Output 3.1: One collectively authored e-book published
After the co-Laboratories, the youth participants collectively authored an e-book “50 Proposals for Action towards designing ideal future systems of governance that increase youth participation”. This Book was edited for homogeneity and clarity by the FWC team: All participants (those who took part physically as well as virtually in each Co-Laboratory) gradually developed a clear, but more importantly, shared understanding and shared language to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and desires. The resulting Action Map from their Co-Laboratory highlights the action with the maximum influence. On the last day, the facilitators worked with them to extract the 10 most influential actions and re-word them in a way that makes them more explicit, understandable, and concise. At least one person assumed responsibility for expanding and editing each idea after the conclusion of the Co-Laboratory. The FWC team then compiled the 50 top contributions into an eBook and sent it to all participants for additions, comments, and edits. This process continued for a few iterations until the eBook reached the level required for sharing it with the wider public. Through these well-written essays, they have the opportunity to share their ideas worldwide and mobilize the public to address the complex global challenges. The e-book has been launched during the last two quarters of the second year and is available online at both the project’s website and the organization website. The e-book is also be promoted by partner organizations and international networks. Click here to download the reports:
Concrete results / Monitoring
The preparation and publication of the book increased the enthusiasm of the participating youth. The formal publication validated and “proves” that their ideas, opinions, and suggestions are recognized publicly and they were contributing as first steps in changing their world. It also demonstrates the possibility of authoring a book collectively and promoting the collective wisdom of many all over the world. The impact is measured by considering the number of participants who were responsible for the arrangement of face-to-face events such as e-book presentation events as well as virtual events (e.g., via FacebookTM). Secondly, young people became more interested in the democratic process since they were provided with practical tools and means of engagement. This is measured by considering the number of people who participate in such face-to-face events (i.e., panel discussions, radio or TV programs etc.), as well as virtual ones (e.g., FacebookTM). Also, the number of downloads of the e-book can be used to measure its dissemination.
Follow-up Actions
After editing the e-book, participants are encouraged to arrange book presentation events, panel discussions, radio and TV programs, in their respective countries in order to disseminate the ideas put forward in the e-books.