The Civic-EU: Young Civic Monitors for the Future is a project focused on increasing young people's active participation and involvement in society. As part of our preparation event, the young people who participated were asked to come up with 10 suggestions for building a brighter future for youth in Europe. However, thanks to their incredible enthusiasm, the discussion resulted in not 10, but 20 inspiring ideas! Some of these include:
Transparency in government
Transparency creates trust between citizens and the government, which helps prevent corruption and extreme populist opinions. For young people, transparency ensures that political processes are clear and accessible, making it easier for them to engage politically and feel that their voices and opinions truly matter.
Paid internships
Paid internships are incredibly important for young people when entering the job market. They provide people with practical experience and valuable skills while offering financial compensation, which can open doors for many, particularly those with limited financial means, to jobs they might not otherwise have access to.
Voting awareness Understanding how different aspects of democracy work is essential for young people's political engagement. Being aware of the democratic rights and responsibilities you have as a citizen, including voting rights, can both be empowering and create a feeling of responsibility.
Taking action
While many young people nowadays experience political fatigue, it is essential to highlight the importance of taking action. Promoting civic engagement is important for increased youth participation and community building, whether it means being active in a youth organization, political group, grassroots initiatives, or through volunteering.
Better connecting studies with employment
The gap between studying and entering work life, including unemployment, is something that many young people are struggling with. One way of bridging this gap is to create more opportunities for students to gain experience during their studies, for instance, through easier access to internships, volunteering opportunities as well as professional guidance.
Equality
A key topic during the discussion also included equality. Not only is it important to create more opportunities for the youth, but also to ensure that these are accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background.
No Poverty
Another issue that was brought up was the economic challenges many young people face. Financial insecurity creates barriers and limits access to education, employment, and personal development. Tackling poverty is essential to ensure that all young people, regardless of their background, have an equal chance to grow and actively participate in society.
Support marginalized young people
Targeted support for marginalized youth is essential to break down these barriers to participation. This can include programs and political platforms for LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, or those from underrepresented communities.
These suggestions reflect the passion and vision of our youth to enact change through civic engagement.
The Civic EU project is co-funded by the European Union.
Here you can find the summary of the Youth Dialogue Event and the agenda.
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