Young Citizen Manual. Regional Identity Edition

YOUNG CITIZEN Regional Identity Edition

Title: Young Citizen Manual. Regional Identity Edition.

Copyright © authors, 2026

Cover Design, Graphic Design, and Graphic Execution: Wiktor Oleś & Mikołaj Domachowski ISBN: 978-83-970707-0-7 Licence: CC-BY 4.0

The publication was created as part of the project "Let’s Do Civics.

Regional Identity Edition", which received honorary patronage from: The Mayor of Katowice Polish Council of Youth Organizations The Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Silesia

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 European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Contents

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Chapter I. Citizen in the State and Region

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Chapter II. Citizen at School/Universirty

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Chapter III. Citizen in the City and Region

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Chapter IV. Citizen in an NGO

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Chapter V. Citizen online and Digital Regionalism

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Chapter VI. Citizen for the Planet and Local Environment

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Chapter VII. Citizen in the European Union

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Chapter VIII. Understanding Regionalism

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Introduction Dear Readers, In an era of rapid global transformation, our societies face complex challenges: rising polarization, social fragmentation, and a fragile trust in public institutions. To navigate this landscape, civic education must be more than just a theoretical framework, it must be a lived experience. It is with this vision that we present the refreshed and expanded edition of the "Young Citizen Manual. Regional Identity Edition".

We believe that becoming a conscious global citizen starts with understanding one’s own roots. That is why this updated version places a special emphasis on regional education and regionalisms. By exploring local identity, traditions, and the unique social fabric of our immediate surroundings, young people can better understand the mechanisms of democracy at every level.

This handbook is designed to equip youth with the tools needed for active participation in public life. Our goals remain steadfast: Analyzing information in an age of disinformation.

Building bridges across social and cultural divides.

Understanding that regional engagement is the bedrock of a resilient society.

The journey of this manual began in 2023 with the Polish project "Kim jest młody obywatel/ka?". After gaining recognition and being translated into Ukrainian, the manual evolved through the "Let's Do Civics" training in 2024. This latest edition integrates those international insights with a deep dive into regional heritage, proving that universal civic values are most effectively nurtured when we respect and understand our local contexts and is a result of the work done by participants of the “Let’s Do Civics. Regional Identity Edition” training course.

We hope this manual serves as an inspiring resource for educators, leaders, and most importantly young citizens. Together, by valuing both our shared democratic principles and our diverse regional identities, we can co-create more resilient and trustworthy societies.

Project Team & FEIS Foundation

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In today's uncertain world, civic education is an essential response to the mounting problems we face. In an era of disinformation, increasing radicalization, and general insecurity, we must prioritize building strong civil societies. Such societies, equipped with the necessary tools, will be better able to confront adversity and the undemocratic actions of political classes in many countries.

Only through strong democratic institutions, unwavering protection of the law, and consistent reinforcement of civic attitudes can we effectively combat contemporary threats. It's crucial that young people feel understood by the system during their educational journey, and that the system itself offers them engaging and relevant educational solutions.

A hugely important aspect of civic education is its non-partisan nature and openness to diverse political views. Free discussion, constructive debate, and mutual respect are the best path to building a conscious and active society.

Democracy isn't just a system; it's a dynamic framework that demands not only active participation from its citizens but also a certain level of knowledge and the right tools for that involvement to be conscious and effective. Unfortunately, traditional educational systems often fall short in preparing younger generations for their role in co-governing as part of a democratic state.

The initiatives undertaken by various NGOs, social organizations, as well as international and governmental bodies, that focus on promoting social dialogue are incredibly fruitful. For the state and its institutions to garner strong legitimacy and trust from their citizens, both society and the political class must undertake a crucial civic lesson. We all need to reflect on why a democratic state governed by the rule of law is so essential to us and whether we are consciously participating in it.

