Teens for Democracy

Empowering teens to be global citizens

Teens, generation Z, has lost trust in political institutions. In today’s modern world global problems threaten our existence. In our modern times teens acquire maturity earlier than in previous generations. Teens thus want a seat at the table. In the last few years, we have seen the highest abstention in elections rates coming from youth. We want to change this. Teen apathy is not an option. Teen engagement is. 

The proposal

The Teens for Democracy (T4D) initiative aims to create a space for teens to engage in deliberative democracy in ways that will allow their voices to be heard on issues that impact their future. The objective of the project is to help empower teens and to foster their development in becoming active citizens in their communities.

Aims 

1. Provide a mechanism that will allow teens to exchange ideas and inspire the start of a movement that is driven by the teens themselves; 
2. Frame and test a strategy to engage with schools on offering workshops for teens;
3. Inspire governments to modernize their mind-sets on how to engage more meaningfully with youth.

Strategy

Working with technology and institutional partners, the Democracy & Culture Foundation seeks to implement the following key action steps:

1. With teens assuming the role of peer influencers, establish an international volunteer network among engaged teens to build awareness and promote the initiative;
2. Engage with corporate brands that target teens and align with democratic values to enhance brand messaging and forge more meaningful teen engagement; 
3. Devise a T4D pilot project with schools in three locations that includes workshops and peer-to-peer mentoring;
4. Create a prototype for teen voices at the Athens Democracy Forum that can be replicable in other fora;
5. Bring government representatives to tables curated by teens.

Impact 

Strengthen democracy by increasing information, engagement, and empowerment of the teens who will drive the agenda for their common future.

More information

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the project, please email us.

Below, you'll find videos of the Teens Panels during the 2023 and 2024 Athens Democracy Forum.