In an era marked by political polarization, declining voter turnout, and waning trust in institutions, volunteering emerges as a vital form of democratic participation. Far from being a mere act of charity, volunteering is a tangible expression of civic responsibility, an avenue through which individuals contribute to the public good, strengthen social cohesion, and reinforce democratic values.
Democracy thrives not only in polling stations but also in community centers, food banks, and environmental cleanups. Volunteering allows citizens to engage with societal issues directly, often bypassing bureaucratic hurdles and partisan gridlock. In Italy, according to ISTAT’s 2023 Time Use Survey, approximately 4.7 million people aged 15 and over, about 9.1% of the population, engaged in voluntary activities, either through organizations or by providing direct help.
These volunteers contribute across sectors such as education, health, culture, and civil protection, often stepping in where public services fall short. Their efforts exemplify democratic resilience, as they “take responsibility and work on behalf of causes they believe in.” This form of engagement is especially vital in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, Italian volunteers mobilized to deliver food, support isolated elderly citizens, and assist overwhelmed healthcare systems. In doing so, they embodied the democratic principle of solidarity, acting not out of obligation, but from a shared sense of purpose and community.
Youth engagement is a cornerstone of sustainable democracy. The OECD highlights that youth volunteering and civic service programs “foster young people’s confidence for further civic engagement, skills development, and association with democratic institutions”.
These programs not only build individual capacity but also promote social inclusion and resilience, especially among marginalized communities.
By involving young people in structured civic service, societies can counteract political apathy and cultivate a generation of informed, active citizens. Initiatives like VERA 2025 (Volunteering Equality Rights Action) aim to make volunteering more inclusive and representative, aligning with the European Democracy Action Plan to protect civic space and empower citizens.
While volunteering can substitute for formal political engagement, it is not without its limitations. Research from the University of Birmingham warns that civic engagement through volunteering may be “a privileged one,” often dominated by well-educated and economically secure individuals. This raises concerns about equity and access, especially for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, initiatives like the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) offer a promising counterexample. The ESC enables young Europeans aged 18 to 30 to participate in volunteer projects across Europe while receiving free accommodation, meals, insurance, and a modest pocket allowance. By removing financial barriers, the program ensures that civic service is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status, and promotes inclusive democratic participation. It exemplifies how well-designed public policy can democratize volunteering and empower a broader spectrum of citizens to engage in meaningful civic action. Volunteer-driven initiatives often inform public policy and advocate for community needs, bridging the gap between citizens and institutions.
Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s about shaping the kind of society we want to live in. It is more than a feel-good activity; it is a democratic imperative. It empowers individuals to act on their values, strengthens community bonds, and fosters civic skills that are essential for participatory governance. As societies grapple with complex challenges, from climate change to social inequality, the role of volunteers as agents of democracy becomes increasingly vital.
By recognizing and investing in volunteering as a form of civic engagement, we not only enrich our communities but also fortify the democratic ideals that underpin them.
Being a citizen today is much more than simply holding a passport or showing up to vote. Citizenship is a living, evolving concept, one that asks individuals to engage, contribute, and take responsibility for the world around them. Voting remains a fundamental part of democratic life, but active citizenship goes beyond the ballot box. It includes volunteering in local projects, participating in community discussions, engaging in digital campaigns, or joining initiatives that promote social change. Understanding these diverse paths can help individuals, especially young people, recognize that they have the power to shape the communities they live in.
What Active Citizenship Really Means Active citizenship is about being present and involved not just in formal politics but in the everyday life of a community. It is about taking responsibility for shared spaces, collaborating with others, and contributing to societal improvement. It involves both understanding social and political systems and finding ways to act within them. Today, citizenship is no longer a passive status; it is a set of behaviors, decisions, and actions that affect real lives. In Europe, for instance, youth policies have begun emphasizing the value of engagement beyond voting. Programs encourage young people to explore a variety of ways to participate, from volunteering to advocacy campaigns, showing that citizenship can be a creative and empowering experience. The core idea is that participation is not just a duty, but a meaningful choice that connects individuals to the wider society.
