Brief information about the project
Name: VALUES IN ACTION: YOUTH DEMOCRACY
Duration: 18 months (April 1, 2026 – December 1, 2027)
Program: "Partnership" Fund, administered by the Open Society Institute – Sofia Foundation under the PACT project
Contract No.: 21/2026
Funding: 39,000 EUR
Coordinator:
Impact Drive Foundation
Founded in 2017, Impact Drive is dedicated to strengthening the capacity, independence, and sustainability of civil society organizations and social enterprises. We develop both the individual and organizational competencies of professionals working for a cause, with a particular focus on women, young people, and vulnerable communities. At the core of our mission lies the conviction that lasting change is possible only through gender equality and the active civic participation of diverse communities.
Partners:
Teen Spirit Association (Chepelare)
Teen Spirit is a youth organization that creates opportunities for the personal and civic development of young people through clubs, volunteer programs, and cultural events. The organization maintains an active youth center and has established networks with schools and local institutions in the Municipality of Chepelare. SEED Foundation (Samokov)
SEED Foundation works to empower young people and vulnerable groups through training, social innovation, and community initiatives. The organization manages the "Hub-a" youth center in Samokov and actively participates in European programs for youth engagement and solidarity.
Building an Inclusive Resilient Democratic Society in Bulgaria (BIRDS in BG)
Bulgaria is among the EU countries with the lowest levels of youth participation in democratic processes. Only 14% of young people (aged 15–29) engage in public debates or civic initiatives, while trust in institutions remains below 20%. This trend is even more pronounced in small municipalities, where there is a lack of sustainable frameworks for youth participation and accessible training on topics related to EU values.
The "Values in Action: Youth Democracy" project aims to change this picture through interactive training, discussion forums, and targeted support for the establishment and development of youth parliaments in Chepelare and Samokov. The initiative builds upon Impact Drive’s proprietary "Values in Action" training program, combining non-formal education methods with the practical engagement of young people in local democratic processes.
The partnership between the three organizations has been developing since 2022 under the U.S. State Department’s Professional Fellows Program, combining national expertise with established local networks of young people and institutions.
KEY ACTIVITIES
Development of the "Values in Action" training package, adapted for a youth audience – comprising five modules covering EU values, democracy, human rights, diversity, and civic participation. Conducting two five-day residential training sessions—one each in Chepelare and Samokov—involving 20–25 young people aged 15–29 in each.
Organizing local discussion formats—such as open debates, thematic discussions, and democratic labs—led by the trained young people.
Supporting the establishment and consolidation of local youth parliaments in both municipalities, including a campaign, elections, and training for the elected members.
An online campaign promoting EU values and active citizenship, featuring at least 20 posts and a final hybrid meeting to share results during the Lago Fest festival in Samokov. OBJECTIVES
Enhancing the knowledge, skills, and motivation of young people from small municipalities for active democratic participation
Creating sustainable models for youth participation—youth parliaments led by young people themselves and supported by local authorities
Building the capacity of local partner organizations to conduct values-based training and discussion forums
Promoting the role of youth parliaments and encouraging other communities to adopt the model
EXPECTED RESULTS
1. A training package comprising at least 20 thematic sessions, adaptable to various contexts and formats
2. 40–50 young people completing the training, reporting a self-assessed competence improvement of over 85%
3. At least 4 discussion forums with a combined total of at least 80 participants
4. Youth parliaments established and/or consolidated in Chepelare and Samokov
5. An online campaign reaching over 7,000 people and a final hybrid meeting with 30–50 participants.
The "Values in Action: Youth Democracy" initiative is being implemented as part of the "PACT" project and is funded by the European Union and the Open Society Institute – Sofia (OSIS) Foundation.
