Watchdogging Local Government
House of Europe ·Lithuania
About this project
<p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">In Lithuania, young people are among the most disinterested in politics and have a record low turnout in local government elections. The main reasons for this are: (1) the low-level of knowledge and practical skills of young people in politics; (2) the gap between politicians and young people; the negative image of politicians; (3) Insufficient number of political debates involving young people. Therefore, the primary target group of the project is 14-24-year-old young people in the regions who will become volunteers of the “Learn before You Vote” network and take active steps in their local areas.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">“Learn before You Vote” is a network where young people from all over Lithuania join to volunteer in joint activities. It also include political scientists who help watchdogging politicians and journalists who moderate discussions and help volunteers select information about local politicians. In a large network, young people, which are supported by mentors and network coordinators, feel more self-confident in communicating with politicians and monitoring them.</span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">The project aims to promote young people's active, informed and conscious participation in local government elections and local decision-making through the monitoring of elected politicians. </span></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">Expected results of the project: </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">Stronger network of volunteers; young people involved in quality civic activities; i</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">ncreased civic knowledge and capacity of young people to participate in public life through non-formal civic education; i</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">ncreased and more informed participation of young people in pre-election activities and elections through a virtual platform and live discussions; m</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 15px"><span style="color: #606060"><span style="font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Arial, sans-serif">ore young people in municipalities are involved in long-term policy monitoring and local decision-making.</span></span></span></p>
Project partners
- Learn before You Vote Project partner· Lithuania
- Association "Jaunimo laisvalaikis" Project partner· Lithuania
- Klaipeda Youth Organizations Association Round Table Project partner· Lithuania