Politics and democracy

Democracy is more than political parties and elections every few years. For democracy to thrive all groups of the population need the right and the opportunity to participate

NPA defines the right to participate as the right for all to play and active role in their society:

  • The right to speak and to be heard
  • The right to receive relevant information
  • The right to be organised and to organise your own activities
  • The right to participate in decision-making processes
  • The right to participate is closely linked to the responsibility to be involved and active.

It is not unusual to hear bright young people talk about politics in a very derogatory way:

“Politics is a rotten game”, “All politicians are corrupt”, “I would not become a politician for anything…” etc.  On the other hand we all know that politics and politicians do indeed influence the development of our country! Is it a good strategy to leave politics to the ones who are only in it for money and personal power?  Is it possible for young women and men to influence the development of their country without getting involved in politics? Is it possible to become a politician without becoming corrupt and power hungry? Is it possible to influence politics and politicians in your country?  

Brainstorming in groups or in the plenary

The aim of these exercises is to raise awareness on the roles we play and how we can contribute to society

The time it takes: 

30 minutes for nr. 1
60 minutes for nr. 2   

Divide the participants in groups of five-seven

1. Ask the participants to discuss the following:

  • What do you associate with the word “Politics”?
  • How do you define “Politics? Do you agree with any of the following:
    • ”Politics is a fight for power, influence and domination"
    • “Politics is a public activity seeking responsibility, cooperation and constructive problem solving”
    • “Politics is distribution of resources and burdens within the community”
  • In what way could / should young people be involved in politics?
  • How can young people influence political decisions in society?

Make a list of practical ways for young people to participate in decision making.

2. Ask the participants individually or in groups to answer these questions:

  • What are the most typical problems for young men who want to be active in your society?
  • What are the most typical problems for young women who want to be active in your society?

Write each problem on one small piece of paper, hang all the papers on the wall and sort the issues in categories according to contents.

Discuss them in the plenary and choose the 5-6 most pressing problems for males and for females. How can the problems be solved?