L-Democracy aims to achieve this through the following key strategies:
01
Seeking to increase understanding and appreciation of democratic values, processes, and institutions among citizens, particularly youth.
02
Strengthening European identity and solidarity by promoting cross-cultural exchanges and dialogues on different democratic systems and the common importance of voting.
03
Motivating citizens, especially young people, to actively participate in democratic processes, including voting in local, national and EU elections.
04
Equipping citizens with critical thinking and digital literacy to analyze information, assess news sources, and recognize misinformation online.
05
Creating platforms for citizens to dialogue closely with policymakers, contributing to democratic governance and community development through civic initiatives.
PROJECT CONCEPT
L-Democracy is planned in three phases:
I. Awareness Raising, Capacitation and Information (WP1) - Pan-European Policy Workshop
This phase is composed of the Kick-off Workshop “Pan-European Policy Workshop”. It will lay the foundation for an inclusive and informed democratic engagement.
- The phase will begin with a comprehensive investigation and analysis of attitudes toward democracy and participation in local elections across partner countries. This will involve conducting surveys and interviews to gather insights from diverse citizen perspectives.
- The workshop will host a forum where individuals, particularly youth (18-35), will share their
experiences with local elections and discuss the importance of voting, allowing participants to compare electoral processes and identify common challenges and opportunities.
- Based on the insights gathered and discussions held during the workshop, the project will develop recommendations for enhancing democratic education and engagement.
II. Democratic Engagement and Education (WP2-WP5) - European Democracy Weekend Series
- This phase will organize a series of weekend events each comprising workshops, debates,
and guest speaker sessions. These events will be designed to accommodate various learning styles. Topics will be, for example: civic participation, climate change, e-democracy, and disinformation.
- The events will promote a shared narrative on democratic participation, emphasizing common values and principles across European countries. However, each event will be tailored to reflect the cultural and political context of the host country to ensure relevance and resonance with local participants.
III. Disseminate and Amplify (WP6) - Digital Storytelling and Campaigns - Final Conference
- The project will launch a digital storytelling initiative where participants create and share videos that reflect their perspectives on democracy. This will be facilitated through the creation of a project website and social media platforms.
- The project will culminate in a final conference. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, exchange insights, and discuss the effectiveness of digital communication in promoting democratic education. The conference will facilitate discussions on the future of European democratic education projects, exploring innovative approaches and strategies for sustaining and expanding civic engagement initiatives.
OBJECTIVES
01
Conduct research and surveys to identify the primary barriers preventing individuals from voting in local elections, particularly among young adults and other underrepresented groups.
02
Develop and implement targeted civic engagement initiatives and workshops aimed at increasing voter turnout, focusing mainly on young adults aged 18-35.
03
Design and deliver civic education workshops to bridge the gap in civic knowledge and promote democratic values among citizens, with a particular focus on reducing misinformation and fostering critical thinking.
04
Promote responsible digital citizenship and provide citizens with tools to critically assess information online.
05
Advocate for gender equality and women's representation in local governance and decision-making positions - promoting female leadership, supporting women's participation in political processes, and addressing barriers to gender parity in elected positions.
06
Foster transparent and permanent communication channels between elected local and regional officials and citizens to rebuild trust and address perceptions of disconnect through events to engage citizens in decision-making processes.
PARTNERS
Project 101192608 — L-Democracy
Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
