Democratic Meeting

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Organisation

Famalicão City Council

Country

Portugal

WEBSITE

http://www.juventudefamalicao.org/

Project link

https://www.facebook.com/share/15jmuXPGWp/?mibextid=wwXIfr

General Overview

The Democratic Meeting is an initiative promoted by the Youth Department of the Vila Nova de Famalicão City Council, aiming to bring youth closer to democracy and foster their active engagement in decision-making processes.

In 2024, the project had the following main objectives:

Promote discussion on topics related to 25 April 1974 (a milestone in national democracy), freedom, participation, and the evolution of democracy;
Stimulate intergenerational dialogue on democratic values through direct contact with democratically elected figures;
Develop youths’ critical thinking;
Inspire new generations to value and practise active citizenship.

The project was part of the European Youth Week celebrations and the target audience included student representatives aged 18 from local schools and diverse social contexts, but also individuals who registered through our website www.juventudefamalicao.org.

The project consisted of three complementary phases:

Speed Meeting – A dynamic moment where students engaged directly with our current and former Mayors, being divided into four smaller groups, so they could talk and exchange ideas with each guest, fostering informal dialogue.
School-Based Work – After the initial meeting, young participants reflected on and developed concrete proposals, working collaboratively in a school environment.
Public Presentation of Proposals – In a Municipal Assembly format, participants presented their proposals to the Mayor and other council members, symbolising a commitment to the democratic future.
To ensure the visibility of Eurodesk, the Democratic Meeting 2024 highlighted opportunities provided by the European Union, such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps. It was made clear that one of the greatest achievements of freedom and democracy is the possibility for youth to move freely across EU countries, allowing them to study, work, and experience opportunities abroad.

This way, we not only celebrated freedom and democracy but also empowered youth to recognise and value opportunities.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

How does this initiative (project, event, material) correspond to the thematic category

The Democratic Meeting fully aligns with the criteria for the Award for Youth Participation and Democracy as it actively promoted youth engagement in processes of reflection and decision-making, focusing on democratic values and active citizenship. From the conceptual phase, the project was designed based on youths’ needs, ensuring their direct participation in both activities and outcomes.

For instance, the Speed Meeting placed the students at the centre of the dialogue, offering them a unique opportunity to interact with influential figures who shared perspectives on civic participation and the role of youth in building a more democratic and inclusive society. This innovative and interactive format ensured that young participants were not mere spectators, but active participants and key players in the development of concrete proposals, which were later discussed amongst themselves and in the Municipal Assembly.

By creating awareness about European democracy, this project also aimed to stimulate active participation in the European elections that took place in June. As such, the Democratic Meeting serves as an example of excellence in promoting citizenship and democracy among the youth by combining innovation, active participation, and a commitment to European democratic values.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

Firstly, the project empowered young people, showing them that their voices matter. Interactions during the Speed Meeting inspired participants and helped them understand that they can play a relevant role in society. The experience of engaging in dialogue with well-known democratically elected figures and presenting proposals to local decision-makers strengthened young people’s confidence and critical thinking, preparing them for future civic challenges.

Additionally, schools became places of debate and creativity, where participants worked in teams to develop concrete proposals. This process not only promoted critical thinking but also strengthened collaboration among the youth. In the final phase – the public presentation and voting on the best proposals – the project created a space for intergenerational dialogue. Local elected officials listened to and responded to the concerns and ideas presented, further emphasising the importance of youth participation.

The outcomes of the Democratic Meeting extended beyond the event itself: participants left with greater knowledge of national and European opportunities and a stronger conviction that their contributions are essential for building a more democratic and inclusive society. With over 100 participants directly involved and a broader reach through social media content, the project’s impact is evident in the increased civic awareness and interest in future citizenship initiatives.

Green Focus

(10 points max)

Did your project have any green focus and/or did you implement any eco-friendly measures when organising it?

The Democratic Meeting incorporated eco-friendly practices at every stage of the project, in line with the “Golden Principles of Eco-Friendly Information Services.” Several measures were taken to minimise the environmental impact of the event, such as reusing the decorations throughout the three phases, thereby reducing material waste. Additionally, instead of paper name tags, metal pins were used to identify participants – a sustainable and reusable solution.

The promotional campaign for the event was entirely digital, avoiding paper waste and emphasising a commitment to sustainable practices. Students from schools near the venue walked to the event, while those from peripheral areas used public transportation, promoting more sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility. The catering was also sustainable, featuring local foods and some plant-based options.

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category