ParticipACTION

As part of the national assessment of the ParticipACTION project aimed to gather first-hand insights from young people (aged 16-23) on their understanding of civic engagement and the barriers they face in participating in democratic processes. Through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), we sought to assess their awareness, explore their experiences, and co-develop ideas on how to foster solidarity and active participation in decision-making at the national and EU levels.  

Participants across different FGDs displayed a general awareness of major EU institutions. Many were familiar with youth-focused programs like Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and EU traineeships but still a lot of other initiatives were unknown or people never engaged with them because of a lack of knowledge on how to do so: "Many young people don’t even know these programs exist, let alone how to access them."  

A recurring theme was the knowledge gap about how these institutions function and their impact on non-EU citizens. Young people, both Europeans but particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, find EU institutions distant and bureaucratic, as one girl said “The EU is like my old uncle that I only see when I go back home for Christmas. I know he is there and I care about him but I don’t think about him every day” but direct exposure and peer-to-peer learning enhance engagement. Many participants advocate for structured political education and more accessible avenues for civic involvement, especially in schools.  

Engagement in civic and political participation is valued across diverse groups of young people, yet barriers such as misinformation, lack of political education, and institutional inaccessibility hinder effective involvement, but among the findings that highlighted the importance of confronting directly with youth there is a statement that one person said during the FGDs: “We talk about access barriers, but sometimes the biggest barrier is psychological - young people don’t see themselves as belonging in these spaces”.  

Grassroots organizations and peer mentorship are the most trusted engagement methods. “If you want to engage marginalized youth, you need to go to them. They won’t come to you.” said another youth interviewed. Proposed solutions include better political education, storytelling, and inclusive youth-led initiatives to make participation more accessible and meaningful.  

And that is what ParticipACTION is here for! 

The Focus Groups 

Between January and March 2025, we brought together 151 young people, aged 16-23, from Italy, Cyprus, France, and Lithuania and asked them about their understanding of civic engagement and the barriers they face in participating in democratic processes. We sought to assess their awareness, explore their experiences, and co-develop ideas on how to foster solidarity and active participation in decision-making at the national and EU levels. 

To foster rich and dynamic conversations, we carefully designed the groups with varying compositions—some sessions included only high school students, others only university students, while some mixed both to observe how discussions evolved in different settings. In total, 21 FGDs were organized by IRC and its partners Glocal Factory, Generation for Change, Mano Europa and Place Network.  

Additionally, the nationality of participants varied, ensuring that in some cases, a safe and comfortable space was prioritized, while in others, a stimulating and thought-provoking debate was encouraged. This diversity allowed us to capture a broad spectrum of perspectives, making the discussions even more insightful and reflective of young people's realities across Europe. 

During the Focus Group Discussions, we had the chance to dive deep into how young people truly feel about Europe, politics, and civic engagement. Their perspectives—ranging from curiosity to skepticism—shed light on the barriers they face and the motivations that drive them. Through open dialogue, we explored key themes such as youth political participation, barriers to civic engagement, representation and inclusion, the role of social media in activism, and the impact of EU policies on young people’s lives. 

Social media, especially Instagram and YouTube, plays a crucial role in shaping political awareness and give youth the feeling of having first-hand and reliable information, even if they are aware of the risk of misinformation: "It’s insane that Bosnia is so close [to Italy], but people here don’t know what has happened there. That’s why I inform my community on Instagram." This is what a participant from Bosnia living in Italy said regarding the lack of information on what is going on outside of Italy in the mainstream media. 

This firsthand input was invaluable, allowing us to gather real insights and fresh perspectives that will shape the next steps of the ParticipACTION project. All of this work has laid the foundation for our National Assessments on the level of awareness, gaps in knowledge, and barriers to young people’s participation in civic democratic life and decision-making process in Europe, an in-depth analysis that compiles both research and youth-driven reflections. Once finalized, the National Assessments will be published on this website—stay tuned! 

As per the second event of the ParticipACTION project, between February and April 2025, we hosted eight Interactive Seminars across Europe, engaging a total of 148 young people aged 16 to 23 from diverse backgrounds. These events, held in various cities in Italy, France, Cyprus, and Lithuania, were designed to raise awareness, foster active engagement, and help shape the future direction of the project by prioritizing the issues most important to youth. 

