Civic Participation & European Values

Overview and purpose

Democracy is not only studied. It is experienced!

Civic Participation & European Values is a four day outdoor learning journey designed to help participants understand how rights, institutions, identity, and public dialogue shape democratic societies. Rome becomes a living civic classroom where students explore how power is organized, how representation works, and how individuals can move from personal experience to active citizenship.

Through structured simulations, debate formats, urban observation, and guided reflection, participants connect European civic principles to real public spaces. They examine institutions, analyze symbols of authority, reflect on belonging and inclusion, and experience democracy in action.

The course transforms historical squares and institutional landmarks into spaces for critical thinking, constructive communication and civic action. Participants do not only learn about democracy. They practice it.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

Strengthen self-awareness and reflect on their civic identity in relation to European values
Understand the structure and function of democratic institutions at local and national level
Recognize the relationship between public space, participation, and active citizenship
Analyze power, representation, and accountability within democratic systems
Apply critical thinking and structured argumentation in discussing civic topics
Practice active listening, respectful dialogue, and constructive disagreement
Engage in collaborative decision-making and negotiation processes
Identify local challenges and develop solution-oriented responses through structured civic exercises

Admission information

Language: English
Target Group: Schools, youth groups, and adult learning organizations
Requirements: No prior civic or political background is required. Participants should be open to discussion, teamwork, and outdoor learning.
Number of participants: From 10 to 20 students + accompanying persons

location

Rome, Italy

The program takes place entirely outdoors across symbolic institutional and public spaces including Senate, Parliament and Government palaces, Piazza Navona, Trastevere, Isola Tiberina, the Jewish quarter, Quirinale, Vittoriano, Campidoglio, Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese.

Rome serves as a dynamic case study of democracy, memory, power, and civic expression.

Duration and Daily Schedule

Day 1 – Institutions, Representation & Democratic Power

Location: Piazza Navona – Palazzo Madama – Piazza Montecitorio – Piazza Colonna
Duration: 4 hours

Activities:

Introduction in Piazza Navona: public space as a foundation of democratic participation and civic expression
Guided observation on access, participation, and use of public space in relation to European values (equality, inclusion)
Institutional mapping activity near Palazzo Madama linking EU values to legislative processes and representation
Role-based budget allocation simulation in Piazza Montecitorio focused on fairness, inclusion, and public interest
Group negotiation rounds under time constraint to practice democratic decision-making
Observation and discussion in Piazza Colonna on executive responsibility and accountability
Structured debrief connecting institutional roles to democratic values such as representation, transparency, and participation

Day 2 – Identity, Memory & Belonging

Location: Trastevere – Isola Tiberina – Jewish quarter
Duration: 4 hours

Activities:

Opening in Trastevere: personal timeline mapping focused on experiences of inclusion, exclusion, and identity
Paired dialogue linking personal experiences to dignity, equality, and fundamental rights
Rights ranking activity connected to simplified EU fundamental rights and everyday life
Guided walk toward Isola Tiberina reflecting on connection, diversity, and shared spaces
Urban observation task in the Ghetto Ebraico exploring historical exclusion, minority rights, and collective memory
Small group dialogue on belonging, discrimination, and social participation
Structured reflection circle connecting personal identity to European values and civic responsibility

Day 3 – From Observation to Civic Action

Location: Quirinale – Vittoriano – Campidoglio
Duration: 4 hours

Activities:

Introduction near the Quirinale on the Constitution, the role of laws, and the relationship between national and European legal frameworks
Collective recall and synthesis of observations and insights gathered during previous days (public space, identity, inclusion, institutions)
Identification and selection of local issues based on participants’ perception (e.g. accessibility, discrimination, youth spaces, environment)
Problem tree analysis workshop to explore root causes and consequences of the selected issues
Proposal drafting: design of a micro civic initiative using a structured template
Peer review session at the Vittoriano to refine proposals and ensure feasibility
Final reflection at Campidoglio on participation, accountability, and citizens’ role in democratic systems

Day 4 – Public Dialogue & Constructive Disagreement

Location: Piazza del Popolo – Villa Borghese – Piazza di Siena
Duration: 4 hours

Activities:

Introduction in Piazza del Popolo on freedom of expression and public voice in democratic societies
Active listening drills in pairs focusing on perspective-taking and respectful communication
Structured debate rounds (fishbowl / rotating roles) on youth-related topics (inclusion, migration, opportunities, social support, labour)
Feedback grid evaluation to assess clarity, fairness, and respect in argumentation
Emotional regulation techniques practiced during movement through Villa Borghese
Public dialogue simulation in Piazza di Siena applying structured argumentation
Final reflection circle on disagreement as a constructive democratic tool and commitment to active participation

Why Choose Us

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

Strengthen self-awareness and reflect on their civic identity in relation to European values
Understand the structure and function of democratic institutions at local and national level
Recognize the relationship between public space, participation, and active citizenship
Analyze power, representation, and accountability within democratic systems
Apply critical thinking and structured argumentation in discussing civic topics
Practice active listening, respectful dialogue, and constructive disagreement
Engage in collaborative decision-making and negotiation processes
Identify local challenges and develop structured solutions through targeted exercises

This is not simply a study visit about institutions! It is a structured programme where participants experience on what it truly means to take part in democratic life.