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1. Information providers / counselling structures

2. Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

3. Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

4. Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

Information providers / counselling structures

Lithuania is a member of EYCA*, Eurodesk**. However, information provider / counselling structures raising political awareness among young people are in the developing stage. The spread of digital media has a considerable impact on the availability of information for young people in Lithuania. Social networks remain among the most popular websites and compete with news media for visitor attention. Young people aged 15–29 have the highest membership rate (80 percent and above (TNS Gallup reports***). NGO’s**** povide lots of printed material with various information on youth issues. Some media (youth magazines) which is dedicated for youth by youth, and the information/ brochures/ information leaflets by youth exist. 

*EYCA - is the European Youth Card Association, a non-profit organization whose members are 40 national associations issuing the European Youth Card to more than 7 million young people in 36 countries.

**Eurodesk is a European youth information network that provides information to young people and youth workers about mobility programmes (e.g. studies, traineeships, volunteering) and funding opportunities for youth initiatives across Europe.

***"TNS Gallup" - market research company.

****NGO - non-governmental organizations.

Youth-targeted information campaigns about democratic rights and democratic values

The goals of the Lithuanian College of Democratic Education (LDUK) are: to promote democratic ideas in society, to influence educational change, and to prepare the younger generation to actively build a democratic society.

The College pursues these goals by organizing seminars and internships for teachers, lecturers, and students, implementing civic projects, and also by preparing and publishing methodological literature. The College was established in 1994, officially registered in 1995, and re-registered in 1997 after changes in the laws.

From 2021 The Lithuanian Ministry of Social Security and Labor started providing recommendations to other ministries on measures or challenges related to youth policy in the field of their management.

"eTwinning", a community of schools in Europe and neighbouring partner countries, is a European Commission initiative for schools funded by the Erasmus+ programme. It brings together teachers from 36 European countries and 8 neighbouring countries. Program  https://www.etwinning.lt/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Learn-and-practice-Democracy-with-eTwinning_LT.pdf. This book presents a selection of excellent eTwinning projects and activities that promote values, human rights, critical thinking and help develop a democratic culture in classrooms and schools.

However, the majority of citizen voices in Lithuania (including young persons) are still indirect, mostly expressed through personal blogs or petitioning (Mapping Digital Media, 2011). Petition sites (Peticijos.lt, peticijos.com, openpetitions.org and other) seem to be most popular, with some appeals digitally “signed” by tens of thousands of people.

The E-citizen (e-pilietis) is a space for dialogue between government and society. On this website, you can apply to state institutions, participate in public consultations or otherwise discuss the Government's decisions. Here you can register for meetings with ministers or tours in the Government building and learn more about the idea of ​​an open state.

Promoting the intercultural dialogue among young people

No generally accepted concept exists to raise awareness of young persons on the advantages and problems associated with multicultural cooperation in order to emphasize its positive contribution to Lithuanian society. 

Promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication

The program of “Young Journalists” (it takes place continuously) in Lithuania is a good example of youth participation in promoting transparent and youth-tailored public communication. This programme (You can join the "I Know Everything" network of young journalists twice a year: selections are held in spring and autumn) is an educational programme for young publicists is a system that identifies talented young journalists, motivates, supports them and provides information to enable them for socially responsible actions. Even during the formation of the future journalists’ writing skills, the objective information based on the experience of the Lithuanian NGOs, vulnerable groups of the society, media experts working in the social field, is provided. Young journalists have the opportunity to interact directly with vulnerable groups of the society, thus learn more and overcome prejudices. The unique structure of the programme helps to touch the essence of the social problems and maintain an objective position in the public life news. During the formation of journalistic skills it enables young generation of socially responsible writing. National educational programme for young publicists seeks to change the portrayal of vulnerable groups of the society and contribute to the objective, ethical and competent media education. 

In 2024 was (In 2023 training for young journalists) initiated second time training for young journalists by the European Parliament (EP) took place in Lithuania, the aim of which is to strengthen independent, professional and responsible journalism in the field of European affairs. The training of young journalists is a new program of the EP, which has been taking place in different countries of the European Union since this year. It aims to enable young journalists at an early stage of their careers to deepen their understanding of EU affairs and the European Parliament in particular, to help them gain the necessary experience, to establish business contacts with colleagues from different media outlets and the European Parliament.

Living Library Project is an activity of informal education, encouranging social awareness, tolerance and respect for human rights. Living library consists of „Living books“, librarians and readers. Living Books are people from vulnerable social groups, experiencing discrimination or stereotypes in society. „Living books“ have a lot to say about discrimination, social inequality, answer questions concerning lifestyle of different social groups. Librarian meets a reader (a trespasser, participant or targeted audience) that comes to the Living Library. Librarian is a trained person and responsible for preparing audience for reading process, explaining the rules and suggesting to pick a book from catalogue. Process of reading involves sincere conversation between Living book and reader, asking concerning questions and getting straight answers. Reading process becomes comfortable and interactive place for intimate communication with people from socially vulnerable groups. Librarians are observing conversation from aside and intervene if needed. Process of reading is aimed tp demolish barriers of uncertainty and fear, develop tolerance and mutual understanding. Worldwide successful method of informal education started in Lithuania in 2007 as a part of European Council campaign „All different – all equal“. From that time on importance and popularity of Living Library is growing in society, non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. Huge effect of Living Library urges us to ensure succession of this method.