On 28 May and 4 June, representatives of TUNE member organisations participated in the online training “From Youth Voice to Policy Impact: Practical Tools for Inclusive Civic Engagement.” The training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to design, implement, and evaluate youth engagement initiatives while promoting active citizenship, inclusive participation, and meaningful involvement of young people in decision making processes. Through practical exercises and collaborative learning, participants explored tools that can support youth-led action and contribute to stronger civic engagement within their communities.
The first session focused on understanding civic engagement tools and improving participants’ capacity to plan effective youth activities. Participants discussed the most commonly used engagement tools within their organisations and local communities. Various approaches were presented, including campaigns, workshops, social media initiatives, city hunts. Participants worked in smaller groups and selected one engagement tool to analyse using the SMART framework. The groups assessed whether their chosen activity was:
- Specific – clearly defined and focused.
- Measurable – able to demonstrate results through indicators.
- Achievable – realistic considering available resources.
- Relevant – aligned with identified needs and objectives.
- Time-bound – connected to a clear timeline and deadlines.
The next activity introduced stakeholder mapping. Participants identified individuals, organisations, institutions, and community groups that could influence or be affected by their activities. They analysed the level of influence and interest of each stakeholder and discussed strategies for engagement and cooperation.
The session continued with a responsibility checklist exercise, where groups examined the different roles and responsibilities required for implementing an activity successfully. Participants reflected on task distribution, coordination, communication, logistics, promotion, and evaluation, recognising the importance of clear responsibilities and accountability within a team. The activity concluded with a reflection activity during which participants shared their key learning points.
The second session focused on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their connection to youth participation and community development.
Participants were first introduced to the SDGs and discussed their importance. Working in groups, participants selected the Sustainable Development Goal they considered most important for their communities and organisations.
Using the Problem Tree Method, each group analysed a specific issue related to their chosen SDG. The exercise involved identifying:
- The core problem.
- The root causes contributing to the problem.
- The direct and indirect effects resulting from it.
This visual analysis helped participants better understand the complexity of social challenges and the interconnected nature of their causes and consequences.
Following the problem analysis, groups engaged in a creative brainstorming exercise to generate potential solutions. Participants were encouraged to think freely and propose both ambitious and unconventional ideas before gradually narrowing their focus towards practical and realistic actions.
Each group then selected one solution with strong implementation potential and further developed it into a structured initiative. Participants explored objectives, target groups, activities, resources, stakeholders, and expected outcomes, applying many of the planning tools introduced during the first session.
The exercise demonstrated how complex social challenges can be transformed into actionable projects through systematic analysis, collaboration, and strategic planning.
The training successfully contributed to the broader objectives of the TUNE Network by supporting youth-led participation, fostering cooperation among member organisations, and encouraging the development of innovative solutions that empower young people to become active contributors to their communities and democratic societies.
TUNE Network is co-funded by the EU.
Check out more information on TUNE website and welcome to a network which aims to empower youth organizations and youth workers all around the world. #StayTUNEd for more.
