Soft launch of the School of Creativity and Democracy

Led by Chimwemwe Chirwa

In this upcoming webinar "Creative Methods for Reclaiming Youth Voices in Research & Evaluation," various participatory methodologies will be introduced to empower youth and youth workers to address critical issues like the mental and physical health crisis, housing challenges, poverty, inequality, and the cost of living crisis.

👉 Join here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84808023207?pwd=dZmFDXBbbZWCsyF87FSeE8bPSzwxlC.1

Barcelona (CET): 15:00 UK (GMT): 14:00 Bogotá (COT): 09:00 Mexico City (CST): 08:00 Casablanca (WET): 14:00 Cape Town (SAST): 16:00

Creative writing will play a central role, allowing young people to express their experiences through poetry, essays, and non-fiction. This form of storytelling provides a personal and human perspective on complex issues, making them more digestible and impactful for both policymakers and the public.

Visual art will also be explored as a medium for reflecting on societal challenges. Art exhibitions, showcasing the work of young people, will provide a platform to communicate their lived experiences, inviting policymakers to engage more deeply with these pressing concerns.

Filmmaking, particularly creative non-fiction, offers another powerful tool for documenting and communicating issues like poverty and mental health struggles. These visual narratives create compelling and accessible stories that highlight the urgency of these challenges.

Podcasts and radio shows will provide an engaging platform for youth to voice their concerns about social issues such as the housing crisis and inequality. Soundbites from these recordings can be shared widely, ensuring young voices reach broader audiences and contribute to public discourse.

Zines and chapbooks, blending writing and art, will allow participants to create tangible records of their research, lived experiences, and policy recommendations, offering a DIY approach to advocacy.

These creative methods not only offer meaningful ways for youth to express themselves but also serve as practical tools for advocating change and ensuring their voices lead democratic deliberation. The Mindset Revolution Project provides a reference point, demonstrating how these creative approaches can successfully foster youth engagement and drive social change.

The project is supported by the Open Society Foundations.

The first webinar series is made possible thanks to ALDA. European Association for Local Democracy and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme (CESV) of the European Commission.