European Values for all

Democracy is a fundamental principle in Europe, and its preservation largely depends on the commitment and active participation of citizens, especially the younger generations. In fact, by educating young people about democratic values and fostering their active participation, the continuity and vitality of European democratic institutions are ensured. Additionally, in a global context marked by the rise of extremism and intolerance, and in an increasingly interconnected world, it is crucial to promote values of tolerance, pluralism, and solidarity, along with respect for cultural diversity.
At this critical juncture in our society, it is essential that young people are trained, understand European values, and are empowered to create their own projects, activities, and/or initiatives. Moreover, by equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and competences to actively engage in shaping their societies, we not only invest in the future of Europe but also lay the groundwork for a more democratic, tolerant, and interconnected world. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are agents of change today, and their active involvement is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing our societies and for advancing the values and principles that underpin the European project.

Main aim: To develop the key competences of youth leaders and young people in order to contribute to strengthening the future of Europe through the promotion of the six core European Union values.

The main objectives of the project are:
• To improve the knowledge and understanding of youth leaders and young people on the importance of the promotion of the core European values to ensure a democratic, inclusive, free and human rights compliant Europe;
• To design practical educational tools to strengthen the education in values of youth leaders and young people;
• To empower young people for active citizenship participation in the framework of the core values enshrined in the Treaty on European Union;
• To build a space for debate and reflection between youth leaders, young people, youth workers, policy makers and experts, developing participatory proposals for the preservation of a plural, fair, tolerant, solidary and egalitarian society;
• To create a network of organisations from five/six European countries that are aware of the importance of the active participation of young people in the preservation of a Europe based on its core values.

Duration of the project: 24 months

Partnership:
Iniciativa Internacional Joven (Spain) is the applicant of the Project. We are planning to involve other 4 or 5 organizations from different areas of Europe.

Work Packages and main activities (*some changes and adjustments could be done):
• WP1 – Project Management and Coordination (Months 1-24): First Coordination Meeting (M2) and Mid-term coordination meeting (M12). Quarterly monitoring report and final meeting (M23).
• WP2 – Development of competences in youth leaders (Months 3-12): Selection of the experts and establishment of the working network. Analysis of adapted learning needs. Coordination Meeting among Experts. Creation and implementation of an Online Training Course (OTC) for youth leaders with 4 modules: (1) The process of EU integration through its values; (2) Core values and how they affect citizens’ lives; (3) Leadership, activism and associationism; (4) Youth Participation. Creation of the eBook OTC: training materials”, translated into all organisations’ languages. International Meeting for Youth Leaders. Creation of the Guide for professionals in the field of youth, translated into all organisations’ languages.
• WP3 – Implementation of the competences acquired by youth leaders (Months 12-21): Creation of workshop by youth leaders, together with professionals in the field of youth, and its implementation at local level with young people. Debates at local level among young people and creation of participatory proposals (youth leaders take the role of mentors). Dissemination campaigns among local population for the improvement of the proposals. Presentation of the proposals to local decision-makers and selection of the winning proposal. Creation of an eBook and video with the accepted proposals in all countries. Mobility to Brussels for the project coordinator, young people selected during the contest and youth leaders (mentors of the best proposals): presentation of the proposals to EU policy makers.
• WP4 - Impact and Dissemination (Months 1-24): creation of the logo, graphic line and webpage of the project. Creation of materials for project visibility. One meeting to present the project in each country. Mapping and meetings with stakeholders. Multiplier event to launch the OTC. Activities/Events to present and disseminate project activities and results. Creation of the project video. Multiplier Event in each country (except the hosting country of the Final Conference) to present the main intellectual output and results of the project. Final Conference (M23).