International Youth Democracy Festival in Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń

On 23–24 September 2026, Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń became spaces for discussing how young people can actively participate in the life of their local communities. The International Youth Democracy Festival combined workshops, discussions and work on specific local challenges, demonstrating in practice that young people can not only make their voices heard but also contribute to developing solutions that affect their immediate surroundings.

Young people as co-creators of local initiatives

One of the main objectives of the event was to introduce the YDF – Youth Democracy Festival method, based on dialogue, cooperation and active youth participation. In this approach, young people are not simply recipients of a pre-designed programme. Instead, they are given space to express their opinions, identify their needs and work together to develop solutions.

The Festival provided an opportunity to put these principles into practice. Participants discussed issues directly related to their everyday lives and local communities and then worked together on their own ideas and recommendations.

From discussing needs to developing concrete ideas

An important part of the programme consisted of workshops addressing various aspects of young people’s lives. The topics included access to psychological support, sports infrastructure and activities in Olsztynek, the D-effect project and local self-governance.

The workshops went beyond discussion. Participants analysed problems together, exchanged experiences and developed concrete ideas and recommendations, including proposals related to a film and the local budget. This gave them an opportunity to see how their opinions and experiences can contribute to planning activities within their local community.

Democracy in practice

The International Youth Democracy Festival presented democracy primarily as an opportunity to speak up, engage in dialogue and influence issues that directly affect young people and their communities.

This format enables young people not only to talk about their needs but also to listen to different perspectives, seek solutions together and take responsibility for the ideas they develop. At the same time, it creates space for direct exchange between young participants and people involved in public and community life.

Open discussion with Marcin Kruszewski

Another part of the programme was a meeting with Marcin Kruszewski, creator of “Prawo Marcina”. The open discussion gave children and young adults an opportunity to ask questions directly, share their opinions and discuss issues that are important to the younger generation.

The meeting complemented the practical character of the Festival, which focused on creating conditions in which young people could freely express their views and participate in discussions about matters that concern them.

A space for dialogue and participation in decision-making

The events in Olsztynek and Dzierzgoń demonstrated that youth civic engagement can begin with very concrete, local issues – access to support, sports opportunities, decisions on how local funds are spent and opportunities to influence activities undertaken in their communities.

The Youth Democracy Festival format combines civic education with practical experience of cooperation and participation in decision-making. It helps young people see that their role in community life does not have to be limited to passive participation and that their ideas can become a starting point for concrete action.