Young Demo

Grant Agreement Number: 101081584

Funded by: CERV      Duration: 1/10/2022 – 01/10/2024

Project’s description: The Young Leaders United for Democracy project (#YOUNG DEMO) project’s scope is to support youth democratic and civic engagement and to reinforce the importance of citizen involvement and representation in the European decision-making process, as a contribution to raising awareness and empowering citizens to make informed decisions.  

By focusing on young people, aged 12 to 29, the project will boost their civic motivation and will enhance the participation of the 2024 European Parliament elections, which are central to strengthening and nurturing democracy in the EU – a part of the participants being “first voters in 2024”.  

#YoungDemo is developed by World Vision Romania along with partners from other six European countries (Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Sweden and Cyprus) bringing together 140 young people, aged 12-26, who aim to become a strong voice and make a change for the better in society! 

Main activities in the project:

  • Advocacy Online Mentoring Program – For one-year, young people take part in an advocacy mentorship program, which will help them learn more about the values and role of the European institutions, the importance of exercising the right to vote, about how they can defend their rights. The mentorship program aims to support participants in growing as youth leaders that would have an increased knowledge about our world reality, get involved in social issues, weather locally or globally, and inspire others to be better. The program consists in a series of online workshops and individual assignments focused on critical thinking and fostering European values, such as democracy and human rights. Mentor is Ciprian Cucu, university lecturer, activist, and countering-disinformation expert from Romania.
  • Online European Young Leaders Debate – Online European Young Leaders Debate on the thematic of youth engagement and European civic participation The debate will target first time voters for the European Parliament Elections in 2024 – the event will discuss about youth engagement at European level, the challenges youth face and possible partnerships that can be developed, in order to empower young people to become active citizens.
  • European study visits to EU agencies – During the project, the participants will have the chance to go in study visits to institutions such as: European youth agencies, European parliament, European culture and entrepreneurship agencies, EU-Youth Guarantee implementation group etc.
  • National public consultations on combating disinformation – The consultation will reach the topics: fake news and social media, disinformation and simple ways to combat it, urgent matters for internet safety.
  • National photo-voice competitions – The competitions will be organized at a national level by all partner organizations and will target young people, from underserved groups. The theme of the Photovoice contest will be the importance of active citizenship in the EU- decision making process. The national finalists of the Photovoice competition will be invited to present their works in an European Youth Event organized online on topics such as the importance of active citizenship and children’s rights.
  • Local events developed in each partner country on the thematic of youth engagement and European civic participation: summer camps, study visits to national institutions with attributions in the field of youth, multiplier events for promoting 2024 European Parliament elections, local information events in partner schools and institutions regarding the EU’s policies and benefits, media advocacy campaign to promote youth rights within the migrant community etc.
  • Using co-production as a method to spread awareness and disseminate EU values and contributions amongst young people. Each partner country will develop a Social Media channel that will develop info campaigns, competitions and content regarding EU values and policies that directly affect youth participation within civic life. Moreover, an European TikTok channel will be open within the project, which will promote EU values, institutions and benefits towards young people. The TikTok channel will provide information regarding EU youth dedicated events, opportunities and legal changed that affect young people, the implementation of the EU recommendations regarding children and youth, as well as debates regarding real needs and difficulties young people face in their daily life. Young people will be encouraged to produce and send videos to promote on the channel.

Main topics

  • Who runs a country?

 A civics workshop about the way power is split among government branches, citizens, NGOs, and political parties.

  • Left, right, and other directions in politics

A civics workshop, introduction to political ideologies. We will discuss, without favoring one particular ideology, what the basics distinctions between “left” and “right” mean in politics, what are other ways of looking at political ideologies, and why it matters. 

  • I’m a European citizen and I have rights. 

Workshop on the functioning of European institutions and what it means to be a European citizen. 

  • Fake news and how to spot them.

Introductory media literacy workshop, dealing with main concepts and models to evaluate quality of information. 

  • What is media and when should we trust it? 

Media literacy workshop focused on understanding the role and forms of media, as well as evaluation methods for media quality.  

  • How do we know what we know? Stories and reality. 

Workshop in countering disinformation focusing on techniques used in spreading false narratives. 

  • Listen to reason: argumentation and logical fallacies. 

Workshop on critical thinking, starting from the theory of argumentation and focusing on common logical fallacies.  

  • Technology for active citizens. 

A technical / technology focused workshop to present some tools that can be of use to activists. 

