Message from FAJDP

Youth Participation and Associativism

Present generations are experiencing a remarkable process of paradigmatic changes in social, economic and family areas, hardly comparable with other periods of Mankind history. The range of risks and asymmetries that youngsters face, but also the opportunities, together with the fast succession of remarkable events with increasing global consequences, added to the growing demands of a more unstable labour market, sentenced the need of rethinking society models.

Youth Associativism has an increasing role in Portuguese and European Societies, reaffirming itself by the generous, voluntary and constructive contribute that youngsters offer to their communities, in areas such as social service, environment, culture, leisure, the promotion of historical heritage, health, sports, etc.

Youth Associations are by themselves an example of Participative Democracy, by promoting the participation and social conscience of young people. They are non formal learning places and citizenship school, a place to experience common solidarity and responsibility, where youngsters build an important part of their identity and Political Self.

Because Societies’ development level has to be evaluated by the social conscience of its citizens and their involvement in decision making process; because youngsters have, at present time, already an important social role to perform – the country needs the reinforcement of a Youth Politics which promotes youngsters active involvement in society, giving them the proper instruments to capacitate and facilitate their participation, reinforcing Youth Associative Movement as the privileged partner for the achievement of these goals.

We are also building here a better future for our region, for Portugal and for Europe!

FAJDP board