First Three Sessions of “From Idea to Impact”

Since its launch on 13th June 2025, the “From Idea to Impact” workshop series has brought together motivated young people who want to create positive change in their communities. As part of our monthly program is designed to support youth in developing their civic ideas into structured, impactful initiatives, from the very first spark of inspiration to fully developed action plans.

The format of each session includes a short input by an experienced facilitator, interactive exercises in pairs or small groups, and reflection rounds. The language of delivery is both German and English, to allow broader participation across the region. While some participants came with a specific idea in mind, others joined to explore what active citizenship could look like in their context whether that be school, neighborhood, or city-wide.

Here is a short summary of the first three editions:

🧠 1st Workshop – Identifying Needs & Framing Ideas
📅 13 June 2025 | 🕕 18:00–20:30

The opening session focused on understanding the connection between local challenges and youth-driven solutions. Through problem-mapping and guided discussion, participants explored topics such as environmental degradation, lack of youth spaces, digital exclusion, and barriers to integration. By the end of the session, each participant had drafted an initial version of a “problem statement” and brainstormed possible directions for action. Many shared that it was the first time they had analyzed their own ideas in such a concrete and structured way.

🎯 2nd Workshop – Setting Goals and Planning Actions
📅 12 July 2025 | 🕕 18:00–20:30

Building on the first session, participants returned in July to translate their ideas into clear goals and realistic action steps. Using the SMART model (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), each group or individual refined their initiative’s aim. Planning tools such as action calendars and milestone boards were introduced to help break large ideas into smaller, manageable steps. This session also covered basic risk planning and how to identify supportive resources in the local area.

🤝 3rd Workshop – Building Your Team & Local Cooperation
📅 9 August 2025 | 🕕 18:00–20:30

In the third session, we addressed a common challenge in grassroots initiatives: how to build a team and collaborate effectively. Through simulation activities and roleplay, participants practiced forming teams based on values, skills, and complementary roles. We also looked at how to reach out to potential partners — such as schools, youth centers, local NGOs, and city departments — and discussed real examples of successful youth-led cooperation in the region. Many participants reported feeling more confident about asking for support and presenting their project idea to others.

Across the three sessions, we welcomed 21 individual participants, with 12 attending two or more sessions. The age range was 16–27, and participants represented diverse backgrounds, including students, recent migrants, and young professionals. Several project ideas have already taken shape, including a mobile book-sharing box, a nature cleanup and youth art day, and a peer support group for first-generation students.

Participants also received ongoing mentoring support between workshops. A few projects are now being considered for further development through Erasmus+ and local funding programs. Additionally, one team has already been matched with a partner organization for a pilot collaboration starting this autumn.

Feedback collected through anonymous forms shows that 93% of participants rated the sessions as “very helpful” or “excellent”, and many expressed appreciation for the practical tools, safe space for discussion, and peer learning format.

With momentum building, we look forward to the next session in September, where we’ll focus on funding strategies and budget planning. EU Aktivisten remains committed to supporting young people not just as future leaders, but as active citizens today, capable of turning bold ideas into real community change.

For updates or to get involved, contact us at aktivisten.eu@gmail.com