- Wiktor Oleś Executive of the SIPE Institute

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CHAPTER I Citizen in the state and region Rights and duties of the citizen Every citizen has specific rights and obligations not only to their country but also to their local community and region. The main source of national rights is the highest legal act, usually called the Constitution. However, regional identity is also shaped by local statutes and regional self-government acts that allow citizens to participate in local decision-making.

While constitutional texts can be complex, it is worth wading through them-alongside regional charters-to understand your full position as an active citizen at both the macro and micro levels!

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Civil liberties include, for example, freedom and protection of the secrecy of communication, freedom of conscience, and freedom to express one's views-which crucially includes the right to cultivate and use regional languages or dialects.

freedom of expression

freedom of religion

freedom to promote regional heritage

freedom of association

freedom of artistic creation, scientific research etc.

As for civil rights, their catalog is equally broad, and they include (depending on state law) the right to education or health care, as well as the right to participate in regional culture. right to education

right to state and regional protection

right to healthcare

right to submit petitions

Keep in mind that European civil rights scopes may differ from American, Asian or African ones.

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In addition to civil rights and freedoms, citizens have a number of obligations to their state and their "little homeland".

national defense

loyalty to the country and region care for the environment and heritage

Knowledge of rights, freedoms, but also civic duties is extremely important in the life of an informed and active citizen....

Openness to opinions and discussion If you want to grow as an engaged citizen, being open to different views, regional traditions, and discussions is key. There's no better starting point than understanding your country's constitution and local government principles. It not only teaches you the foundations of equality and respect but also equips you to appreciate diverse cultural perspectives, defend your rights, and help build a fairer, more inclusive society right where you live.

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"All federal citizens are equal before the law.

Privileges based on birth, sex, estate, class, or religion are excluded."

Article 7, Constitution of Austria

"All citizens have equal social dignity and are equal before the law, without distinction of sex, race, language, religion, political opinion, or personal or social conditions."

Article 3, Constitution of Italy

"Public power shall be exercised with respect for the equal worth of all and the liberty and dignity of the individual."

Article 2, Constitution of Sweden

"All persons shall be equal before the law.

No one shall be discriminated against in political, social, or economic life for any reason whatsoever."

Article 32, Constitution of Poland

Notice how these constitutional pillars protect not just individual equality, but also the diversity of languages, cultures, and regional identities across Europe!

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Civic engagement is often associated with high-level politics, new laws, or international summits. However, real social change happens much closer to home. Regional education is fundamentally about understanding the immediate surroundings, the familiar streets undergoing transformation, the local dialect passed down through generations, and the everyday challenges of the community, such as protecting the local environment or breathing new life into post-industrial spaces.

Taking care of a region does not require holding a political office. It manifests in grassroots actions: participating in the participatory budget, joining a local NGO, revitalizing forgotten neighborhoods, or preserving a unique regional heritage against fading traditions and harmful stereotypes. It is the simple act of taking responsibility for the shared space instead of waiting for central authorities to step in.

Regionalism is not an abstract concept from a textbook. It is a genuine sense of belonging and the willingness to rewrite the narrative of a place so that future generations choose to stay and build their lives there. A strong society is built not just by national governments, but by the everyday involvement of resilient local communities. True citizenship begins with caring about what happens right outside the window.

- Mikołaj Domachowski Volunteer at the FEIS Foundation

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CHAPTER II Citizen at school/universirty Student council One of the best ways to get involved within the school walls is to join the Student Council...

Participation in it allows you to organize various activities for the school community and also teaches civic values.

Student Government members are voted in by peers, giving them a mandate to voice the student body's needs. Their leadership team works alongside the Principal, teachers, and parents to shape school initiatives-which can easily include organizing regional culture days or promoting local dialects!

The Student Council is often described as a 'bridge' between students and the school administration. Through democratic elections of its leadership, the Council gains a strong mandate to act on behalf of the entire student community and represent its unique local character.

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The Student Council often serves as young people's first encounter with democracy through its elections, students can actively participate both as voters and candidates.

