About the Project

What is STORY-ACT?

Stories for Change: Empowering Youth Voices (STORY-ACT) is an Erasmus+ project that equips young people with storytelling skills as a tool for active citizenship, civic engagement, and social inclusion. By sharing personal and collective narratives, young people will combat stereotypes, build intercultural understanding, and promote European values.

Why this project?

Across Europe, many young people feel unheard. Marginalised voices — migrants, minorities, rural youth — often lack platforms to share their stories. At the same time, digital tools are everywhere, but not always used for meaningful civic engagement. STORY-ACT bridges this gap by combining storytelling, digital media, and youth participation.

Who is Involved?

Direct Participants: 56 young people (18–25 years old, many with fewer opportunities) will join international mobilities.
Wider Reach: At least 300 more youth through local workshops and storytelling clubs.

Digital Audience: Thousands across Europe via podcasts, blogs, videos, and social media campaigns.

Expected Impact

Stronger youth voices in civic life.
A permanent digital archive of 60+ multimedia youth stories.
Local storytelling clubs and a practical toolkit for youth workers.
Long-term integration of storytelling in youth work across partner organisations.

Activities

🌍 International Mobilities

📍 Austria – The Art of Storytelling for Change
Young people will explore digital storytelling techniques and learn how to transform personal experiences into powerful narratives. Workshops will include:

Storytelling labs
Podcast and video creation
Sharing circles and intercultural exchanges

📍 Romania – Storytelling in Action
This mobility focuses on using stories for advocacy and community impact. Participants will:

Develop stories to address social challenges
Work on campaign-building
Present their stories to local communities and stakeholders

📍 Türkiye – Study Visit on Civic Storytelling
A deep dive into community-based storytelling practices. Participants will:

Visit NGOs and community centres using stories for social change
Exchange good practices
Build new ideas for civic engagement through storytelling

🏡 Local Activities

After the mobilities, each partner organisation will host local follow-up workshops.

At least 300 young people will be reached in Austria, Romania, Spain, and Türkiye.
Activities will include local storytelling clubs, creative labs, and community events.

💻 Digital Storytelling Campaign

A Europe-wide online campaign to amplify youth voices.

🎧 Podcasts
🎥 Short videos
📝 Blogs & articles
📲 Social media stories

👉 Goal: Create 60+ multimedia outputs to share the voices of young people across Europe.

Europe belongs to you too.

Your voice matters

This project is funded by European Union and it seeks to create a sens of unity and identity for the participants

What is Erasmus+ and Why is it Important?

Erasmus+ is the European Union's (EU) flagship program aimed at supporting education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. It plays a vital role in promoting intercultural understanding, fostering skills development, and encouraging cooperation among young people from different European countries. The program's mission aligns with the EU’s overarching goals of building a more cohesive, knowledgeable, and inclusive society.

Funded by the European Commission, Erasmus+ provides opportunities for young individuals and organizations to participate in learning experiences that transcend traditional education, focusing on non-formal learning methods such as youth exchanges, training courses, and collaborative projects. These activities are designed to enhance skills like teamwork, leadership, and media literacy, while promoting values of active citizenship and cultural diversity.

Erasmus+ projects like Empowering Youth Voices for European Citizenship bridge the gap between learning and practical application by empowering youth to become proactive members of their communities. Through activities that encourage intercultural dialogue and community participation, participants gain valuable life skills that contribute to both personal and societal growth.

For more information on Erasmus+ and its impact, visit the official Erasmus+ website and the European Commission’s page on education and training.

Youth Participation Projects: Understanding Their Purpose and Importance

Youth Participation projects under Erasmus+ are initiatives aimed at engaging young people in meaningful activities that promote active citizenship, democratic involvement, and social cohesion. These projects are designed to empower youth by giving them a voice in their communities and ensuring they play a proactive role in shaping society.

Who Are Youth Participation Projects For?

