We provide students with practical knowledge of deliberative democracy—its principles, processes, and potential to foster inclusive decision-making. Through guided workshops and hands-on work on the Citizens' Assembly, participants explore how dialogue-based approaches can bridge divides and lead to more legitimate, consensus-driven outcomes.

By organizing Bulgaria’s first-ever Youth Citizens’ Assembly, we offer students a hands-on opportunity to tackle real societal challenges through structured, collaborative debate. This process not only sharpens their complex problem-solving and negotiation skills but also demonstrates how civic participation can directly shape public policy.

We foster interest in policymaking by immersing students in the processes that shape real-world decisions—from drafting proposals to debating trade-offs. This experiential approach transforms abstract political concepts into tangible skills and encourages long-term engagement with democratic institutions.

Participants receive clear, accessible briefings from a range of experts to understand the facts, context, and trade-offs around a complex issue. This creates a shared knowledge base as a starting point for meaningful discussion.

In facilitated groups, participants exchange views, ask questions, and listen to one another in a space designed for open, respectful dialogue—not polarization or confrontation.

After exploring different perspectives, the group works together to identify common ground and co-create recommendations that reflect their collective priorities and concerns.

Citizens’ assemblies value lived experience over technical jargon. What matters is thoughtful engagement, not prior expertise—because policy works best when it reflects the realities of the people it affects.