Voting: A Necessary First Step Although active citizenship includes many forms of engagement, voting remains one of the most visible expressions of democratic responsibility. Voting is a mechanism through which individuals can express their opinions, influence policies, and hold leaders accountable. Yet, statistics show that many young people feel disconnected from politics. For example, recent Eurobarometer surveys indicate that while a majority of young Europeans believe their voice matters, fewer actually participate in elections.
This gap illustrates a common challenge: engagement cannot rely solely on formal political acts. Voting is important, but it is just one piece of the puzzle. Encouraging young citizens to explore other avenues for involvement volunteering, advocacy, and community projects can transform a sense of civic responsibility into tangible change.
Volunteering: Taking Action on What You Care About Volunteering is one of the most practical ways to engage as an active citizen. It provides a direct opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others while developing skills such as teamwork, leadership, and empathy. Contributing to a local cause whether it is helping in schools, supporting environmental projects, or assisting vulnerable populations creates a real impact.
The benefits of volunteering go beyond the immediate community. Engaging with others in meaningful ways strengthens social bonds, fosters empathy, and builds confidence. By helping to address social challenges, volunteers gain a firsthand understanding of the issues that affect their communities. Volunteering also provides an important bridge between awareness and action. Individuals can see the direct results of their efforts, which can inspire further participation in both local and larger societal initiatives.
Local Participation: Influencing Your Immediate Environment Active citizenship is often most tangible at the local level. Participating in neighborhood councils, attending community meetings, or collaborating with local organizations allows citizens to address issues that matter directly to them. This kind of engagement is not just about solving problems it also builds trust, social cohesion, and a sense of ownership over the community.
When individuals take part in local decision-making processes, they see how collective action leads to meaningful results. This understanding is crucial, because it shows that even small contributions attending a meeting, organizing an event, or helping a local initiative can accumulate into significant societal change. It also strengthens connections between residents, creating a more engaged and resilient community.
Besides, engaging in decision-making processes through NGOs offers a unique way for individuals to make their voices heard beyond traditional political channels. By joining an NGO, volunteering in projects, or participating in campaigns and consultations, people can contribute ideas, influence policies, and support community initiatives. NGOs often run campaigns that generate public pressure to influence decision-makers, thus indirectly serving as a bridge to participation in the political and democratic process, gathering collective input and advocating for change in areas like youth participation, environmental sustainability, or human rights. Even without formal authority, individuals can shape decisions indirectly, build networks, and be part of meaningful social impact. In this sense, NGOs provide both a platform and a community for active civic engagement.
Digital Activism: Engaging in the 21st Century The digital world has opened new possibilities for active citizenship. Social media, online petitions, and digital campaigns allow people to express their views, raise awareness, and mobilize support in unprecedented ways. Movements such as Fridays for Future demonstrate how online engagement can quickly translate into real-world action.
However, digital activism comes with its own challenges. Information spreads quickly, but not always accurately, and superficial engagement sometimes called “slacktivism” can give the illusion of participation without real impact. Digital literacy is therefore critical. Understanding how to navigate online platforms responsibly, critically evaluate information, and engage respectfully ensures that online activism becomes a meaningful extension of real-life civic participation.
Education as a Foundation for Participation Education plays a crucial role in shaping active citizens. Civic education equips individuals with knowledge about political systems, social structures, and democratic values. More importantly, it encourages critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and awareness of social responsibilities. Experiential learning opportunities, such as student councils, debate clubs, youth exchanges, or community projects, allow young people to practice participation in tangible ways. These experiences help develop confidence and a sense of efficacy, showing that individual actions can contribute to broader societal change. A well-educated citizen is more likely to take part in decision-making, volunteer in community projects, and advocate for positive change.
