Voice Your Vision

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category

Organisation

Udruga Impress

Country

Croatia

WEBSITE

https://www.facebook.com/Udruga.Impress

Project link

https://www.facebook.com/Udruga.Impress/posts/pfbid02m3VQM7wm5trx2JMxC6DEHLt4xVa8bq6FXpbgDNbZVZmZkUzP7Uo94XFeyBHVSdcNl

General Overview

The “Express Your Vision” project, organised by the Impress Association as part of European Youth Week, provided a platform for young people to express their perspectives on the European Union, its contributions, and the importance of democracy. Participants were encouraged to creatively share their views through photography and written works.

Objectives

Encourage youth to express their opinions on the EU and democracy.
Promote active participation in international programmes like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
Create an inclusive space for exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration among young people across Europe.
Connect youth from different countries to promote international cooperation.

Activities

Exhibition Opening – featuring speeches, music, and performances.
Panel Discussions – with youth leaders, Erasmus+ participants, and international volunteers sharing their experiences.
Photography and Written Works Exhibition – showcasing 21 contributions from youth across Europe.
Interactive Workshops – fostering discussions and creative engagement.
Children’s Programme – ensuring educational fun for younger participants.

Methods

Creative expression through photography and writing.
Experiential learning from Erasmus+ participants and international volunteers.
Workshops and discussions for idea exchange and personal development.
Collaboration with local and international organisations.

Visibility
To ensure broad visibility, the project utilised:

Social Media Promotion – updates on Facebook, Instagram, and the Impress website.
Media Coverage – press releases and reports.
Photography and Video Documentation – sharing key moments of the event.
International Volunteers – expanding reach through their networks.

The project successfully engaged over 50 participants and inspired youth to participate in European programmes and civic activism.

Thematic Category Correspondence

(50 points max)

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

The “Express Your Vision” events directly align with the Youth Participation and Democracy thematic category by empowering young people to express their opinions on the European Union, democracy, and their role in shaping the future. The initiative fosters active participation, encouraging youth to engage in dialogue about democratic values and the importance of European unity. By organising an exhibition where young people from diverse backgrounds could share their thoughts through photography and written works, the project provided a platform for youth voices to be heard. This aligns with the core principles of democratic participation, where individuals are encouraged to express their views, contribute to discussions, and actively engage in societal decision-making processes.

The event also aimed to raise awareness about the importance of programmes like Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, which promote youth mobility and provide opportunities for young people to take part in international initiatives that foster democratic engagement and social inclusion. By showcasing the experiences of young Erasmus+ participants and international volunteers, the project highlighted the value of cross-cultural exchanges in strengthening democratic ideals.

Impact

(30 points max)

How did your project impact young people / your community?

The “Express Your Vision” project had a significant impact on young people by empowering them to express their views on democracy, the European Union, and their role in society. Through creative outlets like photography and writing, participants had the opportunity to reflect on and share their perspectives, which fostered a sense of ownership and pride in their voices. The project encouraged youth to think critically about the importance of democracy and to consider how they can actively contribute to shaping a better future. By engaging in discussions with peers, mentors, and international volunteers, participants gained new insights into the value of collaboration, diversity, and democratic engagement.

The interactive workshops and exhibitions provided a space for young people to connect with others who share similar values and interests, strengthening their sense of community and solidarity. Furthermore, the involvement of Erasmus+ participants and international volunteers helped broaden the young people’s understanding of international cooperation and the role of youth in global democracy. This exposure to cross-cultural perspectives motivated them to engage in future international programmes, such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, reinforcing their belief in the power of collective action and youth participation.

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 “Express Your Vision” project had a subtle green focus, with efforts to incorporate eco-friendly measures into its organisation. Although the primary goal was to promote youth participation and democracy, we ensured that sustainability was considered throughout the planning and execution stages.

Digital Promotion & Invitations: To reduce paper waste, we utilised digital platforms for event invitations, announcements, and social media promotion. This helped minimise the use of physical materials and ensured a broader, more eco-friendly reach.

Sustainable Materials for the Exhibition: The exhibition displayed creative works through photography and written pieces. We made a conscious effort to use recyclable materials for the presentation and printing of the materials. Additionally, we opted for digital formats when possible to reduce the need for printed materials.

Eco-conscious Event Setup: During the event, we focused on using reusable decorations and materials. For example, we avoided single-use plastics and instead used reusable items.

Youth Participation and Democracy Award category