Workshop 5
BEYOND YOUTH PARTICIPATION
Workshop facilitator: Dragan Atanasov
Youth participation is a key to building more resil- ient and democratic societies. When young people are engaged in decision-making processes, legisla- tion reflects societal needs more accurately while also preparing the next generation to take the steering wheel of our shared future. Well-designed participa- tion strategies create not only a better today but also a more peaceful and sustainable tomorrow. Yet, too often, young people encounter procedures that are symbolic rather than meaningful. That is why I chose the workshop “Beyond Youth Participation” —to look beyond tokenism and explore how youth engagement can become truly impactful. This was the starting point for our workshop, where ten individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds came together under the guidance of Mr. Dragan Atanasov, an experienced youth worker. We explored the theoretical foundations of civil society and participation, learned about Roger Hart’s Ladder of Youth Participation, exchanged perspectives and first- hand experiences from our communities. Together, we asked ourselves, “What are the main challenges young people face in terms of participation, and how can we improve the current state of affairs?” The diversity of the group proved to be our greatest strength. Although we came from over nine different countries, we discovered that many of our struggles were the same. We spoke about tokenism—youth repre- sentation existing only for appearances—and about the challenges of motivating peers or lacking the frame- works needed for lasting engagement. These conversa- tions allowed us to see the real gaps and work together toward meaningful solutions. The workshop’s main outcome was a practical toolkit for youth workers: a 15-page document that blends theoretical perspectives with real-life examples tested in practice. Its purpose is to provide a universally adapt- able methodology to strengthen youth participation in different contexts. Beyond the final output, the workshop offered a space to learn from each other, challenge assumptions, and broaden perspectives in a truly empowering environ- ment. Among many powerful stories, listening to a Georgian participant share experiences of persecution
by officials, or hearing how Japanese cultural traditions shape young people, deeply enriched my own under- standing. Such stories reminded me that our chal- lenges are interconnected and that solutions must be viewed through a multifaceted prism. There is a saying that every person is a mosaic of the people and experiences they encounter. This work- shop—and the Youth4Peace event as a whole—added many new fragments to my own mosaic. I leave inspired and determined to carry these lessons with me into the future.
Author: Jan Barva, Czech Republic
Link to Website
Youth4Peace 30
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