Illustration by Coline Robin

Edito

 by Lorena Barić 

Dear Coyote community,

The energy, creativity, and passion of young people shape the present and mould the future. As we publish this new issue of Coyote magazine, dedicated to youth participation, we celebrate the significant contributions of young people to our societies, economies, and democracy. 

Let us take you back first to the previous issue, where we explored this topic through the various Youth Partnership resources developed. There are many things we already know!

Read the article and learn more about the concept of youth participation!

We also honour the extensive network of dedicated actors in the youth work sector, tirelessly supporting young people to thrive and contribute to our shared future.

Youth participation is not just a passing trend; it is the cornerstone of democracy and societal progress. It’s about empowering young voices, nurturing dialogue, and amplifying their role in decision-making processes. From local communities to the global stage, the active involvement of young people is vital for crafting policies that truly resonate with their aspirations and address their concerns and needs.

As always, our aim is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to better engage and empower the young people you work with. In this issue, you’ll discover:

• Current challenges, key activities, and future strategies for youth participation at the Council of Europe are explored by the Advisory Council on Youth.
• The aftermath of the 2024 European elections and the missed opportunity for youth representation is analyzed by Fabiana Maraffa.
• Stories of youth activism and inclusive participation breaking down barriers are shared by Anna Lavizzari.
• The urgent connection between youth participation and climate action is highlighted in an interview with youth climate activist Anuna De Wever by Cristina Bacalso.
• A closer look at Christiana Xenofontos, the young woman redefining youth roles in European politics, is presented by Lorena Barić.
• The importance of citizenship education in the context of shrinking civic spaces and expanding possibilities for youth engagement is discussed by Gilda Isernia.
• The need for systemic change to improve democracies through youth participation is argued by Bruno António and Carolina Loureiro.
• The youth perspective, as explored by Alice Bergholtz, who interviews Tobias Flessenkemper, Head of the Youth Department of the Council of Europe, offering insights into including a youth perspective in the Council of Europe’s work.
• The role of youth workers in supporting young people to cast their vote, timely with the approaching 2024 European elections, explored by Dr Dan Moxon. This article provides practical strategies for fostering political agency among young people.
• How to involve young people in youth information services, written by Audrey Frith from the Eurodesk Network. This article underscores the importance of young people in creating, disseminating, and evaluating information services.
• The European Youth Week 2024 and its myriad activities for young people, provided by the European Commission.
• New guidelines developed by the Joint Council on Youth to enhance youth participation at various levels, offering clear examples and practical advice by Gianluca Rossino.
• EurHope, a campaign from the Young European Federalists, discussing how young people define the next European chapter, written by Judit Lantai.
• Securing young voices in elections and beyond, written by Lauren Mason from the European Youth Forum.
• The role of EU institutions in fostering youth participation, providing a comprehensive overview of initiatives and activities by European institutions aimed at fostering youth participation and actively involving young people in European democratic affairs, written by Lorena Barić.

From this year, we bring you each Coyote issue in two parts. Stayed tuned for more articles on youth participation, coming towards the end of the year!

We extend heartfelt thanks to our contributors, the Youth Partnership team, and the Coyote Editorial Team: 

• Tanya Basarab 
• Lana Pašić 
• Alice Bergholtz 
• Marietta Balázs 
• Lorena Barić
• Álvaro Salazar

as well as to our talented illustrators: 

• Coline Robin
• Daniela Nunes

Thank you for your dedication to empowering youth. We hope this issue of Coyote magazine inspires you to explore new dimensions of participation and to amplify the voices of young people in all aspects of your work.

Happy reading, and keep making a difference!

Warm regards,
The Coyote magazine editorial team