  • Act for change: campaigning and advocacy. 

Civics workshop focused on understanding and planning awareness and advocacy campaigns.  

– The benefits for participants

  • Knowledge and abilities in communication, advocacy; 
  • Deepening the values, the role and the activity of European Union (Citizen engagement and right to participation); 
  • The opportunity to get actively involved and organize, together with the project’s experts, advocacy actions on topics that concern them and are of interest to them; 
  • Deepening the concept of civic engagement (values, attitudes, knowledge, skills, behaviour, emotions); 
  • Participating in an international experience with young people from 6 other European countries; 
  • Participation in discussions, debates and round tables on topics related to misinformation, hate speech, freedom of speech, European values and identity. 

Project’s Partners

WORLD VISION ROMANIA, Romania: https://worldvision.ro/  KENTRO MERIMNAS OIKOGENEIAS KAI PAIDIOU (KMOP), Greece: https://www.kmop.gr/ASSOCIAZIONE FORMAZIONE PROFESSIONALE DEL PATRONATO SAN VINCENZO (AFP), Italy: https://www.afppatronatosv.org/  CULTURE GOES EUROPE (CGE)- SOZIOKULTURELLE INITIATIVE ERFURT EV (CGE), Germany: https://www.cge-erfurt.org/  

ZAVOD JNANA BHAKTI PRADA TRUST, ZAVOD ZA RAZISKOVALNO IN RAZVOJNO DEJAVNOST NA PODROCJU VEDSKE FILOZOFIJE IN FORMALNE SISTEMATIZACIJE VDANOSTI – BHAKTI YOGE – CELJE (Jnana Bhakti), Slovenia: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067032986130  

ASOCIATIA EUROPULS (EUROPULS), Romania: https://europuls.ro/

EU DIASPORA COUNCIL (EUDC), Sweden: https://www.efsas.org/partners-of-efsas/eu-diaspora-council/

KIPRIAKOS ORGANISMOS KENTRON NEOTITAS KOKEN LTD (KOKEN LTD), Cyprus: https://cyprusyouth.org/

Results in Germany

The Young Leaders United for Democracy (#YoungDemo) project in Germany has successfully engaged youth across 16 in situ events in Erfurt and surrounding towns (Ilmenau, Weimar, Muhlhausen). These events aimed to empower young people aged 12–29, including those from underserved communities, by fostering active citizenship, democratic participation, sustainability, and media literacy.

A total of 304 participants, including 150 females, 143 males, and 11 non-binary individuals, took part in activities designed to promote civic engagement, develop critical thinking skills, and encourage creative advocacy.

Key highlights include the Opinion Multiplier Training Course, which empowered 30 young leaders to implement their own initiatives, resulting in 15 follow-up community events that reached over 200 additional participants. These events covered a variety of topics, from sustainability and inclusion to youth rights and civic participation.

The Photovoice Exhibition and Artivism Workshops further encouraged participants to express societal challenges through creative media, such as photography and art. Forty impactful photo submissions addressed themes like sustainability, inclusion, and democracy, while art workshops inspired participants to use creativity as a tool for advocacy.

In parallel, the Critical Lens Workshops and Outdoor Cinema engaged 25 participants in discussions on disinformation and media literacy. Films like The Social Dilemma and Don’t Look Up served as conversation starters, sparking critical reflection on democracy, ethics, and social responsibility in media.

Additionally, a debate in a hybrid format  on youth engagement in shrinking cities brought together over 50 participants. This platform fostered discussions on actionable solutions for increasing youth participation in local governance of shrinking and smaller towns.

The YoungDemo project has proven to be a significant step toward empowering young people to lead change, enhance community cohesion, and embrace European values of democracy, inclusion, and participation.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Empowering Youth Through the Photovoice Exhibition in Erfurt

Held over two sessions in January 2024, the Photovoice Exhibition aimed to empower young people by giving them a platform to express local issues through photography. Organized by CGE, the event invited the Erfurt community, including members of the Young Demo Project’s Mentoring Program, to showcase photos highlighting topics such as sustainability, inclusion, and active participation. Approximately 40 attendees viewed and discussed images at Saline 34, with an interactive voting process to select the most impactful photos. Participants appreciated the exhibition’s collaborative atmosphere, which encouraged deeper reflection on community challenges and inspired a commitment to positive change.

