ASSOCIACAO MAIS CIDADANIA

AssociaçãoMaisCidadania (AMC) is a non-political, non-profit, non-governmental association, created in 2003, whose aim is to promote democratic initiative, participation, active citizenship and European belonging among young people. AMC work in 3 main topics: Citizenship; Social Inclusion and Volunteering. All the Association's projects bear in mind the following values: equality, solidarity, non-discrimination, inclusion and respect for cultural diversity. Our method of work includes these two principal stages: 1) Information workshops: raising awareness & to tease reflection process; 2) Take action & celebration. AMC as “learning community” involves citizens of different ages in activities based on non-formal education. Civic education, Human Rights, participation and involvement, media literacy, international experiences, youth exchange, identity, sense of belonging and cultural diversity, community and European citizenship are fundamental issues for our work and which can contribute to “more citizenship”. We always look for innovative perspectives and complement other institutions’ activities through cooperation and partnerships. Our association operates at international level by implemented many sending and hosting projects such Volunteering (Erasmus+ programme and European Solidarity Corps), Youth Exchanges, Seminars, Training Courses, Strategic Partnerships in Youth and Adult Education field (Erasmus+ programme - KA2). Over the last years we have worked with youth through non-formal education (NFE), promoting the European values, EU youth mobility, group debates, youth employability, dissemination of opportunities and creative/artistic events. We coordinate a European network that involves 15 organisations from 15 different countries and all the partners works in the field of Youth. This network (More Citizenship Network) was created to define a joint strategy and to develop activities at local level to have impact at national, European and global level, and trough the cooperation and structured dialogue between all members we can influence the policies relevant for young people. Our strategic path as youth organisation it is thanks to the experience that we developed in the field, working directly with youngsters and youth workers. And we integrate in our daily action the orientations of EU Youth Strategy 2019/2027 and by other strategic documents such the European Youth Goals (2019), for us it is very clear the need "to ensure we hear young people's voices from every corner of our Union." and "it's need to "strengthen the link between the EU and young people through inclusive and digital means of dialogue". The Youth Strategy defines 3areas of action: Engage, Connect and Empower. For us it is very important to use the digital channels and the new ways of communication, using approaches to empower through new graphic tools, awareness campaigns, video animation among others. Our association is very concerned about the participation, the young people are disconnected from policy issues, and we had several movements that are growing across Europe of discrimination, racism and radicalism. We have experience in working with youngsters for a long time, we coordinate one Youth Center, this space has a great potential for youth personal development, to promote debate and to support the transition from youth to adulthood and to support the future youth workers. Also, we have a strong link with schools and municipalities guarantee a structured dialogue that leads to a participated decision-making process.