With the project “Jugend auf Klausur”, we aim to strengthen youth participation at local level by making municipal youth councils and youth parliaments more effective and future-oriented. Young people are given time, space and support to reflect on their work, define shared goals and plan their activities strategically. Through funded multi-day strategy retreats, youth councils improve their internal cooperation, clarify roles and responsibilities, and develop realistic annual work plans for their municipalities. At the same time, democratic competences such as teamwork, communication, responsibility-taking and strategic thinking are strengthened through non-formal learning processes. A particular focus is placed on rural and structurally disadvantaged municipalities to promote more equitable access to high-quality youth participation. Overall, the project strengthens youth councils as credible and impactful actors in local democracy, creating sustainable effects beyond the project.