“Contrib-Uth-tion! – The value of active participation”

The active participation of young people is a recurrent topic in European society and it is one of the permanent priorities of the Youth in Action programme. This is a training course for young people who would like to become active and have an impact on society. It will provide participants with the necessary support to implement their ideas or projects by enhancing their capacities. The course will promote recognition of the value of active participation. 1) Exploring the concept of participation, how becoming active fits into the broader umbrella of participation. 2) Reflecting upon the obstacles that hinder participation from the inside and the outside perspective of the participants. 3) To facilitate reflection on the personal motivation of the participants. 4) Working on the key competences for active participation. 5) To facilitate young people in developing a concrete action plan with a strong emphasis on providing for a follow-up process, the action plan being based on their motivation to create a change and their need to direct their own learning through the process. 6) To raise understanding and knowledge on personal and professional development of young people through non-formal education in youth work and other fields. 7) To gain information and knowledge on participation within the context of YiA programme with special focus on activating youth and encouraging them to take initiative at a local, national or international level. Methods: During the training we will use a combination of methods in order to adapt to the nature of the knowledge and skills to be transferred to participants. We will combine theoretical input with experiential workshops; setting up spaces for participants’ self-reflection as well as an Open Space where they can exchange and learn from each other. There will also be room for cultural exchange and intercultural learning during socializing times within a more relaxed atmosphere. Activities foreseen: - Presentations about participation - Interactive workshops about motivation and action planning - Open space and Ideas market - Presentation of Youth in Action programme and other funding possibilities