Youth Engagement: Opportunities and Challenges Young people bring energy, creativity, and innovation to civic life, yet their engagement is often limited by structural barriers or a lack of representation. Surveys, including Eurobarometer studies, show that while youth believe their voice matters, many feel disillusioned with formal politics. Providing accessible platforms for young people to engage, recognizing their contributions, and including them in policy development are essential steps for building a culture of participation.
When young citizens are given meaningful opportunities to act, they are more likely to develop lifelong habits of civic involvement. Participation is not a one-time act but a continuous process that grows with experience and responsibility.
Global Citizenship: Thinking Beyond Borders Active citizenship is not confined to local or national contexts. Global challenges such as climate change, migration, and inequality require individuals to act with awareness of the larger world. International volunteering, cross-cultural collaboration, and global advocacy are all expressions of a citizen’s responsibility toward the broader human community.
By engaging in international initiatives, individuals learn to balance local action with global awareness. This perspective cultivates empathy, tolerance, and problem-solving skills, while also fostering a sense of solidarity that transcends borders. Global citizenship emphasizes that actions in one community can ripple outward, affecting change on a much larger scale.
Bringing It All Together Active citizenship is multifaceted. Voting, volunteering, local engagement, digital activism, and civic education are interconnected pathways that reinforce one another. Participation in one area often leads to involvement in others. Volunteering can inspire political interest, digital campaigns can mobilize community action, and education provides the tools to navigate both effectively.
By embracing multiple avenues of engagement, citizens move from being observers to active contributors. Participation becomes a habit rather than an exception, strengthening democracy and society as a whole. Understanding that every action no matter how small matters can empower individuals to take responsibility and make a tangible difference.
In conclusion, being an active citizen is a continuous journey. It involves exercising your right to vote, volunteering in meaningful ways, engaging with your community, and participating responsibly in digital and public spaces. Active citizens recognize both their rights and their responsibilities, contributing to the collective well-being of society.
The transition from “voting to volunteering” symbolizes a deeper evolution: from passive membership in a political system to active stewardship of the communities and societies we live in. Each step, each initiative, each act of engagement strengthens the democratic fabric. By understanding and embracing the many ways to participate, individuals not only make an impact in their immediate environment but also help create a more inclusive, responsible, and connected society.
Berke Deniz Duman
References
Eurobarometer. (2022). Youth and Democracy in the European Union. European Commission.
Council of Europe. (2003). Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional Life.
Council of Europe. (2010). Charter on Education for Democratic Citizenship and Human Rights Education.
European Youth Forum. (2021). Youth Volunteering in Europe.
ACE Project. (2020). The Importance of Youth Participation in Formal Political Processes.
IFES. (2024). Understanding Young People’s Political and Civic Engagement.
Lynggaard, J. B. (2025). Civic Engagement Reimagined: The Roles of Citizenship, Civicness and Civility.
United Nations Volunteers. (2022). State of the World’s Volunteerism Report.
UNESCO. (2021). Media and Information Literacy Framework.
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals.
There is a common belief that young people are disengaged from politics—that they don’t vote, follow the news, or care about local political issues. But is this really the case?
Recent youth-led mass mobilizations have challenged this assumption. In fact, it is impossible to fully measure young people’s engagement in civil society based solely on voter turnout. Their contribution to democracy is far more complex and often manifests in ways that defy traditional methods of participation. Since 2019, when young people began protesting political inaction on climate change and founded the Fridays for Future (FFF) movement, it has become clear that their preferred methods of engagement often fall outside established institutions. They are taking to the streets and leveraging social media as a powerful platform for activism to express their dissatisfaction with the state of the world.
In this article, we will explore examples of successful youth-led movements that highlight the profound impact young generations can have on shaping government policies and driving societal change. Examining these youth-driven movements is crucial because many of them reveal how deeply young people are committed to addressing societal inequalities. These movements are built on principles of inclusion and participatory democracy, organizing protests, events, and debates to bring about meaningful change. Their efforts have the potential to spark democratic renewal and lead to long-term transformation, especially in areas where traditional approaches have fallen short.
