Młodzieżowa Rada m.st. Warszawy oraz młodzieżowe rady dzielnic m.st. Warszawy – przykład dwustopniowego systemu partycypacji w społeczeństwie obywatelskim młodzieży

Abstract

Youth councils in local government units are among the tools for increasing civic participation of young people in their local communities. By acting in a youth council, a young person has a chance to influence his or her environment, gain experience in socio‑political activities, and meet similarly active people from all over Poland. There is great potential in the creation of such bodies, which, if exploited by local authorities, can significantly strengthen future civil society. This article presents the legal and actual framework for the operation of youth councils in Poland and discusses the 2021 amendment to the legislation in this area. It then presents an example of a two‑tier system of youth participation in civil society: the Youth Council of the City of Warsaw and the Youth District Councils in the same city. It presents examples of initiatives taken by the Youth Council of the Capital City of Warsaw and the Youth Council of the Śródmieście District of the Capital City of Warsaw within the last three years.