Youth Participation projects are primarily aimed at young individuals aged 13 to 30, with a strong focus on including those with fewer opportunities. They are meant for youth organizations, informal groups, and institutions that work with young people to help them develop key skills and competencies for civic engagement. The goal is to make participation more inclusive, allowing youth from different backgrounds to be part of positive change and development.

Why Are They Important?

These projects are essential for nurturing a generation that is aware of their rights, responsibilities, and potential to contribute to society. By participating in these projects, young people gain critical thinking skills, enhance their media literacy, and develop their capacity to work collaboratively across borders. They also build confidence in their ability to engage in democratic processes, which strengthens their commitment to social and civic responsibilities.

Core Benefits of Youth Participation Projects:

Empowering Youth: Encourages young people to take initiative and lead community actions.
Skill Development: Enhances soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Brings together youth from various backgrounds to foster mutual understanding.
Strengthening European Values: Reinforces principles of solidarity, democracy, and human rights.

For more detailed information on the purpose and structure of Youth Participation projects, please visit the official Erasmus+ guide on Youth Participation.

Why It’s Important for Youth to Express Their Ideas and Engage in Civic Life

Youth participation in civic life goes beyond just attending community events or voting in elections; it embodies active engagement, where young people voice their ideas, challenge societal norms, and work toward change. Here's why this is essential:

Empowering Future Leaders: Encouraging young people to express their views and take part in decision-making helps build future leaders who are knowledgeable, confident, and ready to contribute positively to society. When youth feel empowered to share their ideas, they develop leadership qualities and the ability to think critically about the world around them.
Driving Positive Change: Young people bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. Their involvement in discussions and initiatives leads to policies and community projects that are more inclusive and relevant to current needs. Youth participation ensures that the voices of the younger generation are heard and taken into account in shaping their future.
Promoting Democratic Values: Voting and speaking out about important issues foster a sense of ownership and responsibility toward one's community and country. When youth engage in these actions, they reinforce the principles of democracy by practicing their right to influence decisions and hold leaders accountable.
Building Confidence and Communication Skills: Speaking up and engaging in civic matters can improve communication skills and self-confidence. This experience is invaluable, as it not only impacts personal growth but also enhances youths' ability to advocate for themselves and others effectively.
Creating a More Inclusive Society: Youth participation in civic life encourages diversity of thought and ensures that various viewpoints are represented. It helps build a society that values inclusivity and collaboration, creating a more balanced and fair environment for everyone.

Active involvement, whether through voting, participating in discussions, or initiating community projects, ensures that young people play a pivotal role in shaping a future that aligns with their values and aspirations.

Why This Project? The Needs in Our Communities

In today's rapidly evolving world, youth engagement in democratic processes has become more crucial than ever. Despite being one of the most connected generations, young people often face significant barriers to active participation in political and civic life. Studies reveal that youth voter turnout across Europe remains concerningly low, averaging just 50.66% during the most recent European Parliament elections. This statistic reflects a widespread sense of disconnection and disillusionment among younger demographics.

Challenges Facing Youth Engagement:

Low Civic Participation: Many young people feel their voices are unheard or undervalued, leading to disengagement from critical societal conversations.
Digital and Generational Divide: The rapid pace of technological advancements has created a gap between generations, complicating trust in institutions and limiting effective communication.
Lack of Platforms for Expression: Youth often struggle to find spaces where they can freely express their ideas and influence decision-making.
Socioeconomic Barriers: Disadvantaged youth face additional obstacles that limit their access to information, resources, and opportunities for civic involvement.

Why This Matters: Addressing these challenges is essential to cultivate a generation that is informed, active, and capable of shaping a democratic future. By investing in youth participation projects, we aim to empower young voices, strengthen community bonds, and reinforce European values of solidarity, democracy, and mutual respect.

Statistics That Highlight the Urgency:

Over 70% of youth across Europe identify climate change and social issues as priorities but feel underrepresented in policy-making.
According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, 66% of young Europeans express interest in participating in civic activities, but logistical and social barriers often prevent them from doing so.
Research by the European Youth Forum shows that young people engaged in participatory programs are 45% more likely to continue contributing to their communities long-term.

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