The seminars focused on five key themes: Gender Equality, European Democracy, Values and Rights, Rule of Law and Security, Migration, and Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. Through a combination of presentations, group discussions, debates, and interactive activities, participants explored these themes and shared their personal perspectives. They also voted on which topics they felt should be prioritized, with the results shaping the project’s next steps. 

The three most popular themes across all countries were: 

• Values, Rights, Rule of Law & Security
• Gender Equality and Education, Culture, Youth & Sport
• Migration 

These priorities will guide the upcoming project events and advocacy activities, ensuring that the issues that matter most to young people are at the heart of our future work. 

What stands out from these seminars is how much youth engagement matters. Feedback from participants showed the positive impact these sessions had. One participant shared, "This project is truly giving so much to so many people — including me. I really enjoyed taking part, and I’m excited to keep going!" Another reflected, "Even though I felt a bit intimidated at first, I managed to express my thoughts because I felt my voice mattered." 

These seminars have proven that youth engagement goes beyond discussions — it’s about listening, learning, and taking action. By bringing young people together, we’ve built the foundation for an inclusive, youth-led dialogue that will continue to shape the ParticipACTION project as it moves forward. 

Over the next few months, we will host a series of National Roundtables with relevant stakeholders and local/national policymakers. These events will provide an opportunity to exchange views and ideas on civic and democratic engagement. 

All of this work feeds into our National Assessments, which analyze the level of awareness, knowledge gaps, and barriers young people face in participating in civic life and decision-making processes across Europe. The assessments combine research findings with youth-driven reflections for a comprehensive analysis. 

Once finalized, the National Assessments will be published on this website — stay tuned! 

Between May and June 2025, a pivotal moment took place: across four countries, 103 young people across Europe came together to speak up, connect, and take part in shaping real change. As part of the ParticipACTION project, seven National Roundtables took place in Italy, France, Cyprus, and Lithuania, creating a space for dialogue between youth and decision-makers. 

These events brought together 166 people in total - including youth, stakeholders, and project staff - with girls and young women making up 61% of participants. Over one-third (38%) of youth were Third Country Nationals (TCNs), reflecting the diverse voices driving these conversations. 

Each roundtable followed a shared format: a warm welcome, a clear intro to the project, a look at national research findings, and then a deep dive into the three selected project themes—migration, youth culture & sport, and rights & the rule of law. But more than just talking, we got moving: debates, group discussions, and creative workshops sparked ideas and helped break down real-life challenges. 

What stood out? 

• Youth raised concerns about discrimination, lack of political representation, education gaps, and barriers for asylum seekers.
• There was a strong call for more inclusive policies, mental health support, and spaces where young people - especially those from marginalized backgrounds - can lead.
• Decision-makers, activists, and educators didn’t just attend - they listened, engaged, and made clear that youth voices are needed at every level. 

Whether they joined us in Italy, Cyprus, Lithuania or France, they showed one thing loud and clear: young people are ready to lead - now. 

So what’s next? 
We’re using everything participants shared to build stronger, more inclusive national reports and to create a solid base for the next event’s discussions. Representatives from the 4 countries will meet in Verona to share opinions, ideas and to build solid resolutions all together, and of course we will tell you all about it as soon as possible! 

For two inspiring days, 34 people from Cyprus, France, Italy, and Lithuania came together in Verona to explore what civic and democratic participation really means for today’s youth, especially those from migrant and diverse backgrounds. This event was the fourth  one of the ParticipACTION project, designed to place young voices at the center of the conversation. 

The event brought together 22 young people aged 16 to 23, alongside educators, activists, and community leaders working on the frontlines of inclusion, anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ rights, and migrant support. With 79% female participation and 38% of youth identifying as Third Country Nationals (TCNs), the event reflected ParticipACTION’s commitment to equity, representation, and intersectionality. 

