According to the European Charter on the Participation of Young Poeple in Local and Regional Life, it is vital that young people are actively involved in decision-making and projects at the local and regional level in order to build a democratic society that demonstrates solidarity. Young people should have a say and this privilege should not be postponed until the later stages of their life.
The White Paper. The New Impetus for European Youth adopted by the European Commission puts youth participation in public life on a priority list of issues. The experience of the Cavalry Association suggests that while local youth councils exist in the Świętokrzyskie and Małopolska Province young people generally lack knowledge about the positioning and the role of these councils in the local setting. The project aimed at increasing youth participation in local government decisions and encouraging young people to undertake their own initiatives for the benefit of their communities.
Twelve active youth councils have been established with over 180 young people;
the project offered to two-day workshops for a total of about 50 youth leaders; young people have implemented 12 community projects; an editorial team of young people published 5 issues of a local newspaper developed jointly with the Jordanów youth council.
The project was designed for youth in 12 municipalities in the Małopolska and Świętokrzyskie provinces.
The project was implemented in partnership with the Mila Foundation and the LGD Flint Ring Association. The Mile Foundation was responsible for delivering workshops for youth councils and seminars for youth council leaders and facilitators. Moreover, it supported the youth community projects; the LGD Flint Ring Association was responsible for supporting the youth councils in the Świętokrzyskie province, for conducting the youth initiative challenge and supporting these projects.