They get to elect their representatives while also having the opportunity to run for leadership positions themselves.

Student Council only at school? No! When starting at a university or college, we will also have to deal with the Student Council.

Volunteering clubs Getting active at school doesn't have to involve the Student Council. You can try your hand at the school's volunteer club, history society, or a regional heritage group. If your school has clubs dedicated to local traditions, ecology, or community help, explore their activities. Volunteering for causes that resonate with your local identity is a fantastic way to start your activism journey...

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Our DAR team and I, commonly share an opinion that civic education constitutes a perfectly crucial fundament of the societal development of nowadays.

Because, we, as representatives of the international, or better to say, Global Society, do not solely share the soil of the "Mother Earth". We share this actual society, we develop and share common values, beliefs, truths, and even biases, prejudices and fears.

The first and second ones differ depending on the country/state/region/city and sometimes on the small village, albeit we are not always concern of this fact.

Anyway, we still have to realize how important is to know our rights and duties within and outside our national community in the aim of contributing to the further development of the sustainable World in general. To be a "citizen" or even a "resident" nowadays means something more than a just possession of the state's official residential status. It is about contributing to its inner political and economical development, leading its cultural direction in a proper way, sustaining your state co-citizens/residents/fellows in their personal and civil development. Because, each of us is a part of a great mechanism of our country's and, subsequently, Global Development.

Sustainable Civic Development is inside each of us.

That is why, it is the highest time to remind ourselves, what does "citizenship", "civic society", "human and civil rights" really mean for the outer World and our own community in particular. By knowing our "civic and political rights&duties" background, we will be able to build more transparent, prosperous and successful society of the future.

If you are still doubting about the notion of "civic and political rights", than it's time to update you knowledge on the matter. If you are a proficient "sapient civic rights individual", that's your time to rise and shine, and educate!

- Daryna Kupriianova CEO & Founder DAR for peace and equality

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CHAPTER III Citizen in the city and region Youth City Council If you're serious about getting involved locally, consider running for the Youth City Council or the Regional Youth Assembly (Youth Voivodeship Council).

It's a body where young members represent the voice of their peers.

A Youth Council acts like a legislative body for young people. While it functions similarly to the adult City Council or Regional Assembly, it focuses specifically on the interests of local youth. It plays a crucial advisory role, allowing young citizens to co-decide on policies affecting their immediate surroundings, education, and regional development.

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The composition, electoral system, and specific nature of Youth Councils vary depending on the country, municipality, or region. Check if such a council exists in your hometown or province and discover what regional initiatives they support!

Joining a Youth Council can be the perfect start to your social or regional government career!

Meetings with Authorities Meetings with decision-makerslike city mayors, regional marshals, or local councilors-are great opportunities to gain the skills you need as an activist.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, debate, or voice your opinions, especially on topics concerning youth spaces, local transport, or funding for regional cultural events.

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These meetings might take various forms, such as public consultations, debates, open forums, or targeted gatherings in schools or libraries.

Check your city's or region's website to see if any are happening near you!

Apolitical, non-partisan...

As an activist or volunteer, you might face a choice: to get involved in politics or not. The decision is entirely yours, but always remember to only do what aligns with your beliefs and goals for your community.

The first path is apoliticality. This means indifference to current political activities and limited participation in political life.

An apolitical person often doesn't voice opinions on topics in political debates or take part in protests or happenings.

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Another option is non-partisanship. This doesn't mean you avoid civic life. Instead, you don't belong to any national political party.

This approach is heavily favored by regional activists, who often form independent local committees to focus strictly on regional issues, language, and infrastructure, giving them immense freedom of action.

This approach is also often favored by young activists because it offers a lot of freedom in their actions.

The last path is party affiliation. If you wish to be actively involved with a specific political party (or a recognized regional party) whose program best reflects your convictions, and build your career within its structures.

Which path will you choose?