Over two days, participants exchanged ideas, shared national experiences, and collaborated on inclusive policy recommendations across three key areas: 

• Education, Culture, Youth & Sport
• Values, Rights, Rule of Law & Security
• Migration 

The workshop kicked off with icebreakers designed to foster transnational connections and create a welcoming environment. Country teams then presented findings from their local activities, revealing both common challenges and unique national dynamics. From France to Lithuania, participants echoed similar concerns: outdated civic education, bureaucratic barriers, and limited institutional listening. But they also showcased vibrant forms of engagement, such as volunteering, online activism, grassroots initiatives, and protest, as powerful ways youth are already shaping civic life. 

Through facilitated discussions and teamwork, they developed a series of thoughtful, rights-based recommendations. Among the key takeaways: 

• Civic education must be practical, inclusive, and rooted in real-life experiences.
• Schools and communities need to become safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue and diversity.
• Young people want more than information—they demand meaningful inclusion in democratic processes.
• Stronger EU-wide coordination is needed on migration policy, access to services, and support for NGOs.
• Media literacy, anti-discrimination training, and storytelling are essential tools for building empathy and countering hate. 

The event also allowed young participants to shape the agenda for the next transnational workshop, ensuring that ParticipACTION remains youth-led in both content and process. 

Do you want to know more? Take action, join the ParticipACTION project!  

Between July and October 2025, more than 100 participants from across Europe came together online to transform ideas into action through the ParticipACTION project’s second part of the transnational activity. Building on the reflections and discussions initiated during the in-person workshop in Verona, these online workshops focused on co-creating youth-led policy recommendations to strengthen civic and democratic participation among young people, particularly those from migrant and diverse backgrounds.

The activity brought together 107 participants from different countries, among them were 64 young people aged 16 to 23, alongside advocacy experts, educators, NGO staff, and stakeholders working on inclusion, migration, intercultural dialogue, and youth participation. 

To ensure accessibility and continuity of participation, the activity was organized through four online workshops held between July and October 2025. This flexible structure allowed young people and stakeholders to join from different cities and countries, including participants temporarily abroad or living outside the project implementation areas.

Across the four sessions, participants worked collaboratively to develop concrete, rights-based recommendations in three key thematic areas:

• Education, Culture, Youth & Sport
• Values, Rights, Rule of Law & Security
• Migration

Each workshop began with an introduction to the ParticipACTION project and a recap of the discussions that emerged during the Verona transnational workshop. Advocacy experts from the International Rescue Committee (IRC) then guided participants through the process of developing effective policy recommendations, helping young people translate their ideas and lived experiences into actionable proposals.

Participants were divided into breakout groups where they worked together to draft recommendations, always integrating a cross-cutting focus on gender equality and inclusion. The workshops created spaces for meaningful exchange between youth and professionals working directly in the field. Participants engaged with caseworkers supporting migrant communities, staff working at disembarkation points in Southern Italy, educators, and practitioners involved in intercultural learning and local civic engagement initiatives.

The discussions highlighted common concerns across countries, including barriers to inclusion, unequal access to education and services, discrimination, and the lack of meaningful opportunities for youth participation in democratic decision-making. At the same time, participants emphasized the importance of community-based initiatives, intercultural dialogue, and grassroots activism as powerful tools for change.

Through collaborative discussions and teamwork, participants collectively developed eighteen youth-led policy recommendations that will contribute to the ParticipACTION Joint Assessment Report. Among the key takeaways:

• Civic participation must be inclusive, accessible, and connected to young people’s real-life experiences.
• Policy-making processes should actively involve youth voices, especially those from migrant and underrepresented communities.
• Education systems and local institutions need stronger anti-discrimination and intercultural approaches.
• Gender equality and inclusion should remain cross-cutting priorities in all civic participation initiatives.
• Direct dialogue between young people, NGOs, and institutional stakeholders is essential for creating realistic and impactful solutions.

The online format also demonstrated how digital spaces can strengthen transnational collaboration and ensure broader participation across borders, allowing young people from different backgrounds to connect, exchange experiences, and shape collective solutions together.

Do you want to know more? Take action, join the ParticipACTION project!

Between October and November 2025, young people from Cyprus, France, Italy, and Lithuania came together through a series of Social Emotional Asset Development (SEAD) trainings designed to strengthen self-expression, confidence, and public speaking skills. As the sixth activity of the ParticipACTION project, these trainings aimed to empower young people from diverse backgrounds to develop the emotional and communication tools needed to actively participate in civic and democratic life.

