Youth Municipal Climate Action

ongoing

The Youth Municipal Climate Action (YMCA) project is the result of a previous CERV project, that created a very strong network of European partners. YMCA focuses on climate action and the active inclusion of young people in the political discourse around climate change (CC) and municipal policies. The aim is to create a safe space in which young people and political representatives can learn and then engage in fruitful discussions for the implementation of CC mitigation and adaptation measures. This project aims to moderate between those two parties, providing local policymakers with the tools to understand young people’s demands, and giving young generations a safe space to express their needs and concerns, as they have the right and ability to influence local, national, and European climate policies. 6 municipalities or organizations acting on their behalf are in the partnership, coming from 5 different countries (IT, RO, CZ, ES, LT); they will be implementing events like workshops, seminars, exchange of best practices and roundtables aiming at increasing citizens’ engagement in democratic societies. Gender equality and non-discrimination will represent the founding basis of all the activities, thus creating a safe space for dialogue and exchange not only for young people but for all community members willing to join. The total direct beneficiaries will be 892, while 100.000 people will be reached by a strong communication campaign; the impact of the project can potentially reach 240.000 people. Some outputs will be produced, including a manual of best practices on municipal policies and facilities tackling CC, an online brochure for young people listing opportunities and sources on information on the addressed topics, and a final YMCA Manifesto, containing common proposals and solutions for the climate crisis jointly drafted by political representatives and young activists, to be presented in the councils of partners municipalities and their respective regions.