INTRODUCTION: During the last two decades a growing concern about the decline of youth civic engagement and political participation has been observed. The academic discussion about the youth a loss of interest in civic and political affairs, growing apathy (when compared to previous generations) and little interest in community wellbeing has started. It has been discussed that such phenomenon is leading to the weakening of the democracy. Youth civic and political participation is a process of involving youth in municipal policy decisions that affect their lives. It includes local initiatives that emphasize cultural and sport activities, ecological matters, community, education, public services and other issues. The purpose of these road map recommendations is twofold: the first one is to collect and present synthesis of consultations with stakeholders, in addition, the present recommendations aim to determine what are the main gaps in the networks of youth political participation and how to increase the synergy and the cooperation between different factors.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this quantitative study was to identify and assess the needs of institutions relating to the stimulation of youth civic participation at local and cross-border level, youth engagement in decision-making processes, key barriers to civic participation of young people and effective forms and methods of involving youth in active citizenship. The problem was highlighted from the perspective of adult decision-makers represented by employees of local institutions from the Lithuanian municipality of Telšiai, Polish municipalities of Dzierzgoń, Elbląg, Gdynia, Iława and Nowe Miasto Lubawskie, and the Swedish municipality of Hässleholm.
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this quantitative study was to identify and assess the following main problems at local and cross-border level: the situation with regard to Youth civic participation in the municipalities investigated, with identification of the opportunities for and forms of Youth participation in the discussion on issues related to their immediate environment, including decision-making; the key barriers to increasing the youth civic engagement; the needs of young people aged 14–24 in respect of increasing their civic participation. The problem was highlighted from the perspective of young people from the Lithuanian municipality of Telšiai, Polish municipalities of Dzierzgoń, Elbląg, Gdynia, Iława and Nowe Miasto Lubawskie, and the Swedish municipality of Hässleholm.
INTRODUCTION: The focus of this research was the youth participation in form of youth councils and other organisations (youth centres, consultative platforms) affiliated with municipalities. The aim of this research is to understand the level of youth engagement and the main restraining factors in several European states. The goal of this research is to offer qualitative insights on how young workers and stakeholders (youth workers, experts, local politicians) perceive and understand political participation in form of youth councils and civic engagement in youth centres. What does to be “involved” in local politics and municipal policy making process mean to young people? What are the most appropriate forms for authentic political and civic engagement? What are the most relevant issues for the political participation of youth at a municipal level? What are the main restraining factors for youth engagement?
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to show youth civic participation as a social inclusion element in the Southern Baltic region in need of reinforcement, based on the examples of selected municipalities from Lithuania, Poland and Sweden. The authors focused on the diagnosis of key elements of youth civic engagement at local and cross-border level, taking into account the context of national youth policies and the European Union policy. The problem was highlighted from the perspective of two social groups: adult decision-makers represented by employees of local institutions and young people aged 14–24 from the Lithuanian municipality of Telšiai, Polish municipalities of Dzierzgoń, Elbląg, Gdynia, Iława and Nowe Miasto Lubawskie, and the Swedish municipality of Hässleholm.
INTRODUCTION: An online publication presenting facts in brief aobut SBYCGN project data, partner organizations, involved municipalities and local institutions – their regular activities and interesting initiatives.
Films made during various project activities. Particularly interesting are the films created by young people for the video competition under the name “Citizenship participation and youth activity in the Baltic Sea Countries from the point of view of the SB YCGN Project” organized by the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, as part of the SB YCGN project.
