Democracy in Practice is an interactive youth education project designed to strengthen democratic awareness, active participation, and civic responsibility among young people through non-formal and experiential learning. The project responds to the need for meaningful youth engagement by making democratic processes practical, accessible, and closely connected to young people’s everyday lives.
The project is based on experiential learning and active participation. A core activity is a governance simulation, where participants work in groups representing different decision-making systems: democracy, dictatorship, oligarchy, and anarchy. Each group creates a fictional “state” by choosing a name, designing a flag, and setting rules according to its assigned system. Through this exercise, participants experience how power distribution, inclusion, and participation influence fairness, efficiency, and group dynamics.
A key focus of the project is contemporary democracy. Participants explore how representative democracy functions today and learn about practical mechanisms for civic participation, such as elections and participatory budgeting. Democratic values, freedom, equality, respect, solidarity, and responsibility, are integrated throughout the activities, encouraging empathy, dialogue, and respect for diverse perspectives.
In the second phase, participants are divided into two parallel tracks. One half develops community or school improvement ideas through a participatory budgeting exercise, while the other half takes part in a simulated school election, forming political parties, defining values, creating programmes, and preparing campaign speeches.
In the final stage, all participants gather in a joint plenary session to present their proposals and programmes and vote in both processes. Through simulations, reflection, and shared decision-making, Democracy in Practice empowers young people with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to actively participate in democratic life.
Democracy in Practice
Title of the Project
Democracy in Practice
Organisation
ZPTM Brežice (Brezice Youth Centre)
Project link
https://www.facebook.com/mladinskicenterbrezice/posts/pfbid0NG2fstqq2cjJ4MDi9c1Lat8B7deamRrAEZ5M53A99ui7SvfSJo8yMH3YsbzVF3TMl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZbjS2Yht--mRfYui5_k_Vh-09kev3bVZbf432_wlDdAN-2MGIOeiGDAmpB2n4KxpS1ITp8YEEardlo7C8BA3siGi28Nv4JkxQdB2pt3IbNA5Efv7Pg9mAlwDF8GK72POG6sLUn007BWHCE5n_fJ7uOuLHzQD_qcmN69fTD3xYtTTOzPN6ifJVh1mZh8eVaXjwE&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R
https://www.mc-brezice.si/novice/demokracija-v-praksi-2
Project dates
2025-12-19
2025-12-19
What is it about?
How is this project relevant to the specific category?
This event directly corresponds to the thematic category Youth Participation and Democracy by actively involving young people in democratic processes through hands-on, participatory learning. Rather than focusing on theoretical explanations, the project enables participants to experience democracy in practice, helping them understand how decision-making systems function and how their own participation can influence outcomes.
Through interactive simulations, young people explore different forms of governance and reflect on how power, inclusion, and representation affect individuals and communities. By comparing democratic and non-democratic systems, participants gain a deeper understanding of the value of democratic principles such as equality, participation, accountability, and respect for diverse opinions.
The project places strong emphasis on youth participation by giving young people a real decision-making role. Activities such as participatory budgeting and simulated elections allow participants to propose ideas, develop programmes, debate priorities, and vote on collective decisions. These exercises mirror real-life democratic mechanisms and demonstrate how young people can engage in decision-making processes at school, local, and community levels.
The project also strengthens key competences for democratic participation, including critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and active listening. Reflection sessions encourage participants to express their views, consider different perspectives, and develop empathy, which are essential elements of democratic culture.
By empowering young people with knowledge, skills, and practical experience, the project supports their ability to become active citizens. It reinforces the idea that democracy is not limited to formal political institutions, but is a daily practice that starts in schools, youth groups, and local communities. In this way, the project strongly aligns with the thematic focus on Youth Participation and Democracy by promoting informed, inclusive, and meaningful engagement of young people in democratic life.
What was the impact of the project?
The project had a strong positive impact on both young people and the wider community by increasing awareness, confidence, and active engagement in democratic processes. Young participants gained a clearer understanding of how democracy works in practice and how different forms of decision-making influence fairness, inclusion, and responsibility. Young people developed key skills essential for active citizenship, including communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to express and defend their opinions respectfully. At the community level, the project encouraged young people to reflect on real needs in their school and local environment. The project proposals developed during the participatory budgeting exercise generated practical ideas for improving shared spaces and activities, strengthening young people’s connection to their community. The event helped raise awareness of youth participation and the importance of democratic values. It demonstrated that young people are capable of meaningful involvement when given appropriate space and support. The initiative also strengthened connections between young people, educators, and youth workers, fostering a more participatory and inclusive environment.
Did the project have any green focus?
Yes, the project had a strong green focus, as environmental responsibility is one of the core values of our organisation. Sustainability is integrated into all our activities, including the planning and implementation of this project. Most communication and promotion were carried out digitally via social media and online platforms, significantly reducing the use of printed materials. When printing was necessary, it was kept to a minimum and materials were shared among participants.
We prioritised the use of reusable and simple materials during activities and encouraged participants to reduce waste by reusing paper and supplies. Digital tools were used for voting and feedback instead of paper-based methods, further lowering the environmental footprint of the project.
How did you ensure Eurodesk's visibility in your project?
We ensured Eurodesk’s visibility through consistent communication across our online channels. The project was promoted both before and after its implementation via posts on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as on our website, European Youth Portal and Mlad.si. After the event, we shared several posts with photos and created a short video published on TikTok and Instagram. Eurodesk logos were used in all visual materials, and Eurodesk was clearly tagged and mentioned in all posts to ensure strong visibility and recognition.