Critical Lens: Enhancing Media Literacy and Civic Engagement

Our “Critical Lens” event series, part of the Young Demo project, offered three days packed with workshops and open cinema screenings at Saline 34. Selected through an open call, participants engaged deeply in discussions on media literacy, critical thinking, and youth participation in democracy. They identified fake news, analyzed the recent local elections, and reflected on social issues through screenings of The Social Dilemma and Don’t Look Up. The event’s interactive approach, blending film and role-play, proved effective in fostering empathy and critical skills, with participants reporting a newfound commitment to responsible media consumption and civic engagement.

Young Leaders Workshop

Young Leaders Workshop: Empowering Future EU Citizens in Mühlhausen

From May 12-14, 2023, Culture Goes Europe e.V. hosted the Young Leaders Workshop in Mühlhausen, a three-day program dedicated to cultivating active citizenship and leadership among young people. Through activities on European Union policies, youth rights, and sustainable practices, participants gained insights into EU structures and processes, including a hands-on Model European Union simulation. The event also featured a sustainable fashion showcase, inspiring eco-conscious leadership. By the end, attendees left with enhanced leadership skills, practical tools for civic engagement, and the confidence to initiate positive community projects focused on European values and sustainability.

 

GIVE AND TAKE FASHION

“Give and Take Fashion” – A Sustainable Fashion Initiative at TU Ilmenau

On July 6, 7, 12, and 13, 2023, Ilmenau University students, with support from CGE, hosted the “Give and Take Fashion” event, shining a spotlight on sustainable fashion and youth-led activism. The event featured a clothing collection and repurposing drive, culminating in a vibrant fashion walk that showcased the students’ creative redesigns. Educational workshops and a sustainability panel emphasized ethical fashion choices, inspiring attendees to confront overconsumption in the industry. This initiative fostered community engagement and empowered students to make sustainable lifestyle choices, demonstrating how fashion can be a powerful tool for environmental consciousness and activism.

Social Hackathon: Empowering Youth through Design Thinking

Innovative Solutions at the Social Hackathon in Erfurt

On September 2, 2023, Erfurt hosted a Social Hackathon that brought together young adults aged 21-28 to tackle pressing local issues: countering far-right ideologies and promoting sustainability. Using design thinking and creative tools like Lego Serious Play, participants worked through problem-solving stages to develop actionable solutions. Small groups focused on campaigns for tolerance, safe spaces for dialogue, eco-friendly transit, and community gardening initiatives. This dynamic event not only fostered teamwork and proactive citizenship but also empowered participants with practical skills to drive positive change in their community.

LET’S TALK AI

Exploring the Future: “Let’s Talk AI” Workshop in Erfurt

On October 21, 2023, Salinenstraße 34 in Erfurt hosted “Let’s Talk AI,” a workshop led by Sabine Weber, PhD, from Ilmenau TU, to explore artificial intelligence’s impact on society. The session attracted young people and activists, focusing on AI’s role in media, internet dynamics, elections, and propaganda. Sabine presented AI’s historical evolution and its influence on public opinion, followed by an interactive discussion that encouraged participants to critically engage with AI’s implications. The workshop concluded with a brainstorming session on future skills, preparing attendees to navigate AI’s growing role in digital and civic landscapes. Highlights from the event were shared on Instagram, broadening community awareness.

International Stammtisch – Intercultural Greetings

Building Bridges at the International Stammtisch: Intercultural Greetings in Erfurt

On October 27, 2023, Erfurt’s international community came together for “International Stammtisch – Intercultural Greetings,” an evening dedicated to cultural exchange and mutual respect. Organized by Mentoring Program members Mariana Matoso and Tikhon Pokazanev with support from CGE, the event welcomed 22 participants to share traditions, stories, and culinary delights from around the world. Through informal conversations, cultural presentations, and group reflections, attendees explored the richness of diverse backgrounds, strengthening community ties and fostering a deeper intercultural understanding. The event underscored the importance of cultural dialogue as a pathway to community cohesion in Erfurt.

Artivism: Active Participation through Art

Artivism in Action: Empowering Change Through Creative Expression

On January 21, 2024, Erfurt hosted the “Artivism: Active Participation through Art” event, introducing the concept of artivism—a fusion of art and activism—as a powerful tool for social change. Organized by participants of the Mentoring Program, the event brought together a diverse community of artists, students, and activists to explore art’s role in advocacy and community engagement. Attendees experimented with creative methods like scrapbooking and drawing, expressing themes of social justice, inclusion, and environmental advocacy. This hands-on experience, coupled with group discussions, inspired participants to integrate art into their activism, highlighting art’s unique ability to drive awareness, foster active citizenship, and build stronger communities.

