We encourage youth participation and media literacy by being a source of inspiration and qualified information

The name Participation Resource Pool combines within itself the core values and concepts we stand behind. Firstly, Participation, which is the backbone of any healthy democratic society. We would like to see a world where young people have decision making power about all matters that shape their lives. We also believe that making good decisions means that citizens have critical thinking skills and know how to evaluate and create content.

Secondly, the Participation Resource Pool. While there are many global activities in the field of Youth Participation and Media and Information Literacy, we felt that a central hub for legitimate and reliable information about these topics were missing. Like a pool of ideas around which bright minds gather to share information, experiences and best practices, the Participation Resource Pool is an ever-evolving idea exchange which is meant to be the spark that lights change.

Did you know that Youth Participation and Media and Information Literacy (MIL) skills are priority topics in the EU Youth Strategy? The strategy encourages all member states to initiate MIL and critical thinking related activities by “helping prepare young people for participation, through youth work, youth parliaments or simulations, actions around civic education and media literacy in synergy with formal education and public authorities.”

EU Youth Strategy also states that digital technologies have revolutionised young people’s lives in many ways and policies need to consider both opportunities and challenges. We need to tap the potential of social media, equip the youth with digital skills and foster critical thinking and media literacy. It is also clear that there are new and alternative ways of participation, which need to be taken into consideration when engaging with young people.