Are you passionate about shaping a more democratic, sustainable, and youth-driven future? Or are you ready to inspire young people to become active citizens and drive sustainable change? We have created free practical educational materials on democracy and sustainability designed to equip both youth and youth workers with the knowledge and tools to engage in civc and sustainable activities.
Youth Democracy in the EU Guidebook: Your Roadmap to Political Engagement
Democracy thrives when young people are informed. This Guidebook simplifies complex topics — like the current voting methods —into relatable, actionable steps.
What’s Inside?
- Democracy 101: Learn the core principles of democracy, the importance of voting, and how youth participation shapes policies
- EU & National Insights: Explore the democratic histories and electoral frameworks of Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Türkiye, and the EU itself. Discover how many MEPs each country elects and how European Parliament elections work.
- Electoral Systems Explained: Read about different voting systems with real-world examples
How to Use It
- Young People: Learn how to vote confidently, advocate for your rights, and engage in local or EU-level decision-making.
- Youth Workers: Use this guide to design workshops on electoral systems, debates and mock elections that inspire civic action.
Sustainable Cities Guidebook: Tools for Green, Inclusive Communities
Sustainability and democracy go hand in hand. This Guidebook bridges the two by promoting change through policy knoweldge and people’s engagement.
What’s Inside?
- SDGs Decoded: Understand the global goals for sustainable cities (like SDG 11) and how they connect to local action.
- Beyond Voting: Discover impactful ways to drive change, from launching European Citizens’ Initiatives to persuasive letter-writing.
- Practical Tips: Learn how to lobby decision-makers effectively and craft compelling arguments.
How to Use It
- Youth Workers: Learn more about current policies to organise SDG-themed youth projects.
- Young People: Explore current policies and how you can make your voice heard beyond voting.
Open Letters: Amplify Youth Voices for Climate Action
Words have power. In June 2024, our young climate ambassadors penned Open Letters to the EU, demanding bold climate policies. These letters are now public, offering inspiration—and a blueprint—for your own advocacy. You can pair these letters with the letter-writing guide in our Sustainable Cities Guidebook to craft your own persuasive messages.
How to Use It
- Young People: Use these letters as templates to lobby MPs, MEPs, or organisations.
- Youth Workers: Host letter-writing workshops or debates on climate justice, using the letters as discussion starters.
Project Website: Hub for Resource Download and Youth Project Inspiration
You can download all resources on the Up-Root Eco-Democracy Project Website. Here, you’ll find:
- Information about the European Elections and the European Parliament
- Free educational materials on democracy and sustainability in English, Swedish, Danish, Portuguese and Turkish
- Open Letters to read and download
- Information about the youth project, activities for young people and youth testimonial videos
- Partners’ contact information
The website is a great place to find a great example of a successfull youth project that you can implement in your local area or with international partners under the Erasmus+ Programme.
Feel free to reach out to us for a collaboration or simply to learn more about the sessions we run, the methods we used and any other information you need to create an impactful youth project!
The Project
Up-Root Eco-Democracy is a KA120 youth project aiming to empower youth by increasing awareness about the EU, democratic processes, and climate change. With the European Parliament elections in mind, the project aimed to enhance youth participation in democracy. The project instilled a sense of responsibility and activism among the youth, equipping them with the tools to shape the future and address the pressing issue of climate change. Up-Root has a Facebook page and Instagram page updated with all project activities. Young people in Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal and Türkiye took part in local activities, online webinars and two international mobilities to Copenhagen and Cappadocia.
