Citizens’ assemblies with children and youth: What are they about and how to make them work in different European contexts

Are you a European practitioner or organization working on children’s participation or in citizen’s assemblies? Then, join us for a unique training workshop taking place from 3rd to 5th of February 2025 in the beautiful city of Málaga, Spain.

This event, part  of a broader initiative with the support of the Changemakers for Democracy program, will explore how to adapt citizens’ assemblies—traditionally designed for adults—to effectively include children and youth in decision-making processes across diverse European political contexts.

Designed as both a learning and collaborative space, the workshop will bring together experts, practitioners, and local stakeholders from various European countries. Participants will exchange knowledge, share experiences, and plan future initiatives to foster more inclusive democratic systems that empower younger generations.

The workshop will be delivered in collaboration with Katie Reid from Child Rights International Network (CRIN), renowned children’s participation specialist with extensive experience in deliberative democracy; and it is organized by four organizations within the Changemakers for Democracy cohort: Spain’s Coglobal, Poland’s Our Ombudsman, Serbia’s Ministry of Space collective, and the Czech Platform for Citizens’ Assemblies

Key Objectives:

• Create a platform to share methodologies and experiences for organizing citizens’ assemblies with children and youth.
• Bring together experts, practitioners, and local stakeholders to obtain a deeper understanding of the methodologies and approaches needed to work with younger populations in deliberative settings.
• Share insights and expand knowledge on conceptualizing and organizing CAs with children in diverse contexts

Event Highlights:

• Delivered by a leading expert and practitioner in children’s and youth citizens’ assemblies, who will guide participants through this innovative approach to deliberative democracy.

Event Schedule:

• Monday, February 3: Arrival, welcome meetings, and social event.
• Tuesday, February 4: Morning training session and afternoon open discussion space for practitioners.
• Wednesday, February 5: Advanced training session and close of the workshop.

You can find here the DETAILED WORKSHOP PROGRAM.

Venue:

Innovation Campus, Calle Álamos 7, 29015 – Málaga, Spain

Participation fee (check your country group here): 

• Group A – 90 EUR (participants from European countries with GDP per capita above EU average).
• Group B – 60 EUR (participants from European countries with GDP per capita below EU average).

Be aware that the payment will be requested only after we evaluate your application and notify your acceptance to participate in the event.

Please keep in mind that the acceptance as a participant in the workshop does not include travel and accommodation costs, which should be covered by the participant.

Deadline for applications: 8th of January 2025.

Selection of participants will be done on a rolling basis. Once you apply, you will be notified as soon as possible regarding your acceptance, so you can arrange your travel and accommodation accordingly. 

Registration Details:

Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot now to be part of this transformative workshop.