You can download the new Democracy Reloading Workbook here
The Workbook is primarily a tool to support the learning process of those who take part in a Municipalities4Democracy training courses. The Workbook - in a printed or pdf version - is provided for each participant of such a training course. It gives support to each session of the training programme, reflecting the exercises implemented during the training programme. The exercises are put in a chronological order following the flow of the training programme and the 4 key tasks of the Democracy Reloading approach. If you are a participant of the M4DEM training module, this Workbook will serve your note taking and also your personal reflection in connection to each activity that you will experience, and in some cases it will also provide you with some extra assignment to further inspire your learning process. After the course, this Workbook will be the collection of all your notes, your reflections, your ideas and your plans.
As an independent learner, you can also use this Workbook as a facilitator of your systematic learning process. You can do the exercises alone in the given order or you can also do it together with your relevant colleagues and strategic partners. We also encourage the use of this Workbook during training courses or university courses that focus on democratic youth participation in decision-making and municipal youth policy development, as an additional resource booklet offering some selected exercises that fit the learning objectives of the course.
Please read below one of the two Forewords of the Workbook written by Maja Björkebäck sustainability strategist focusing on children’s rights and youth participation in Jönköping municipality, Sweden
Youth participation is an essential part of the solution!
The future ahead of us is uncertain, marked by major and transformative changes that affect us on every level. As a municipal employee, I ask myself: how can I be a positive force in the midst of all this? Can I, in my role, contribute tomeaningful change? I believe the answer is yes – and at least I know I must try. Because who would I be if I didn’t? I’m convinced that youth participation and influence are among the most important keys to creating positive development – in the world, in Europe, in my country, and in my municipality. Hearing and truly listening to young people’s perspectives and making sure their perspective has an impact on municipal decision making, can build hope and trust and strengthen our democracy. Young people have the right to be involved, and it is the responsibility of adults to make sure that right is fulfilled.
Young people are not a homogeneous group. They vary in age, background, interests, family situations, abilities, and preferences – and that’s exactly how it should be. Our job is to make sure the structures we create for youth participation are inclusive for all, not just a small, select group. We need to reflect on who we are currently reaching, and how we can reach more. And we need to do that together with young people – because they are the ones that hold the answers.
One of the most important keys to success is how we view young people. Many of us carry assumptions and prejudice that can limit both ourselves and the young people we meet. All adults need to become aware of the biases they hold and be willing to challenge them. The best way to do that is to spend time with young people and talk to them, face to face on equal terms.
This workbook, Democracy reloading, Municipalities 4 democracy, can be your trusted companion when proceeding to building a strong foundation for youth participation. It’s a practical and pedagogical tool for anyone working to strengthen youth participation – whether you work in a municipality, as a youth worker, or in a non-governmental organization. Through theory, reflection questions and hands-on exercises, the book supports you in building long-term structures based on the four key competences needed to make youth participation real. After reading and using the workbook I feel more confident in promoting youth participation in my municipality.
I hope it will give you the same support.