| The Democracy Project (DP) is increasing healthy political involvement of youth under the age of 25 to a level all its own. A non-partisan initiative of The Dominion Institute, the project peaks curiosity in youth and encourages them to express their political views and lead active roles in society.
"Our main goal is to get more youth involved," says Angela-Claire Coutts, DP project co-ordinator. "First of all, that is the problem because not enough people are involved in the political process. We want youth to know that their participation does matter and how they have the potential of making a difference."
The DP consists of three strategies: Youth Views National Survey, Town Hall Meetings and Democracy in the News. The first strategy offers youth solutions to improve democracy by voicing their opinions online and participating in the national youth consultation. The second seeks meaningful discussion about current democracy between students and local candidates in federal elections – students and teachers can apply to have political discussions held at their schools, universities or youth groups by completing the form on the DP website, and the Dominion Institute will co-ordinate the event, selecting panelists from the different political parties. The third strategy involves providing students information about media and news outlets through civics-focused activities.
According to Coutts, approximately 90,000 people have participated in the Democracy Project since it was created during the 2004 elections.
Message boards, online surveys, weekly votes, postings by prominent MPs and policy experts, listings of archives and research resources and web chats with peers and politicians are other ways The Dominion Institute is ensuring fresh political standpoints strengthen democracy. |
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