From 23 to 25 September 2026, the Bürgerstiftung Barnim Uckermark hosted a Democracy Town Meeting in Eberswalde as part of the European CERV Network of Towns project DEMOCRACITY.
Representatives of organisations from Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Romania and Germany came together to explore practical ways of enabling children and young people to participate in community life and local democratic processes.
The the common thread of the meeting was: How can we transform children and young people’s participation from a principle into everyday democratic practice?
The programme combined:
● visits and local examples of civic engagement;
● presentations on the work of the Bürgerstiftung Barnim Uckermark;
● meetings with local organisations and initiatives, including EXIL, the Volunteer Agency and Lernclub;
● contributions from experts and practitioners working with young people;
● participatory workshops and peer exchange between partner organisations.
Another important theme was the connection between youth participation, civic education and historical memory. In a democratic society, young people should not be seen only as beneficiaries of projects, but as partners in shaping them.
The discussions and workshops aimed to develop ideas for a European toolkit that can be adapted to the local realities of the participating organisations.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this exchange of ideas, experience and democratic responsibility.
Participation does not begin when young people are invited to speak. It begins when their views genuinely influence decisions.