Young people today are not simply participating in one-off protests; they are altering their everyday lives to reflect their values. Many adopt vegan or vegetarian diets, choose organic, fair-trade, and locally sourced products, and avoid fast fashion in favour of second-hand clothing—all ways of aligning their actions with their beliefs. This wave of activism is primarily led by Generation Z. To understand their sense of urgency, it’s important to consider the historical context in which they were raised. Gen Z grew up during the Great Recession of 2008, witnessing first-hand the struggles their families faced in securing necessities and much of their adolescence was spent in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only for them to emerge into a world where climate change poses an existential threat to their future. Despite these challenges, most members of Gen Z are actively engaged in social or political causes. One remarkable feature of this generation is their refusal to respond to adversity with apathy. Instead, they channel their frustrations into advocacy and activism. Research shows that 70% of Gen Zers are involved in a social or political cause, even if they don’t identify as full-fledged activists.
One of the most notable examples is the Fridays for Future movement, which was spearheaded by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg.It all began in August 2018 when, at just 15 years old, Thunberg decided to sit outside the Swedish Parliament every school day, demanding urgent action on the climate crisis. Thunberg’s lone protest quickly gained momentum, inspiring young people around the world to join the cause. By September 8, 2018, Swedish lawmakers committed to a climate-safe pathway aligned with the Paris Agreement. The creation of the hashtag #FridaysforFuture catalysed a global movement, with school strikes taking place across Europe and eventually around the globe. Over the course of seven years, the FFF movement’s demands have been acknowledged by parliaments worldwide, underscoring how one individual’s determination can ignite an extraordinary collective response. Thunberg’s story proves that persistence in advocating for one’s ideals can lead to real change. No matter how dire the state of the world may seem, there is always room for improvement.
Another powerful example of youth-led activism is the March for Our Lives movement in the United States. After the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, students across the country rallied to demand an end to gun violence. Their vision was to create a society where gun violence becomes a thing of the past, and the use and abuse of firearms are eliminated. In 2018, the students took their message to the streets, organizing the largest single-day protest against gun violence in U.S. history. Millions of people joined the students from Florida, fed up with the constant threat of gun violence that accompanied even the most mundane activities—like going to school. Since then, the movement has been instrumental in passing over 300-gun violence prevention laws across the United States. Through their Road to Change initiative, the movement has organized rallies nationwide and conducted research to understand why gun violence is so pervasive in America with their Five Forces document. The March for Our Lives movement is a prime example of how tragedy can be transformed into a catalyst for change. It demonstrates that injustice should never be met with silence, and that no matter how deeply entrenched an issue may seem, it is always possible to challenge and change it.
As young people continue to raise their voices, initiatives like Youth DemocrAID further emphasize the importance of civic engagement. This project is dedicated to encouraging young people to take an active role in politics—from voting to participating in local community initiatives. It aims to foster dialogue and debate at the European level, focusing on the harmful effects of disengagement from democratic processes. By promoting participatory and non-formal educational methods, Youth DemocrAID is equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions and influence change. The initiative utilizes podcasts and digital tools to connect young people with democratic education. As part of the project, five distinct podcasts will feature interviews with national political representatives, activists, NGOs, and community members who share their stories, creating a shared and publicly accessible library. Over the coming years, the project will expand through a network of partners from the five participating countries: Italy, Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Slovakia.
If you feel disillusioned with the state of the world, don’t stay silent. Join initiatives like Youth DemocrAID to make your voice heard and connect with like-minded individuals who are equally committed to addressing global challenges. This is the only way to create lasting, meaningful change in our society.
Who can claim not to have any social media presence nowadays? If you’re reading this article, chances are you have accounts on at least three different platforms. Social media has become inseparable from our daily lives—we reconnect with old friends on Instagram, stay updated on the latest news via X, and laugh at memes on TikTok.
