Sixty-one young German, French, Italian and Polish between 18 and 30 years from eleven partner organizations attended the first Youth Committee of European Regions - born of a project proposal for the 6th session of Parliament Franco-Germano-Polish Youth - held at Marly-le-Roi of 2 to 8 March 2009.
The main objective of this meeting was to improve young people's active participation in democratic life at the regional and international level by making them aware of their citizenship. The themes of this first committee were the functioning of European institutions, the link between Europe and its regions, youth participation and European elections. Through many exchanges e-mail and via Facebook before the meeting, the young were able to meet, share ideas and register for the workshop of their choice - corresponding to the four themes chosen for this first edition of the Committee. Upon their arrival in France, they were divided into four workshops to consider the resolutions, develop projects and create practical tools that will enable them to perform innovative activities when they return to their region to encourage other young people interest in Europe and to vote at the next European Parliament elections.
As it is difficult to understand how European institutions, the first workshop, inter alia, decided to create a telephone service through which citizens could get answers to their questions on European issues and be supported in their efforts. Workshop 2 had the idea to organize a youth exchange in Berlin with workshops around the themes of sport and racism, of human rights in Europe, shares in the street and how to obtain EU subsidies .
The third workshop, and a dozen other participants agreed to conduct a spontaneous "street action" on the forecourt of the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. In addition to achieving many visual elements - such as two video clips, interviews two films and a logo, they have also prepared signs, leaflets and sang to attract attention, raise awareness and encourage Parisians and tourists to vote in European elections. And finally the 4th Workshop has produced a short film to motivate young people to participate in elections to the European Parliament.
Experts were invited throughout the week to help young people set up their projects and answer their many questions. Among them, the designer Deborah Wickham came to share his knowledge of strategy and communication tools with the youth of the Committee. Gilles Olivier and Isabelle Dauny of the French Agency of the European Programme Youth in Action have participated in workshops and informal moments shared with young people. Participants also had the opportunity to debate with Alain Barrau, director of the Information Office of the European Parliament for France, and François-Xavier Bellamy, 14th deputy delegate to the Youth and Higher Education for mayor of Versailles.
To break the ice and get to know in the right mood, several games have been organized! Three theme nights have also provided an opportunity for youth to discover and explore their culture, gastronomy, heritage, but also sharing convivial moments, relaxation and celebration. At this meeting, the participants finally had the chance to visit Versailles and Paris, on foot and by boat.
10 to September 12, 2009, a final evaluation meeting will be held in Paris to take stock of actions carried out by young people. It will bring together a young and a representative from each region. He will also discuss the organization and preparation of the 2nd Youth Committee of European Regions in 2010.
PS: This project was co-funded by the European Youth in Action in the framework of Action 1.3 "Youth for Democracy."
PS: This project was co-funded by the European Youth in Action in the framework of Action 1.3 "Youth for Democracy."
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