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CHAPTER IV Citizen in an NGO Get involved socially An NGO, or non-governmental organization, is an entity such as an association or foundation.

NGO activities focus on social work, which aims to somehow change the reality around us.

Being involved with an NGO can offer many benefits for someone looking to get socially engaged. With the help of a non-governmental organization, you can lead projects that preserve local traditions, promote regional languages, or tackle specific challenges your community faces.

When looking for an NGO, check what types of organizations operate in your city or region.

Their topics are very broad: whether you're passionate about global human rights or strengthening regional identity, you'll find an organization that suits you!

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CHAPTER V Citizen online & Digital Regionalism Online activity Being active in social life makes online activity a natural extension. Social media is an excellent way to promote your regional activities, share local culture, and find new opportunities It's crucial to always verify the information you encounter. It's no secret that fake news is a widespread problem today, and efforts to combat it often fall short.

Always remember that before you share or endorse any material online, you should check the source, the author, and most importantly, its accuracy.

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Remember this, especially when you come across suspicious sources. According to the government's classification, fake news is divided into: complete falsehoods, disputed truths, and quote manipulation.

Watch out for hate speech and harmful stereotypes!

Another threat you might encounter is hate speech, which you must fight! This includes discrimination based on someone's origin, regional identity, or the dialect they speak.

Online hate speech is punishable by law under criminal codes.

How else can you get involved online?

Promoting your activities Another form of online activity can be promoting social initiatives, regional heritage campaigns, or volunteer work run by local NGOs and authorities.

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There are even specialized online communities that bring together people interested in a particular topic and eager to get involved in its promotion. An example of such a community is "wspólnie.eu", which unites individuals interested in democracy within the European Union.

Most organizations, whether governmental bodies, regional councils, or local NGOs working on European initiatives in your area, have their own social media profiles. Following them is just the first step.

You can actively participate by sharing their campaigns, engaging in constructive digital debates, and amplifying the voice of your "little homeland."

Check if the organizations you're involved with or support are promoting themselves on social media. If they're not, perhaps that's an area for you to get involved?

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CHAPTER VI Citizen for the Planet and Local Environment Caring for the environment is a duty Caring for our natural environment is one of the duties of a conscious citizen! Concern for the planet starts right outside your window— by protecting your region's unique landscape, rivers, and air quality.

We can be the change in the world!

Good environmental habits and ecological awareness can start with us. Remember to be eco-friendly in your social actions and to promote ecology among your peers.

Climate education tailored to regional challenges (like industrial transition or protecting local ecosystems) is an incredibly important aspect of raising public awareness!

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It can also be a great idea to organize these types of classes or events yourself. You can find scenarios for such activities on the websites of the Ministry or regional ecological foundations.

Act, Propose, Implement!

Ecological volunteering You can also get involved in volunteering focused on the environment and climate education. Many regional NGOs work specifically to protect local nature reserves, fight smog, or clean up neighborhood spaces!

If you're interested in environmental topics, ecological volunteering to protect your "little homeland" might just be the best option for you to become an active citizen.

It's always worth exploring your interests and finding what truly resonates with you.

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CHAPTER VII Citizen in the European Union Citizen in the EU Membership in the European Union brings a whole host of benefits, not just for countries, but for regions! Among them are opportunities you can directly take advantage of...

You can participate in European-level volunteering through many programs, such as Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and bilateral programs...

Erasmus+ is an EU program supporting educational exchanges, including Erasmus+ Youth. Thanks to this, you can participate in international youth exchanges, showcasing your regional culture to peers from all over Europe!

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The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is another EU program. Its goal is to support local initiatives and participation in international volunteering. Thanks to it, you can carry out an initiative in your community or, for example, go for six months of volunteering in Europe!

There's also a whole host of bilateral programs that facilitate, for example, youth exchanges or other international mobilities.

