The “Involved in the Community 2.0” project builds on the success and lessons learned from its predecessor, responding to the urgent need for greater civic engagement, improved urban environments, and stronger community bonds. The primary objective is to empower young people to become active citizens who understand urban challenges, engage with democratic processes, and take tangible action to improve their surroundings. The project aligns with youth work practices by providing hands-on learning experiences, fostering international cooperation, and creating a platform for dialogue between young people and decision-makers. Key objectives from a youth work perspective: 1. Promoting civic engagement - One of the primary issues identified through research is the decline in youth volunteerism in the EU, with statistics showing a drop from 18.9% (2015) to 12.3% (2022). This project seeks to counteract this trend by inspiring young people to take responsibility for their communities, whether through volunteering, activism, or political participation. - Through structured workshops, meetings with policymakers, and field activities, participants will gain first hand experience in civic engagement and learn how to advocate for change. 2. Fostering a sense of global citizenship - Participants come from different cultural, economic, and geographical backgrounds, ensuring diverse perspectives in the discussions. The project actively promotes inclusion and diversity by engaging young people from urban and rural areas, different socio-economic backgrounds, and those with fewer opportunities. - Through intercultural evenings, teamwork exercises, and group discussions, participants will develop a stronger European identity and understand their role as active global citizens. 3. Raising awareness on urban problems - Poor urban planning leads to pollution, social segregation, and safety risks. The project aims to educate young people about these issues and provide them with the tools to identify and address urban challenges. - By engaging in field visits to NGOs and municipalities, as well as conducting street interviews with locals, participants will gain a practical understanding of how urban policies impact daily life. 4. Reducing preventable deaths - Air pollution and unsafe infrastructure contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year. The project will highlight the importance of sustainable urban planning, public transportation, and green spaces to improve both physical and mental health. - By visiting sustainable urban projects in Sofia and comparing urban models from different EU countries, participants will explore solutions that can be implemented in their own communities. 5. Creating a network of urban activists - The project aims to build a community of young changemakers who will continue working on urban activism beyond the exchange. Through peer learning, social media engagement, and follow up projects, participants will remain connected and support each other’s initiatives. 6. Connecting youth with EU institutions - Many young people feel disconnected from EU decision-making processes. Through meetings with local government officials and workshops on EU policies, participants will learn how they can engage with institutions like municipal councils, national governments, and EU bodies. 7. Fighting discrimination - Urban planning often excludes marginalized communities, such as people with disabilities, by creating barriers in public spaces. This project will raise awareness about inclusive design and encourage youth to advocate for accessible cities. 8. Encouraging volunteering - Through hands-on activities like school work, tree planting, and public space restoration, participants will experience the direct impact of their contributions, making volunteering a lifelong habit rather than a one-time experience. Ultimately, this project aligns with Erasmus+ priorities by combining environmental sustainability, civic participation, inclusion, and non-formal education into a comprehensive youth work experience. 9. Active participation in democratic life - Many young people feel disconnected from politics and unaware of their influence in decision-making processes. - Through workshops, simulations, and discussions with politicians, participants will learn about democratic participation, civic responsibility, and lobbying for policy change. 10. Promoting sustainable urban development - Poor air quality, traffic congestion, and inadequate public spaces negatively impact citizens' health and well-being. - Participants will learn from sustainable models in different countries (like Dutch cycling infrastructure, Swedish urban planning). - The tree planting and public space restoration activities will serve as hands-on lessons in sustainability.