A total of 152 participants took part in the activities, including 141 young people aged 16 to 23 and consortium staff members facilitating the sessions across the four participating countries. 

The SEAD trainings were implemented in multiple cities across Europe, including Milan, Parma, Lodi, Verona, Paris, Nicosia, Limassol, Pano Platres, and Kaunas. Across all countries, participants engaged in interactive workshops combining icebreakers, trust-building exercises, theoretical reflections, creative activities, and peer exchange. The trainings created safe and inclusive spaces where young people could reflect on their identities, share personal experiences, and strengthen their confidence in expressing themselves in front of others.

One of the core activities involved the creation of personal poems celebrating participants’ identities, experiences, strengths, and aspirations. Through storytelling, reflective writing, and group presentations, young people were encouraged to practice public speaking skills while building empathy, active listening, and mutual support within the group.

The trainings focused on developing key Social and Emotional Assets (SEAs), including:

• Self-confidence and positive identity
• Emotional well-being and sense of belonging
• Communication and conflict resolution skills
• Critical thinking and future orientation
• Public speaking and self-expression

Throughout the workshops, participants highlighted the importance of having spaces where they could openly share their experiences, discuss challenges, and connect with peers from different cultural and social backgrounds. The activities fostered meaningful dialogue around identity, inclusion, diversity, and participation, reinforcing the idea that emotional well-being and self-confidence are essential foundations for active civic engagement.

The flexible training formats also allowed partners to adapt the methodology to different environments, including schools, universities, community spaces, and youth centers. Whether delivered over multiple shorter sessions or through full-day workshops, the activities maintained a participatory and youth-centered approach focused on experiential learning and inclusion.

Across the different countries, participants showed high levels of engagement and appreciation for the workshops, particularly valuing the opportunity to strengthen their communication skills, connect with others, and gain confidence in expressing their ideas and perspectives.

By creating supportive and empowering spaces for reflection and self-expression, the WP6 SEAD trainings contributed to strengthening young people’s capacity to participate actively in public life, dialogue, and democratic processes.

Do you want to know more? Take action, join the ParticipACTION project!

Following the success of the socio-emotional workshops, the ParticipACTION project launched an exciting new phase: the Coming Across Challenge (CAC), an activity based on a curriculum developed by Place Network. Between December 2025 and February 2026, 139 participants across Cyprus, France, Italy, and Lithuania came together to transform their personal reflections into concrete, impactful leadership messages. 

This set of events engaged 126 young people aged 16 to 23. With a consistent female participation of 75% and strong involvement from youth with migrant backgrounds (25%), the project continued its mission of putting diverse voices at the center of the European conversation. This wasn't just a training course; it was a real stage where each participant could translate their lived experience into a vision for the future. 

A Four-Step Journey to Leadership 

The challenge was structured as a step-by-step journey of self-discovery and communication: 

• Reflect: Participants engaged in guided self-reflection to explore their aspirations and values, linking their personal stories to major European themes like migration, rights, and education. 
• Communicate: Through peer coaching sessions, youth practiced clarity and confidence, learning to give and receive constructive feedback to make their goals "SMART". 
• Create: Each reflection was transformed into a personal leadership narrative—a structured script that captures their unique story. 
• Share: The final milestone was the recording of a two-minute video profile, a powerful advocacy tool where participants present their vision for change directly to the world. 

Voices from the Field: Participant Impressions 

The energy in the workshops from Milan to Kaunas was palpable, and the feedback tells a story of deep connection and growth: 

• Connection and Community: Participants highlighted the sense of connection developed within the group as one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. 
• Personal Insight: Reflective activities were described as impactful, helping participants link their inner self-awareness to effective communication and leadership development. 
• High Satisfaction: The results were outstanding, with 88% of surveyed participants reporting high satisfaction. They particularly praised the trainers for their clarity, support, and ability to foster a positive, safe learning environment. 
• Measurable Growth: Despite limited time, 73% of participants reported a tangible increase in their Social and Emotional Assets, including self-efficacy and future orientation. 

