SMART Participation in Erasmus+

It is said that SMART participation ensures a better and citizen-centred mode of governance as states respond better to citizens’ needs and inputs. However, can SMART participation truly enhance the participation of young people in the civic society? Can SMART participation really enable states to better outreach the needs of their young people? How can Erasmus+, and particularly KA3, reinforce the active participation of young people in today’s societies? 

According to CoE’s Manual on the Revised European Charter on the Participation of Young People in Local and Regional life, “Youth participation is not an end in itself, but a means of achieving positive changes in young people’s lives and of building a better society.” Numerous initiatives have been put forward to this direction, one of them being smart participation.

During this seminar, participants will explore the topic of SMART participation, including relevant tools that could be employed by the various stakeholders, such as youth councils, local municipalities, NGOs, representatives of the National working groups (NWG) on EU Youth Dialogue and other relevant governmental structures related to both the empowerment of young people and their encouragement to participate in the civic society. Apart from these, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas on best practices on youth participation used in their countries, as well as challenges faced. This seminar will also offer the space to participants for further networking, with the ultimate aim to fortify future qualitative KA3 projects under Erasmus+. 

OBJECTIVES

The seminar aims to reach the following objectives:

• To expand the understanding of SMART participation by exploring and sharing relevant tools that can enhance young people’s participation;

• To explore the role of youth work in supporting and enhancing SMART Participation;

• To provide opportunities for sharing good practices, concepts and activities within KA3 that are able to increase the participation of young people with fewer opportunities into such processes;

• To reflect on the role of the “Erasmus+: Youth in Action” programme, and particularly KA3, in supporting young people’s participation in the civic society;

• To improve quality and foster innovation in KA3 projects;

• To provide a space for networking and partnership building among the participants.

PARTICIPANT’S PROFILE

This seminar is for Youth workers & youth leaders, Youth experts, Policy makers representing youth councils, local municipalities, NGOs, NWG on EU Youth Dialogue and other relevant governmental structures. All participants should have experience or knowledge on SMART participation tools and digital tools.

All participants should be over 18 years old.