Are you a passionate advocate for youth civic engagement and participation? Are you involved in a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) committed to empowering young voices in democratic processes? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! The Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE), funded by the European Union, is calling for proposals to support projects that enhance the role of youth in democratic participation.
About the Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE)
The Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE) is a strategic program initiated by the European Union with the primary goal of enriching the involvement, empowerment, and inclusion of youth in democratic processes at local, national, regional, and global levels. This initiative recognizes the critical role that youth play in the future of democracy and aims to harness their energy, creativity, and perspectives to ensure the continued vitality of democratic systems.
With the current global population comprising over 50% youth under the age of 30, the sustainability and effectiveness of democracy significantly hinge upon nurturing their engagement and support. The initiative operates on a three-pronged strategy, acknowledging the importance of youth engagement beyond national boundaries. The European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) will coordinate five distinct projects, referred to as "Clusters," that focus on fostering youth engagement in public affairs, encompassing civil society activists, young politicians, and other influential youth figures. The overarching objective is to empower these youth leaders to advocate for increased youth inclusion in all societal dimensions.
Cluster 1: Generate Democracy - Empowering Youth CSOs
Cluster 1 of the WYDE project is titled "Generate Democracy: involving youth CSOs in democracy support." This cluster is dedicated to providing youth-led Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the opportunity to put theory into action. Through concrete activities promoting civic engagement and democratic principles, youth CSOs will play a pivotal role in advocating for greater youth participation in society.
Objectives
Overall Objective
The central aim of Cluster 1 of the WYDE project is to fund and execute national and transnational projects that bolster youth civic engagement and participation in decision-making processes across Sub-Saharan Countries.
Specific Objectives
1. Empower Youth Organizations: Equip youth-focused organizations with the tools and resources to actively support youth democratic participation.
2. Promote Peer Learning: Facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among youth organizations to enhance their collective impact.
3. Strengthen International Youth Networks: Foster a global network of youth organizations and leaders for cross-border collaboration.
4. Enhance Collaboration: Improve cooperation between youth CSOs and policymakers at local, national, and international levels.
5. Advocate for Youth Structures: Champion the establishment or enhancement of representative youth structures such as youth councils and youth parliaments.
Guiding Principles
This call for proposals operates under the framework of the Human Rights Based Approach methodology. It is essential that all projects adhere to the following principles:
- Comprehensive Human Rights: Ensure the application of all human rights for all individuals.
- Inclusive Participation: Foster meaningful and inclusive participation and access to decision-making processes.
- Non-Discrimination and Equality: Promote non-discrimination, equality, accountability, and the rule of law for all.
- Transparency: Maintain transparency in all actions and decisions.
- Disaggregated Data: Support access to information through disaggregated data.
Moreover, gender equality must be integrated throughout the application of these principles. All project proposals must align with the Human Rights Based Approach.
Funding Information
Applicants have the opportunity to apply for three different lots with varying grant amounts:
- LOT 1: €10,000
- LOT 2: €20,000
- LOT 3: €30,000
The project's duration will depend on the chosen grant amount:
- LOT 1: Up to 6 months
- LOT 2: Up to 9 months
- LOT 3: Up to 12 months
An additional two months will be allocated for final reporting and financial procedures.
Eligible Activities
Projects eligible for funding include but are not limited to:
- Advocacy Campaigns: Initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for youth engagement.
- Capacity Building: Programs to enhance the capabilities of youth and youth-focused organizations.
- Networking Events: Events that foster collaboration among youth CSOs.
- Study Visits and Job Shadowing: Opportunities for experiential learning and skill development.
- Promotion of Participatory Democracy: Activities that empower youth to engage in decision-making processes.
Ineligible Activities
Activities that will not be funded include:
- Individual Sponsorships: Support solely for individual participation in events.
- Scholarships for Studies: Grants exclusively for personal studies or training.
- Direct Social Services: Actions delivering social services directly to target groups.
- Political or Religious Proselytism: Initiatives promoting political or religious agendas.
Target Groups and Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries are young people aged 15 to 35, but the initiative is open to a wider definition of youth, including children aged 9 to 14 and those up to 40 years old. The project will focus on five target groups:
1. Young Citizens
2. Youth-Led Organizations and Movements
3. Young Aspiring/Inspiring Leaders
4. Young Decision Makers
5. Local Authorities and CSOs working for/with Youth
Geographic Focus
The initiative is seeking projects that support youth civic engagement and participation in the decision-making processes across the Global South countries, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan African Countries.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for each lot, CSOs must adhere to the following guidelines:
- LOT 1: Solo or partnership applications for local/national level projects.
- LOT 2: Consortium of at least two partners from the same or different countries.
- LOT 3: Consortium of at least three partners from a minimum of two countries for international activities.
Applicants must be legally registered CSOs working with and for youth. Limited experience is not a deterrent; organizations with varying levels of expertise are encouraged to apply.
Selected initiatives will receive financial support ranging from €10,000 to €30,000, along with tailored training and technical assistance to bolster their efforts.
Apply Today!
If you are passionate about empowering youth to play an active role in democratic processes, this call for proposals is your chance to make a meaningful impact. Join the Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative and contribute to shaping a future where the voices of youth are not only heard but celebrated in the democratic landscape.
For more details and to apply, visit the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) website.
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