What’s even more intriguing is that social media today is not just a hub for light-hearted entertainment; it has evolved into a vital tool for political engagement. Politicians now recognize the necessity of mastering these platforms to connect with younger voters. Data from 2020 reveals that 97% of youth aged 12-17 engaged with at least one social media site, and 70% received information about the 2020 election through these channels. [1]It’s only natural, then, for politicians to expand their social media presence to communicate their messages effectively.
However, young people don’t solely consume political content from official accounts. They also engage with posts shared by peers, influencers who specialize in breaking down current events and encouraging civic action and famous people who decide to take the stand for what they believe in. For instance, during the 2024 U.S. elections, the role of celebrities was particularly impactful. When Taylor Swift announced her support for the Democratic Party on Instagram and X, her message prompted thousands of fans to register to vote almost immediately. Influencers often serve as trusted sources for political news because they communicate in ways that resonate with younger audiences.
Traditional media, such as television and newspapers, often struggle to engage young people. Their messaging can come across as out of touch, sometimes even criticizing youth as easily influenced or apathetic. In contrast, influencers know how to simplify complex issues and present them in relatable, digestible formats, which explains their significant influence on youth engagement.
When young people are addressed in ways they find relatable, their contributions to democracy can be transformative. The Fridays for Future movement is a prime example. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, then a teenager, tapped into the fears and frustrations of her generation about the climate crisis. By leveraging social media, she amplified her message and mobilized a global movement, which not only brought millions to the streets but also influenced elections by empowering environmentalist parties across Europe.
The platforms most used for spreading messages are Instagram, TikTok, and X. Instagram excels at sharing infographics that spark discussions on specific topics. TikTok, especially popular since the pandemic, allows creators to post longer videos, enabling deeper dives into complex issues. X, meanwhile, remains a useful tool for directly interacting with politicians, critiquing them, or holding them accountable through public posts. Beyond social media, other digital tools like podcasts and virtual forums are also crucial for fostering democratic engagement among youth. Podcasts, for example, can host in-depth discussions on topics relevant to young people, often featuring expert interviews. Many podcasts focus on dissecting current events in accessible language, making it easier for listeners to understand political matters compared to traditional news outlets.
Virtual forums provide another avenue for meaningful debate. These spaces allow young people to discuss pressing issues with like-minded peers, which can be difficult to do in person due to a lack of accessible venues or interested participants. Online debates also give policymakers insights into the priorities of younger voters, helping shape policies that reflect their views.
In conclusion, technology has fundamentally transformed how young people interact with political issues. Youth now learn about current events through social media, then translate that knowledge into action by voting or advocating for change. This demonstrates that the digital world can be a powerful tool for increasing youth participation in democracy. To maximize its potential, those who seek to involve young people in civic life must harness platforms like social media, podcasts, and virtual forums in ways that captivate and inspire.
This is precisely why the Youth DemocrAid project was created. The initiative utilizes podcasts and digital tools to connect young people with democratic education. As part of the project, five distinct podcasts will feature interviews with national political representatives, activists, NGOs, and community members who share their stories, creating a shared and publicly accessible library. Over the coming years, the project will expand through a network of partners from the five participating countries: Italy, Poland, Greece, Portugal, and Slovakia. Through this project, young people will have the opportunity to engage with politics by fostering the exchange of ideas and facilitating debate at a European level about the negative impacts of youth disengagement in democratic processes. The primary goal of the project is to raise awareness about this issue by promoting participation and employing methods of informal education.
While the digital realm offers immense potential, it’s essential to use it responsibly to prevent issues like misinformation. With projects like DemocrAid, we can ensure that digital engagement becomes a force for good. Embracing these tools is the way forward—we just need to learn how to use them effectively!
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.
Reference
1) Fletcher I (2023, October 3). “Increase in social media use spurring youth political engagement”, Diplomatic Courier.
