Participation of Young People in European Community Life

MADEP-ACE brings together children and teenagers from 6 to 15 years old to share their experiences at school and in their local communities with their friends and families. They set up projects aimed at improving their situations within their social environment.

The participation of youngsters and democratic citizen participation is reflected more and more by a short-term commitment. This commitment is associative, humanitarian or individual rather than political or union-related, which characterized previous generations in Western Europe. These youngsters are encouraged to get involved in local and national life as well as in our European project. However, their degree of participation is not always a truth reflection of their position within society. Although their lack of experience is often criticized, we can state that they do not play the role in our society that they would like to. Despite of this, youngsters get involved in the local community life and new types of emerging activities, which enable them to organize themselves and take action.

Citizen mobilization and participation of youngsters also vary from country to country within Europe. Through youth organizations, youngsters are able to find a place of expression, of varying vocation, participation and solidarity. The different NGOs represent a framework for political education, promotion of participation and critical awareness.

It is in this context that MADEP-ACE is organizing, from 28 March to 2 April 2006, a seminar on the topic of participation of young people in local, national and European community life.