{"id":110,"date":"2026-02-05T12:34:45","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T12:34:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/youthdemocraid.npo.one\/?page_id=110"},"modified":"2026-06-20T00:43:08","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T23:43:08","slug":"political-participation-and-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/political-participation-and-advocacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Political Participation and Advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"alignwide wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1439\" src=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1.webp\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1.webp 2560w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1-1536x863.webp 1536w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/political-advocacy-europe-scaled-1-2048x1151.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--70)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This workshop focuses on&nbsp;Political Participation and Advocacy&nbsp;and is part of the Youth DemocrAID project under the European Union&#8217;s CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values). Its goal is to help young people, aged 15\u201325, understand the role they can play in shaping democratic societies\u2014both through formal political processes and through informal, community-driven action.<br>Across Europe, and particularly in Greece, youth participation in traditional political structures has declined. However, young people continue to find new and creative ways to engage, especially through digital tools and social movements. This workshop aims to harness that energy and curiosity by offering a hands-on experience in political reflection, debate, and planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is political participation and advocacy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Political participation refers to the different ways in which citizens\u2014especially youth\u2014engage in political life to influence decisions, policies, or leaders. It can include voting, joining political parties, protesting, volunteering, or advocating for social causes. Participation is often divided into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Conventional<\/strong>&nbsp;forms (e.g., voting, campaigning),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Unconventional<\/strong>&nbsp;forms (e.g., demonstrations, online activism, grassroots movements).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advocacy, on the other hand, refers to actions taken to support or promote specific causes or rights. It includes strategies like campaigns, petitions, public speaking, and engagement with institutions. It\u2019s a vital part of strengthening democracy, transparency, and social justice.<br>This workshop introduces both concepts and helps participants explore how they can use them to address local and global challenges\u2014from mental health to climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Youth leadership: taking initiative for change<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Youth leadership in this context means more than occupying formal roles\u2014it\u2019s about taking initiative, developing a voice, and organizing for change. Throughout the workshop, participants create and lead campaigns, participate in rapid-fire debates, and even simulate media engagement through a final press-style discussion with a political representative.<br><br>In doing so, they develop critical leadership skills such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Strategic thinking and decision-making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Public communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empathy and inclusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizing and planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Questioning and holding power accountable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leadership here is not top-down\u2014it is collective, dialogical, and grounded in real-world concerns and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The role of political participation and active citizenship<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Political participation is more than voting\u2014it\u2019s about making your voice heard and influencing the world around you. Today\u2019s youth are faced with social, environmental, and economic challenges that demand active citizenship and informed decision-making.<br>This workshop encourages youth to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understand political systems and their rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognize the power of direct action, campaigns, and advocacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use digital tools to raise awareness and mobilize support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engage respectfully with opposing views<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contribute to democratic processes at the community level<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By blending education with action, the workshop fosters a deeper connection between young people and their role in shaping democratic societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:9px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The goals of the workshop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Promote democratic awareness<\/strong>: Help participants understand political structures, rights, and forms of engagement (traditional and modern).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Develop critical thinking and debate skills<\/strong>: Through speed-debating and reflection, foster the ability to analyze issues and argue constructively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Encourage collaborative action<\/strong>: Guide participants in creating campaigns using real tools like petitions, protests, and social media.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support civic identity building<\/strong>: Foster a sense of responsibility and belonging as citizens capable of initiating change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Empower political communication<\/strong>: Strengthen public speaking, questioning, and dialogue through a final press-style discussion with a political guest.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bridge knowledge and action<\/strong>: Connect abstract concepts (like democracy, participation, advocacy) with real, practical applications through gamified and participatory activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agenda (2 proposals)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"603\" height=\"245\" src=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/unnamed-4.webp\" alt=\"Timetable showing a two hour version of the workshop program activities.\" class=\"wp-image-111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/unnamed-4.webp 603w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/unnamed-4-300x122.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 603px) 100vw, 603px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"611\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/unnamed-5.webp\" alt=\"Timetable showing a four hour version of the workshop program activities.\" class=\"wp-image-112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/unnamed-5.webp 611w, https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/unnamed-5-300x154.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:6px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:2px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Materials for Trainers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:3px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-accent-5-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/gr_workshop_plan-_english.docx.pdf\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--natural)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">English<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-accent-5-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/gr_workshop_plan_italian.docx.pdf\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--natural)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Italian<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--3\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-accent-5-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/greece_workshop_plan.pdf\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--natural)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Greek<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-794e3cfa wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--4\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-accent-5-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--natural)\">Portuguese<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--5\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-accent-5-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--natural)\">Polish<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100 is-style-outline is-style-outline--6\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-accent-5-background-color has-background wp-element-button\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;box-shadow:var(--wp--preset--shadow--natural)\">Slovak<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:5px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction This workshop focuses on&nbsp;Political Participation and Advocacy&nbsp;and is part of the Youth DemocrAID project under the European Union&#8217;s CERV programme (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values). Its goal is to help young people, aged 15\u201325, understand the role they can play in shaping democratic societies\u2014both through formal political processes and through informal, community-driven action.Across Europe, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":348,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-110","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=110"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":523,"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/110\/revisions\/523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/348"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/youth-democraid.npo.one\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}