Activity objectives

The activity aims to:

• explore democratic transformation and its impact on young people and society;
• deepen understanding of European values and their relevance to youth work;
• reflect on the role of youth work in promoting democratic participation, active citizenship and social inclusion;
• explore different approaches and practices that support democratic culture among young people;
• exchange experiences and perspectives from different European contexts;
• critically reflect on the challenges faced by youth workers in increasingly polarised societies;
• provide opportunities to learn from local organisations and initiatives through study visits;
• support participants in developing ideas and approaches that can be applied in their own youth work and local communities;
• build a network of youth work practitioners interested in democracy, European values and active citizenship.

Description

Democratic values are increasingly challenged by polarisation, declining trust in institutions, disinformation and social divisions. At the same time, young people and youth workers are often at the centre of efforts to build more inclusive, participatory and resilient communities.

The activity will combine Partnership-Buildingd Activity with study visit elements. Participants will explore different perspectives on democratic transformation, exchange experiences from their own countries and learn from local Polish examples and organisations working with young people and communities. The Polish experience of democratic transformation and European integration will serve as one of the examples discussed during the activity.

The programme will create a space to reflect on questions such as: What makes democratic transformation sustainable? What role do young people play in democratic processes? How can youth work support democratic values? And how can youth workers respond to polarisation and other challenges to democracy?