Future Leaders
New ways to youth participation
Many young people grow up in environments where decisions are made for them – at home, in school, in organisations, and in their communities. As a result, they often do not get the chance to practise decision-making, express their needs, or understand how to take part in shaping their surroundings. At the same time, decision-makers are not always sure how to involve young people in ways that feel real, useful, and constructive.
Future Leaders: New Ways to Youth Participation was created to bring these two worlds together. Instead of relying on traditional approaches, we are testing practical and creative methods that help young people and decision-makers learn how to collaborate, communicate, and make decisions side by side. The goal is simple: to create real experiences of participation, not just symbolic moments.
The project began with a warm and motivating Kick-off Meeting in Romania, where partners from Slovenia, Italy, and Romania set the foundations for a shared journey.
We continued with our first Training Course in Slovenia, where youth workers explored how to prepare young people for active participation – from communication and emotional intelligence to understanding how decisions are actually made and learned how to execute some methods from our list.
In the next phase, young people and local decision-makers will meet through different participation methods, such as simulations, youth-led projects, collaborative exercises, creative challenges, and structured dialogues. Each method will be tested in real situations and adjusted based on feedback and experience.
Through this process, young people will develop skills they have rarely been encouraged to practice, while decision-makers will gain insight into how youth perspectives can enrich local communities. Together, they will discover that active participation becomes meaningful when everyone contributes, listens, and learns.
This project is a story of shared understanding, confidence-building, and new ways of working together – a step towards communities where young people are not just included, but trusted partners in shaping the future.