Many countries have special agreements with specific partners to foster deeper cultural and youth exchanges. Here are some prominent examples: Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO / OFAJ) German-Polish Youth Office (DPJW / PNWM) Italian-French Youth Exchanges Nordic Council Youth Programs To learn more about them, look for information on government or NGO websites. These exchanges are a great platform to learn how other countries preserve their regional identities while building a united Europe!

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The European Solidarity Corps (ESC) is another EU program. Its goal is to support local initiatives and participation in international volunteering. Thanks to it, you can carry out an initiative in your community or, for example, go for six months of volunteering in Europe!

There's also a whole host of bilateral programs that facilitate, for example, youth exchanges or other international mobilities.

Many countries have special agreements with specific partners to foster deeper cultural and youth exchanges. Here are some prominent examples: Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO / OFAJ) German-Polish Youth Office (DPJW / PNWM) Italian-French Youth Exchanges Nordic Council Youth Programs To learn more about them, look for information on government or NGO websites. These exchanges are a great platform to learn how other countries preserve their regional identities while building a united Europe!

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CHAPTER VIII Understanding Regionalism What does it mean to be a citizen of a region? It all starts with Regional Identity.

This is the deep connection you feel to your "little homeland"-its unique history, traditions, landscape, and shared values. It’s an extra layer of your citizenship that makes you who you are.

Regionalism, on the other hand, is moving from feeling to acting. It is a social and cultural movement aiming to protect and promote this unique identity. It’s about being proud of your roots and actively working with local administration and NGOs to ensure your region's voice is heard on a national and European level.

Regionalism is not about dividing a country; it’s about enriching it. A strong, diverse mosaic of regions makes the whole society stronger!

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The Heart of Identity: Regional Languages If culture is the soul of a region, language is its DNA. Many regions across Europe have their own distinct languages, dialects, or ethnolects (like Silesian, Kashubian, or Catalan).

For a long time, speaking a regional dialect was sometimes unfairly treated as a barrier.

Today, we know that protecting regional languages is a fundamental human right and a crucial part of civic freedom.

Speak it proudly Advocate for visibility Fight discrimination Support regional creators

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Global Solidarity: From Region to the World Foreign policy isn't just for national governments. Did you know that regions, cities, and local NGOs conduct their own international relations? This is called paradiplomacy.

A strong regional identity doesn't mean closing yourself off from the world. On the contrary!

Local governments and regional organizations often build partnerships with communities across the globe—from twinned cities in Europe to supporting regions in developing countries or areas recovering from severe conflicts. Sharing local expertise in administration, education, or peacebuilding can have a massive global impact.

Think Global, Act Regional Push for Partnerships Build Bridges, Not Walls

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True regionalism is rooted in empathy. When we appreciate our own local heritage, we naturally learn to respect and protect the diverse cultures and human rights of communities worldwide.

Foreign policy isn't just for national governments. Did you know that regions, cities, and local NGOs conduct their own international relations? This is called paradiplomacy.

A strong regional identity doesn't mean closing yourself off from the world. On the contrary!

Local governments and regional organizations often build partnerships with communities across the globe, from twinned cities in Europe to supporting regions in developing countries or areas recovering from severe conflicts.

Sharing local expertise in administration, education, or peacebuilding can have a massive global impact.

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SUMMARY We hope the "Young Citizen Manual. Regional Identity Edition" has inspired you to act. We believe each of you has the potential to actively influence the world around you.

Remember, civic education is a continuous process. We encourage you to keep learning, thinking critically, and engaging in social issues. Every form of involvement, from protecting local heritage to online debates, truly matters.

Our sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to this handbook, the experts, educators, volunteers, and especially the young people whose invaluable ideas shaped this work. Your passion proves that building a better future is possible.

May this handbook be your starting point for building a society founded on trust, respect, and diversity. Together, we can create a world where every young citizen feels responsible for their "little homeland" and has a real impact on the global community.

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Fundacja FEIS feis.foundation FEIS FundacjaTV feis.org.pl

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 European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.