Over the past year, citizens across various nations have participated in critical elections. In June, Europeans cast their votes for a new Parliament, while more recently, the United States chose its next President. Despite the distance between these elections, a shared theme emerged across debates: the vital role of women’s voices in today’s political landscape. Candidates increasingly recognize that, in tightly contested races, a commitment to gender equality can be a deciding factor.
The European Union has made notable strides toward gender equality, including the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in 2023, a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence. Despite this progress, many societal and structural barriers continue to hinder women’s full participation in politics and impede career advancement. Women often face unique challenges that limit their access to leadership roles. From a young age, many women are raised in environments that undervalue their potential, leading to self-doubt and deterring them from pursuing positions of authority. Additionally, women frequently have limited access to critical resources like time, financial support, and political networks. Domestic and caregiving responsibilities also tend to fall more heavily on women, restricting the time they can dedicate to their careers.
The scarcity of female role models in mainstream media further compounds this issue, making it difficult for aspiring female leaders to envision a path in politics. Patriarchal structures within political parties often make it challenging for women to achieve leadership roles in male-dominated fields.
On a positive note, these challenges mean that when women do pursue political office, they often do so with significant resolve and careful consideration. Female candidates who succeed tend to be exceptionally qualified and often excel in their roles, achieving notable progress and innovation. This is, in part, because the obstacles they face drive them to be exceptionally well-prepared and focused.
Gender equality is critical for a robust democracy. When more women assume influential roles, legislation better reflects the needs of the entire population. For instance, female leaders are more likely to champion issues often overlooked, such as healthcare inequalities, where conditions affecting women frequently lack adequate research. Additionally, increased representation helps combat patriarchal norms, leading to enhanced protections for women against domestic, sexual, and economic violence.
A society with laws that support gender equality is more likely to invest in equal educational opportunities for young girls, which can contribute to a reduction in poverty levels. Access to education and opportunities has a profound effect on women’s socio-economic stability, especially for single mothers, who often face financial hardship.
Currently, despite the European Union’s commitment to gender equality, women remain underrepresented in government and parliaments across the EU. Yet, the EU has achieved more substantial progress than many other governing bodies. As of February 2024, women accounted for 39.9% of the European Parliament, surpassing the EU national parliaments’ average of 31.6%. [1] However, disparities in female representation persist among Member States, both at the European and national levels.
One effective way to tackle women’s underrepresentation in politics is through changes to electoral systems. Today, eleven Member States enforce binding gender quotas for European elections—Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia. While these quotas have helped increase female representation, biases still linger, with voters often underestimating women’s leadership potential. Educating voters could help counter these biases. Encouraging citizens to become informed about candidates and discussing influential female political figures can foster positive role models for future generations.
One initiative making an impact in this area is DemocrAid, a project that empowers young women in politics through civic education, mentorship, and exposure to female role models. By addressing topics such as equality and women’s rights, DemocrAid provides young women with a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape and how they can make a difference. Through events, participants interact with accomplished female leaders, offering both inspiration and practical examples of leadership. DemocrAid’s mentorship program further supports young women, helping them build confidence and navigate political spaces. The project’s mission is to inspire a new generation of informed, empowered female leaders ready to make a difference in their communities. In conclusion, while it can be discouraging to observe the current rates of female representation in political leadership, individuals and initiatives like DemocrAid are working to change this reality. As citizens, we have the power to shape our communities, making it worthwhile to support and engage with projects that advance gender equality and women’s leadership in politics.
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.
Reference
1) I. Zamfir, Women in politics in the 2024 election year, “Epthinkthank”, 2024.
Over the past decade, Europe has experienced a series of transformative events that have significantly affected its citizens. These include the economic crisis, the rise of populism, increasing anti-European sentiment, and a surge in nationalism. Amidst these changes, one demographic remains consistently underrepresented, even though its influence could profoundly shape the continent’s future: young people.
In this article, I will explore how young people are engaging with civic life and why their involvement is essential for the future of European democracy.