Looking Ahead 

The videos produced during this challenge are not just for the classroom; they serve as a personal "calling card" for these young leaders as they prepare for future dialogues with policymakers. The Coming Across Challenge has proven that when we provide young people with the right tools, their capacity to inspire and lead knows no borders. 

Want to see the results and join us? Take action and become part of the ParticipACTION project!  

Following the foundations built through the SEAD trainings and the Coming Across Challenge, the ParticipACTION project reached a new milestone with the implementation of Work Package 8 (WP8). Between February and April 2026, young people from Italy, France, Cyprus, and Lithuania came together for a series of Advocacy Training sessions focused on transforming personal experiences and ideas into concrete civic action.

A total of 129 participants took part in the activities, including 116 young people aged 16 to 23 and consortium staff members supporting the implementation of the trainings across the four participating countries. 

Building on the self-confidence, communication, and storytelling skills developed during WP6 and WP7, the Advocacy Trainings aimed to equip young people with the practical knowledge and tools needed to actively engage in democratic processes and influence decision-making at local, national, and European level.

Throughout the workshops, participants explored how European institutions function and discussed the different ways young people can participate in shaping policies that affect their lives. Through interactive exercises, teamwork, and facilitated discussions, they learned how to identify advocacy priorities, engage with stakeholders, and communicate their messages effectively.

Across the sessions, participants worked on several key areas:

• Understanding the role of European institutions and democratic processes
• Learning how advocacy can drive social and political change
• Developing communication and public speaking strategies
• Building strong and impactful messages for policymakers
• Working collaboratively to design advocacy actions connected to issues they care about

The trainings maintained a highly participatory and youth-centered approach, combining theoretical inputs with practical activities, group discussions, and collaborative exercises. Participants particularly appreciated the interactive methodology, which helped make complex political processes more accessible, engaging, and connected to their everyday realities.

The workshops also created important spaces for dialogue, solidarity, and peer exchange. Across countries, participants highlighted the sense of connection developed within the groups and the opportunity to openly discuss shared experiences, aspirations, and challenges related to participation, inclusion, and representation. Many young people described the trainings as personally meaningful experiences that helped them strengthen their confidence, leadership skills, and sense of agency within their communities.

Feedback collected after the activities showed very high levels of engagement and satisfaction. Participants particularly valued the supportive learning environment, the practical communication exercises, and the opportunity to collaboratively develop ideas for positive social change.

Most importantly, WP8 represented a significant transition within the ParticipACTION journey: moving from reflection and storytelling toward collective advocacy and concrete civic engagement. Equipped with new knowledge, communication tools, and advocacy skills, participants are now prepared to take part in the next phase of the project, where they will present their ideas and recommendations directly to local, national, and European stakeholders through the National and Transnational Roundtables.

Do you want to know more? Take action, join the ParticipACTION project!

ParticipACTION is primarily addressed to young people aged 16-23 from diverse backgrounds, particularly young migrants, and especially young women and girls. Additionally, it targets stakeholders such as civil society organizations, grassroots and women-led groups, migrant-led organizations, activists, educators, local authorities, and cultural and research institutions who support or engage with youth. Policymakers at local, national, and EU levels are also key participants, as the project fosters dialogue and collaboration between them and young people. 

You may be able to join the project if you fit within the target group! The project is open to young people aged 16-23 from diverse backgrounds, with a particular focus on third-country nationals, and especially young women and girls, in Italy, Cyprus, France, and Lithuania. If you’re interested and meet these criteria, you could participate in events like workshops, roundtables, and advocacy activities designed to build skills and foster engagement in EU democratic processes. 

Stakeholders such as educators, activists, or representatives from civil society organizations and local authorities are encouraged to get involved in the project, especially if they work with youth or support democratic participation and inclusivity. 

Reach out to the project’s focal points via the contact details below to receive additional information on eligibility and involvement. 

We suggest you follow the social media channels of all the partners: 

• IRC Italy: X
• Glocal Factory: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Generation for Change: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• PLACE Network: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn
• Mano Europa: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn 

For more direct inquiries, please feel free to reach out to the project’s focal points mentioned in the contact section! 

For further questions about ParticipACTION, you can reach out to the project’s focal point: 

Italy: Tessa Piccinin - Project and MEAL Officer - Tessa.piccinin@rescue.org