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Introducing Youth-Digi-Citizens: Empowering Youth Through Digital Citizenship

In alignment with the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and its focus on enhancing youth participation in democratic processes, we proudly present Youth-Digi-Citizens.eu—a pioneering initiative designed to foster active engagement and digital citizenship among young Europeans. This project is dedicated to equipping youth with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary for meaningful participation in decision-making processes at local, national, and European levels.

Youth-Digi-Citizens aims to bridge the gap between young people and the democratic process by creating a robust framework for digital engagement and participation. By integrating youth voices into policy discussions, the project ensures that their perspectives are not only heard but also have a tangible impact on the development of policies that shape their futures.

The project focuses on several key objectives. First, it supports national-level planning for youth participation by collaborating with National Agencies and stakeholders to develop national strategies and action plans. This collaborative approach aims to create effective frameworks that empower young people to contribute to shaping policies in their communities. Second, Youth-Digi-Citizens encourages strategic collaboration between National Agencies by facilitating youth participation events and mobility opportunities that adhere to quality guidance criteria. This collaboration fosters shared learning and best practices across Europe.

The initiative also aims to enable effective support for youth-led projects by providing tools and assistance to young applicants, allowing them to develop and implement projects with a focus on meaningful youth participation. Finally, the project seeks to raise awareness among decision-makers about the value and impact of youth participation in democratic life. By informing decision-makers about how youth engagement connects young people to public decision-making processes, the project enhances the role of youth in shaping policies.

The project includes a range of dynamic activities designed to engage young people across Europe. In Greece, an event will focus on helping youth navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, culminating in the creation of a Toolkit for developing and monitoring digital citizenship strategies. In Slovakia, participants will explore the role of digital citizenship in youth education and policy reform, discussing its relevance compared to other concepts like digital literacy and media literacy.

In Latvia, a debate will bring together youth and decision-makers to discuss strategies for fostering active digital citizenship, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and responsible decision-making. In Spain, a Democratic Youth Forum will examine the role of social media in youth civic engagement, focusing on how digital tools can enhance participation in social and political issues.

Additionally, a Youth Participation Mobility event in Greece will establish Digital Citizenship Youth Clubs across Europe. These clubs will focus on key digital domains such as media literacy, ethics, and privacy, aiming to empower youth to engage in local politics and decision-making processes.

In a world where digital engagement is increasingly significant, Youth-Digi-Citizens addresses the need for youth to be prepared for meaningful participation. By promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical digital behavior, the project aims to build a generation of informed, responsible, and active digital citizens. We invite you to follow our progress and join us in this exciting journey towards enhancing youth participation and digital citizenship across Europe.

Local Youth Participation Events: Empowering Youth Through Digital Engagement Across Europe:

As part of the Youth-Digi-Citizens initiative, a series of local youth participation events will be held in Greece, Latvia, and Spain. These events play a vital role in connecting young people with decision-makers and empowering them to actively engage in democratic processes. Focusing on fostering dialogue, promoting digital citizenship, and developing the skills necessary for effective civic engagement, these events are designed to equip youth with the tools to influence policies that impact their communities.

In Greece, 150 participants will gather for a Youth Round Table dedicated to exploring how young people can safely, critically, and responsibly participate in a world driven by social media and digital technologies. The event will focus on building resilience against potential harms of the online world while encouraging participants to harness its opportunities. A key outcome will be the creation of a Toolkit to develop and monitor strategies that promote digital citizenship, with a focus on media literacy and safe online behavior.

In Latvia, 45 participants will join a Debate Discussion with Decision Makers. This event will focus on stimulating active digital citizenship, encouraging participants to explore how young people can develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding to succeed as digital citizens in a 21st-century Europe. By discussing how to foster collaboration, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making, this event will help build a generation of young people ready to actively contribute to their local and European communities.

Spain will host a Democratic Youth Forum with 45 participants, focusing on the theme of “Developing Digital Citizenship and Youth Civic Engagement Through Social Media.” As digital tools become central to how young people engage with civic issues, this forum will examine how social media can be leveraged for civic participation. Participants will explore how civil society organizations can support youth engagement through digital platforms, helping young people become more active in addressing political and social challenges in their communities.

Each of these local events is designed to empower youth to take an active role in shaping the policies that affect them. By fostering dialogue with decision-makers and providing a platform for young people to express their views, the Youth-Digi-Citizens project ensures that youth voices are not only heard but are actively integrated into local, national, and European decision-making processes.

The events aim to build the capacity of young participants by enhancing their critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, all while encouraging the responsible use of digital tools. By addressing the importance of digital citizenship, the events empower youth to become active and informed citizens in the digital world, equipping them with the skills to navigate both online and offline civic spaces.

Moreover, these events are designed to inspire continuous engagement. Participants are encouraged to take the skills and knowledge they gain back to their communities, ensuring that the impact of these events extends far beyond the initial discussions.

By organizing these events across Europe, Youth-Digi-Citizens aims to foster a generation of young people who are not only digitally literate but also active participants in shaping the democratic life of their communities. The local youth participation events represent a key part of this mission, providing young people with the tools, platforms, and opportunities to engage in policy discussions and civic action, both locally and across Europe.

Youth Participation Mobility in Greece: Empowering Digital Citizens of Tomorrow

As part of the Youth-Digi-Citizens initiative, the Youth Participation Mobility event in Greece will bring together young people from across Europe for a transformative five-day experience aimed at developing essential digital citizenship skills. This event focuses on equipping youth with the knowledge and tools to engage responsibly and actively in both digital and democratic spaces.

Central to the event is the creation of Digital Citizenship Youth Clubs, which will focus on ten key digital domains such as media literacy, ethics, online safety, privacy, and digital inclusion. These clubs are designed to help participants build critical digital skills, from interpreting information responsibly to staying safe online and advocating for their communities. By addressing real-world challenges, these clubs will foster the development of informed, engaged digital citizens.

In addition to digital competencies, the event will also focus on strengthening leadership and civic engagement among youth. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative discussions, participants will enhance their critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities, which are vital for personal, professional, and civic development.

The impact of this mobility event will extend far beyond the five days in Greece. By establishing ongoing networks through the Digital Citizenship Youth Clubs, participants will continue to collaborate and apply their skills, becoming youth leaders who can inspire and drive positive change within their communities.

This event is a key part of the Youth-Digi-Citizens mission to build a generation of digitally literate, responsible, and active citizens. Stay tuned to Youth-Digi-Citizens.eu to learn more about the mobility event and how it contributes to shaping the digital citizens of tomorrow.

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