What knowledge and skills are essential to become an effective Active Youth Promoter?
An active youth promoter is a youth worker, an educator or a teacher who implements the workshop Active Youth: an effective, complete and eclectic program designed to promote the social and active participation of groups of young people, combining different approaches and strategies: applied theatre, sociocracy, dragon dreaming, gamification and game-based learning, brainstorming and problem solving, and learning with digital tools.
The workshop guides young people through a gradual process. It starts with building trust and collaboration within the group, leading participants to become aware of their role in society. From there, it continues with analysing needs and generating ideas for improving their community and making their voices heard, until these proposals are eventually transformed into concrete action plans or projects.
Find the Active Youth workshop toolbox here: download it in your language. The course will point you to some pages worth reviewing along the way.
This e-learning course contains methodological deepenings together with tips and suggestions provided by youth workers, educators and teachers who have already implemented the workshop with different groups of young people and in different local and cultural contexts.
Training modules
- Playful introduction
- Gamified approach
- Finding a focus
- Decision making
- Action crafting
- Communicating ideas
- Youth-led actions
- Real-world example
- Collaborative digital tools
By completing the e-learning course, you will be awarded a certificate of participation and will have the opportunity to join the Active Youth Promoters Network: a Facebook group that will serve as a virtual space for sharing experiences and communicating with youth workers, facilitators, educators and teachers who promote youth engagement and active participation.
Project partners
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Curriculum
- 9 Sections
- 32 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Playful introductionsThis module introduces the use of playful, game-based activities as a way to engage participants and create a positive, inclusive learning environment from the very beginning of a session. It explores how such activities can go beyond simple icebreakers and be meaningfully connected to the topic, supporting a smoother transition into the main content. Participants will be introduced to basic principles of experiential learning, with a focus on the role of reflection (debriefing) in helping individuals connect their experience with real-life situations and learning themes. The module also highlights key aspects of facilitation, including creating a safe space, encouraging participation, and supporting group processes.8
- Gamified approachThe module offers a concise introduction to how playful, game‑based activities can immediately engage participants and help create a positive, inclusive learning environment. It highlights how these activities can meaningfully connect to the session’s topic and support a smooth transition into the main content. It includes video demonstrations of specific playful introductions, allowing learners to observe how the activities unfold in practice.3
- Finding a focusThis module guides you through two powerful tools that help transform scattered perceptions into shared understanding and actionable ideas. You will first explore the Problem Tree Analysis, a visual and collaborative method that helps groups identify a core problem, uncover its root causes, and map its consequences. This tool supports participants in seeing the bigger picture and understanding how different issues are interconnected. You will then move to the OPERA Method, a structured yet creative group process for generating, refining, and prioritising solutions. Through its five steps — Own, Pair, Explain, Rate, Arrange — you will learn how to turn insights into concrete, SMART proposals that can inspire real change. The module is designed to be practical, interactive, and empowering — giving you the tools to move from awareness to action.6
- Decision makingLearn about the principles of SCM (Sociocracy) and Consent to decide on a common topic and the speaker.4
- Action craftingThis module introduces Dragon Dreaming in general and gives details about the dream circle and the project game plan.6
- Communicating ideasSocial media is more than just scrolling—it’s one of the most powerful tools you have to spark real change in your community. Whether you want to raise awareness, mobilize your peers, or push for a cause you care about, the journey starts with a simple plan. Generally: Keep it Simple: Focus on the "who, what, and why" of your message. Build Your Strategy: Move from a raw idea to a concrete, actionable campaign. Stay Consistent: Use the template to organize your posts and keep your momentum high. Remember, you don't need a huge budget or a massive following to make a difference—you just need a clear voice and the courage to start. Grab the Campaign Planning Worksheet, watch the video, and let’s get to work!4
- Youth-Led ActionsThroughout this module, you’ll learn how to support youth as they implement their action and engage with stakeholders, while maintaining a balance between being present and staying in the background. This is where genuine youth protagonism emerges — turning experience into confidence, competence, and meaningful participation.3
- Real world example3
- Collaborative Digital tools4