To begin with, the 2019 European election saw the highest voter turnout in more than 20 years, with over half of the European population casting their ballots. Notably, youth participation surged from 28% [1] in the 2014 elections to 42% in 2019. This increase reflects a growing interest among young people in the electoral process, which is a highly positive outcome. But why is it so critical for as many young citizens as possible to engage in civic society?
There are several key reasons. First, youth participation strengthens European democracy by ensuring that governments take into account the perspectives of this vital demographic. The attitudes and values of younger generations often signal future social and political trends. Additionally, when a larger proportion of a country’s population engages in civic life and voting, lawmakers can pass legislation that is more inclusive and reflective of the aspirations of a broader section of society. This inclusivity can foster a more peaceful and cohesive society.
Young people, in particular, will feel the long-term effects of government decisions—such as those related to taxation—throughout their lives. Hence, it is crucial that they stay informed and active in shaping the world around them, advocating for necessary improvements in society.
Civic engagement is not an abstract concept; it is the foundation of our communities, shaped by our collective efforts. Therefore, it is imperative that we strive to align our societal structures with the principles and values we hold dear.
One of the current challenges is that youth engagement varies greatly across European nations. Some countries, like Portugal (15.7%), Slovakia (15.7%), Greece (15.2%), and Italy (15%), have relatively smaller youth populations compared to nations such as Iceland (20.9%), Cyprus (19.8%), or Denmark (19%). In countries like Poland, Slovakia, and Italy, over 60% of young people do not actively participate in civic activities, while nations like Greece and Portugal report higher youth participation, with around 50% engagement.
There are many reasons why some young people may be less inclined to participate. These include lack of time, insufficient interest, or simply never having been invited or encouraged to get involved.
So, how can young people participate in democracy beyond voting? Civic engagement encompasses a wide range of activities. Youth can express active citizenship through protests, petitions, or direct communication with political representatives, ensuring their voices are heard throughout the year, not just during elections. Directly addressing decision-makers on pressing issues can be a powerful way to influence change.
Young individuals can also contribute to society by volunteering, organizing, or joining cultural and leisure activities. Research indicates that over half of Europe’s young citizens are involved in initiatives promoted by youth organizations. Popular forms of engagement include sports, volunteering, and recreational hobbies.
Even small actions can count as civic engagement. For instance, using a specific hashtag, changing a profile picture on social media to signal support for a cause, posting about a recent event, or boycotting a brand are all ways young people can engage with societal issues.
Recognizing the importance of youth participation, the European Union has implemented a Youth Strategy aimed at fostering greater engagement in both democracy and society.
To further encourage youth involvement, initiatives should focus on issues that resonate with this age group. Across Europe, young people tend to share common concerns, such as addressing poverty and inequality, combating climate change, protecting the environment, and reducing unemployment. Furthermore, they are often strong supporters of the EU and generally express higher satisfaction with how democracy functions within the Union compared to older generations.
Creating specific programs to engage youth, such as internships in political institutions or continuous dialogue with politicians, could help young people feel more connected to and represented within the political system. These opportunities would demystify politics and make it more accessible to the younger population, reinforcing their role in holding elected officials accountable.
In conclusion, building a diverse and inclusive European democracy depends on encouraging young people to take an active role as citizens. This can only be achieved by creating opportunities that resonate with their interests and address the issues most important to them. Moreover, efforts to engage youth in civic society must strive for inclusivity, ensuring that all young citizens, regardless of socio-economic background, religion, ethnicity, gender, or other factors, have an equal opportunity to shape the future of democracy in their countries.
Given the current state of affairs in the European Union, it is increasingly evident that safeguarding the future of European democracy requires governments and institutions to not only invite but prioritize youth participation, embedding their voices in decision-making processes at all levels is essential.
Bianca Finessi, student of the University of Bologna.
References
European Union, Understanding youth engagement in Europe through open data, data.europa.eu, 2023.