Act2Impact: Youth for Democracy

This event used forum and playback theater as tools to address real-life social conflicts and foster community dialogue. Participants, including young people from across Thuringia, collaborated to act out controversial scenarios and reimagine them with positive resolutions. Guided by professional facilitators, they gained skills in critical thinking, empathy, and teamwork while learning how to use theater to inspire collective action.

Through engaging exercises and group reflections, the session empowered participants to address local challenges and envision practical solutions. The diverse group—comprising residents of Erfurt, Weimar, and Jena as well as students from local universities—shared stories and perspectives, building an inclusive space for learning and collaboration.

PowerUp: Youth Democracy Dialogues

This event brought young people together for structured debate club-style dialogues on democracy in Erfurt and Germany. Guided by professional facilitators, participants tackled pressing topics such as participatory budgeting and digitalization’s impact on democratic participation. Alternating roles as speakers and audience members, they explored diverse viewpoints while honing skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and active listening.

The event culminated in a reflective plenary session where participants brainstormed actionable ideas for promoting youth engagement in democracy. By providing a platform for thoughtful dialogue, PowerUp highlighted the critical role of young voices in shaping democratic processes.

Bridging Borders: Stories of Migration and the Impact on the EU Elections

Exploring Migration’s Impact on EU Policy and Elections in Erfurt

On April 5, 2024, an event in Erfurt offered a thought-provoking look at migration’s influence on EU policies and elections. Through documentary screenings, participants delved into personal migrant stories, setting the stage for discussions on the humanitarian and political dimensions of migration. Conversations examined how migration shapes public opinion, media portrayal, and election outcomes across the EU. Attendees, including students, activists, and community members, shared insights and proposed ways to foster inclusive EU policies that benefit both migrants and host communities, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue on the future of migration in Europe.

Create YOUR Better Future

Harnessing Storytelling for Social Change in Erfurt

On May 10, 2024, we gathered in Erfurt to explore storytelling as a transformative tool for social change. Through a unique open-ended storytelling approach, participants engaged with narratives highlighting pressing issues like inequality and environmental challenges. Tasked with continuing these stories, they creatively envisioned solutions for a better future, sparking discussions on the role of active citizenship and community impact. This participatory event brought together young people, students, and activists, emphasizing the power of storytelling to inspire critical thinking and collective action toward a more inclusive society.

Interkultureller Dialog für Demokratie

Celebrating Cultural Identity and Integration at Salinenstraße 34

On July 16, 2024, we hosted an enriching cultural dialogue at Salinenstraße 34 in Erfurt, bringing together 16 young migrants and refugees from post-Soviet Union countries to explore evolving cultural identities in a new homeland. Participants proudly shared traditional dishes and costumes, sparking discussions on maintaining and transforming their cultural heritage within German society. Through structured dialogue, attendees reflected on how integration challenges and opportunities shape their identities and sense of belonging. The event highlighted the role of democracy in fostering an inclusive society that values diversity and encourages mutual understanding—an essential step toward building a vibrant, multicultural community.

Young Leaders DebateActive Youth Participation in Erfurt and Thuringia

Empowering Youth for Civic Engagement at the CultureCademy Festival

On August 3, 2024, the CultureCademy Festival at Petersberg, Erfurt, provided an inspiring backdrop for our event, “Active Youth Participation in Erfurt and Thuringia – A8.3.” Engaging local youth in discussions on their roles in revitalizing shrinking cities like Erfurt, this event addressed the challenges of demographic shifts and economic decline facing the region. Through an open debate format, participants shared ideas on youth leadership, sustainable development, and community-building. Live translation on Instagram and a video-graphic summary expanded the conversation’s reach, attracting over 699 viewers and amplifying the message of youth empowerment in civic life.

Designing Democracy: Collaborative Poster Workshops at CGE Erfurt

On September 8 and 19, 2023, CGE e.V. hosted two workshops at Salinenstraße 34, gathering diverse participants to develop poster concepts promoting democracy and civic engagement. Through group discussions and creative exercises, attendees explored themes of Active Participation and Democracy, reflecting on their roles in local democratic processes. Using tools like flipcharts, paints, and Canva, participants transformed their ideas into compelling poster designs for an international Young Demo project contest. The workshops not only fostered creativity but also deepened participants’ understanding of democracy, culminating in visual expressions of community and engagement.