Proposal: Virtual AdvOcacy for PosItive DemoCraciES
Implementation: 2024 to 2026
Call: CERV-2023-CITIZENS-CIV – Citizens’ engagement and participation – 2023
Type of Action: CERV-LS – CERV Lump Sum Grants
Proposed Budget: 168 860,00€
Keywords: Promoting democratic participation, debating the future of Europe, future, europe, youngsters, positive narratives, debate, opinion, democracy, speak-up
Objective: The project will give a voice to young people on the one hand and support them in change on the other. Indeed, participation is an essential element of citizenship in a democratic society and culture. In fact, youth participation is not an end in itself, but a means of achieving positive changes and building a better democratic society.
The project will give young people a space to lead the discussion in all areas and in particular those that contribute to positive democracy, including the prevention of extremism, the fight against violence, gender equality, justice, equity, etc. because what they think and decide today will affect not only their own lives, but above all their future.
The project also aims to strengthen young people’s commitment to solving global and local problems, by promoting their innovative ideas capable of initiating social change and generating positive results. Indeed, involving the younger generation in decision-making can strengthen social cohesion and living together, which is the only way to bring about and maintain peace.
Due to the fact that many young people are living in low-income nations, few opportunities are available for them to participate and approach decision-making. The lack of willingness in attending traditional participation activities is because the topics are not attractive and many engaging activities fall into tokenism. They may think the participation process is long and boring. Racisms and gender inequalities are also factors that impede participation.
The accessibility to information and the lack of appropriate engagement platforms are blocking their way to participate as well. Thus, the vast majority of young people are unable to participate in global talks and have no chance to voice and contribute in the social arena. The aim of the project is to analyse, understand and tackle these obstacles by proposing ways and means of overcoming them.
Partners:
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
- European Institute for Human Rights (Young Educators)
- Association Militants Des Savoirs
- Universita Ta Malta
- Fachhochschule Salzburg Gmbh
- Media Actie Kuregem Stad