pride in Australians about their citizenship.

Holding an Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony is an ideal way to involve everyone in an Australian Citizenship Day activity.

Who can participate in an affirmation ceremony?

• Everyone is welcome and participation is voluntary.
• Many Australians would not have had an opportunity to declare their commitment to Australia and its people at a citizenship ceremony because they were born in Australia.
• Some overseas-born Australian citizens have previously pledged their commitment to Australia at a citizenship ceremony. They may, however, wish to join in and re-affirm their loyalty to Australia and its people.
• There are also many people living in Australia who, although not yet Australian citizens, consider Australia their home. They too may wish to express their loyalty to Australia, and show their support for the values that are part of Australian citizenship, by joining in the affirmation at the second line.
• Invite other students, parents, teachers and guests to recite the affirmation at your own unique Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony.

Some ideas for your own special affirmation ceremony

• Design and make affirmation cards, with the words of the affirmation on them, to hand out at the event.
• Affirmation cards should be placed on seats or handed to guests as they arrive. This allows members of the audience time to become familiar with the words.
• The person leading the affirmation ceremony should invite all those who wish to publicly affirm their commitment to Australia and its people to stand and join in repeating the affirmation.
• Ask some students to speak about why Australian citizenship is important to them.
• Hold a special morning tea or lunch, celebrating the diversity of food we enjoy in Australia.

See: Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony

To order some Affirmation cards.
See: Ordering products