The project is an answer to the results of studies (e.g. a cyclical study entitled “The Youth”), but also information on the turnout of particular age groups in elections – young Poles are interested in public matters to a limited extent and do not fully take advantage of the mechanisms of democracy. One of the reasons therefor may be insufficient civic education at Polish schools. NGOs try to fill this gap in the system, whose activities are more effective if they are conducted in partnership with local governments.
Therefore, activities as part of this project (published materials or training forms) are addressed to both representatives of organizations and local government entities below 100,000 inhabitants. The most important target group of the project encompasses new or poorly experienced NGOs who wish to strengthen active citizenship among the youth but need theoretical and practical support for this.
We assume that we will strengthen 278 organizations and increase the readiness of 280 representatives of local governments to cooperate and partner with NGOs with regard to civic activation of the youth.
Participants project will understand why activating young citizens is crucial to the youth, the future of democracy, and local communities. They will also learn which activities activate the youth and how to implement them on their own (such activities require cooperation between NGOs and local governments). They will also acquire knowledge about building partnerships between organizations and local governments – we hope that such education will also result in establishing new partnerships.
The project is conducted in partnership with the Association of Polish Cities – an association of local government entities comprising over 330 cities and towns, recognized in the environment of local government members. The Association of Polish Cities will help us adjust the message of the project to the needs of local government members and conduct promotional activities.