PROMISE: PROMoting youth Involvement and Social Engagement

Democratic participation is a right and duty for every citizen, but it is important that each new generation feels welcomed and respected in the body politic and feels that their contributions are appreciated. Following years of austerity, which have disproportionally affected Europe’s young people, encouraging them to engage both politically and socially in a positive manner is crucial. One EU-funded project has been investigating the best ways in which to enable this. ‘Young people are instigators of social change, driven, in part, by the challenging circumstances that prevent their social progress: lack of opportunities, resources and respect,’’ begins Dr. Jo Deakin, coordinator of the PROMISE (PROMoting youth Involvement and Social Engagement: opportunities and challenges for ‘‘conflicted’’ young people across Europe) project. ‘‘The aim of our research is to explore young people’s responses to these challenges, focusing particularly on youth who encounter conflict with authorities.’’