Articles

Launch of the Project and Website

The official launch of IncludeYOU, an Erasmus+ initiative dedicated to promoting inclusion and strengthening youth participation in democratic life, marks a key milestone in empowering young people across Europe. The project brings together organisations from Greece, Spain, Hungary, and Türkiye with a shared vision: to create inclusive spaces where young people can engage directly with policymakers, develop civic competences, and influence the future of European democracy.

Funded under Erasmus+ KA154-YOU and aligned with the EU Youth Strategy 2019–2027, IncludeYOU directly supports Youth Goal #9: Space and Participation for All and encourages young people to become active citizens and leaders of change.

The official website, https://includeyou.eu, serves as the central hub for project news, resources, and updates. Visitors can access detailed information about the project’s goals, partners, upcoming activities, and toolkit resources. The platform also provides a collaborative space for youth, organisations, and decision-makers to connect and engage in the project’s mission of fostering inclusive democratic participation.

Local Event in Greece – Youth Networking Dialogue with Local Policy-Makers

The first local youth participation event of IncludeYOU took place in Greece, bringing together young people and local policymakers to foster structured dialogue on youth inclusion in democratic life. With strong participation from diverse youth groups, the event created an environment where voices were heard, perspectives were shared, and solutions were co-developed with decision-makers.

Highlights of the event included thematic workshops on civic participation, open dialogue sessions with municipal officials, and interactive exercises designed to build trust between youth and institutions. Participants not only had the chance to express their views but also worked collectively on proposals for strengthening youth representation in local governance.

This event demonstrated the importance of meaningful dialogue between young people and policymakers. It marked a significant step toward ensuring that democratic processes are responsive to youth voices and inclusive of all members of society.

Local Event in Türkiye – Pilot Workshop on Smart Youth Engagement

The Pilot Workshop on Smart Youth Engagement in Türkiye explored the intersection of youth participation and digital innovation. Young participants took part in training sessions and collaborative activities that focused on digital tools for advocacy, online campaigns, and inclusive civic engagement.

Through practical exercises, participants learned how to use technology as a catalyst for community participation and democratic inclusion. They explored strategies for online mobilization, developed youth-led digital initiatives, and reflected on how digital skills can bridge barriers for young people with fewer opportunities.

This event not only strengthened participants’ competences but also highlighted the role of digital transformation in shaping modern democratic participation. It showcased how innovative approaches can empower young people to become active changemakers both offline and online.

Local Event in Spain – Round Table: Connecting the EU with its Youth

In Spain, IncludeYOU organised a Round Table on Connecting the EU with its Youth, aligning directly with European Youth Goal #1: Connecting EU with Youth. The event gathered youth representatives, policymakers, and civil society actors for an open exchange on how the European Union can strengthen its engagement with younger generations.

Discussions focused on bridging the gap between institutions and young citizens, improving communication on EU opportunities, and ensuring that youth are fully included in European democratic processes. Young participants drafted recommendations that reflected their aspirations for a more youth-friendly EU, while decision-makers provided feedback and explored ways to integrate these perspectives into policy-making.

The round table underscored the value of transnational dialogue and the role of young people as equal stakeholders in shaping Europe’s democratic future.

Youth Participation Mobility in Greece – Policy Debate and International Exchange

The Youth Participation Mobility in Greece was a landmark event of IncludeYOU, bringing together young people from all partner countries for a dynamic policy debate and international exchange. The event served as a simulation of democratic processes, empowering participants to take part in structured debates, intercultural workshops, and policy dialogues with invited decision-makers.

Participants worked in international teams to develop youth-led recommendations on how to strengthen youth participation in Europe. They also had the opportunity to reflect on their European identity, share their experiences from local contexts, and co-create solutions for more inclusive democratic engagement.

This mobility fostered intercultural learning, strengthened civic competences, and built lasting networks of young people committed to shaping the future of Europe. It highlighted the project’s commitment to empowering youth as active contributors to democratic life across borders.

The IncludeYOU Toolkit

At the heart of IncludeYOU’s sustainability strategy is the development of the IncludeYOU Toolkit, a practical resource designed for young people, youth workers, educators, and policymakers. The toolkit compiles innovative methods, best practices, and practical tools for strengthening youth participation in democratic life.

It includes modules on civic competences, non-formal education methods, inclusive practices, and digital tools for engagement. It also offers practical resources such as templates for youth–policy dialogues, event planning checklists, and guidelines for creating safe and accessible participation spaces.

By capturing the knowledge and outcomes of the project’s events, the IncludeYOU Toolkit ensures that the project’s impact will continue long after its official completion. It empowers youth organisations and institutions to replicate the project’s methods and keep promoting inclusive democratic participation across Europe.