Youth Democracy Academy for young policy-makers

During the study session, we aim to equip 20 youth leaders/facilitators with knowledge and skills to implement the principles of  the “Educate for Democracy” programme developed by DYPALL Network, the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life and the “Have Your Say” developed by Council of Europe.

The working methods will be based on the principles of non-formal education, intercultural learning, and experiential and participatory approach, aiming to easily foster and encourage the inclusion of the participants in the learning process, through theoretical and practical sessions, providing them with space for sharing, exchanging, and exploring new points of view on topics such as the core values and principles of democracy, active participation, democratic decision-making, freedom of speech, equality before the law, and social justice, in order to also increase their ability to encourage their own peers into taking part in democratic processes.

We will familiarize them with structures of co-management in the Council of Europe that they can use as an inspiration and something to replicate at the local level. By implementing this study session, an increase in international and cross-cultural learning will also be assured through the participation of a very diverse and motivated group of participants from all over Europe with various local realities and challenges therein. 

The specific objectives of the study session are to:

• Raise awareness of the importance of engaging young people in policy dialogue
• Share good practices that could inspire young policy-makers to further introduce the youth perspective in policy-making
• Establish a network of young city councillors, to have direct means of intervention at local and regional levels around Europe on the topic of democratic engagement and citizens’ participation
• Empower 20 young councillors to be committed to revitalising democracy and equip them with the skills to educate other young people to rebuild trust in democracy