Target Group: Young people aged 13–18
Format: Facilitated, interactive workshop
Estimated Time: 90–120 minutes
Overview
This workshop puts students at the heart of democratic participation through a fictional yet realistic simulation. Participants take on roles of diverse community members in “Democracy ısland” each with a unique stake in a local issue. Through guided role-play, team preparation, structured debate, and voting, students learn to engage with complexity, communicate across differences, and reflect on the principles of active and inclusive citizenship.
This activity aligns with the IDEALS Project’s self-learning curriculum under the themes of:
* Democratic Values
* Social Cohesion
* Active Citizenship
* Portable Skills
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the activity, learners will be able to:
– Empathize with diverse societal perspectives
– Formulate and articulate position-based arguments
– Engage in structured debate with respect and openness
– Make decisions through a democratic process
– Reflect on the challenges and rewards of civic dialogue
Portable Skills Developed
| Skill Area | Competency Description |
| 🗣️ Communication & Public Speaking | Expressing ideas clearly, confidently, and persuasively |
| 🤝 Collaboration & Teamwork | Listening, compromising, and planning in groups |
| 🧠 Critical Thinking & Problem Solving | Analyzing different perspectives, rebutting with logic |
| 🎯 Planning & Organisation | Developing clear talking points and debate structure |
| 💻 Digital Literacy (optional) | Using planning tools (Canva, Google tools) for hybrid formats |
| ⚖️ Civic Engagement | Understanding democratic processes and rights-based participation |
| 💪 Self-Confidence & Agency | Representing a viewpoint with conviction and integrity |
Session Structure
| Step | Activity | Purpose | Format |
| 1️⃣ | Welcome to Democracy Island | Introduce fictional setting, characters, and issue | Short video |
| 2️⃣ | Character Role Assignment | Build empathy and perspective-taking | Printed/digital Role Cards |
| 3️⃣ | Team Prep & Argument Building | Structure arguments and practice strategy | Debate Planner Pad (interactive tool) + Worksheet |
| 4️⃣ | Town Hall Debate | Share and discuss diverse perspectives | Moderated, time-boxed debate (2–3 rounds) |
| 5️⃣ | Vote & Justify | Make a reasoned decision based on role | Ballot form (written or digital) |
| 6️⃣ | Reflect & Discuss | Deepen understanding through group debrief | Reflection worksheet + open discussion |
Scenario Example
Town Dilemma:
Democracy Island has received funding for one youth-oriented development project. The town must choose between:
1. A high-tech Digital Youth Hub, offering Wi-Fi, mental health services, and study spaces
2. A Public Park Renovation, preserving green space and offering community gathering areas
Each participant represents a citizen with a stake in this decision. The debate will determine what serves the “greater public good.”
Learning Resources
| Resource | Description | |
| 🧾 Role Cards | Nine diverse fictional citizen profiles to role-play | Click to see |
| 📹 Intro Video | “Democracy in Action” explainer introducing the game- | Click to see |
| 📊 Infographic | Visual step-by-step guide to the Living Debate Game | Click to see |
| 🧠Presentation Tool | “Debate Presentation Template ” to support structured group preparation | Click to see |
| 📄 Student Worksheets | Print-ready planning + reflection activities | Click to see |
| EURODEBATER | Interactive online game | Click to see |
Optional Extensions
– Add a mini-exhibition where teams create posters or position papers
– Invite a guest speaker (e.g. local activist or youth council member)
– Use digital platforms like Padlet or Miro for online versions
– Connect this activity to students’ own school councils or community projects
Completion
At the end of the activity, students will receive:
– A participation badge or certificate (if applicable)
– The opportunity to upload their debate pitch, reflections, or campaign ideas to the project platform (if enabled)
Learning Resources for “Democracy in Action”
Role Cards
The role cards include background, values, and concerns. Pick one of the roles during the debate activity to present your perspective.
• Local Business Owner – Alex
• Climate Activist – Lina
• School Principal – Mr. Rossi
• Refugee Youth – Amina
• Retired Citizen – Giovanni
• Social Media Influencer – Marco
• Single Parent – Rosa
• Local Artist – Chiara
• Deputy Mayor – Luca
1. Local Business Owner – “Alex”
About Me: I run a small café that’s popular with teens and tourists.
Concern: I want more foot traffic and digital services to attract younger customers.
Value: Economic growth and innovation.
2. Climate Activist – “Lina”
About Me: I’m part of a youth climate group fighting for green spaces.
Concern: I oppose cutting trees or building on parks.
Value: Sustainability and protecting nature.
3. School Principal – “Mr. Rossi”
About Me: I lead the local high school.
Concern: I want students to have safe, modern digital learning spaces.
Value: Education and equity.
4. Refugee Youth – “Amina”
About Me: I came to Democraville last year. I’m learning Italian and trying to fit in.
Concern: I feel excluded when decisions are made without youth like me.
Value: Inclusion and belonging.
5. Retired Citizen – “Giovanni”
About Me: I’ve lived in Democraville for 50 years. I love walking in the park.
Concern: I fear technology will replace human connection.
Value: Community and tradition.
6. Social Media Influencer – “Marco”
About Me: I have 20,000 followers and speak about youth issues.
Concern: I think more digital youth spaces mean better visibility and mental health support.
Value: Self-expression and digital connection.
7. Single Parent – “Rosa”
About Me: I work two jobs and raise two teenagers.
Concern: I need safe, free spaces where my children can go after school.
Value: Safety and opportunity for all.
8. Local Artist – “Chiara”
About Me: I paint murals around town and run creative workshops.
Concern: I want spaces where young people can express themselves through art.
Value: Culture and creativity.
9. Deputy Mayor – “Luca”
About Me: I represent the town council and handle local development projects.
Concern: I must balance limited resources and competing needs.
Value: Public good and fairness.
SCENARIO CARD
Town Dilemma: “A Digital Youth Hub or A Public Park?”
Background:
The town has received EU funding to create a new project for youth. Two proposals have been submitted:
- A Digital Youth Center – with computers, free Wi-Fi, study rooms, and a mental health support office.
- A Park Renovation Project – preserving the existing green park with better lighting, benches, a community garden, and an open-air stage.
There is only enough funding for one project. The town hall invites citizens to a public debate to decide.
🎯 Student Worksheet: “Democracy in Action”
🔹 Section 1: Role Notes
My Role: ______________________
Name of Role Character: ______________________
My character believes in: ______________________
My character is worried about: ______________________
Our team members: ______________________
🔹 Section 2: Preparing Our Arguments
Step 1 – What’s our character’s position on the issue?
We support: ☐ Digital Youth Hub ☐ Park Renovation ☐ Not sure yet
Step 2 – Why does our character think this is the best choice?
Write 2–3 key reasons based on your character’s perspective:
Step 3 – What could others say against our view?
List one or two possible opposing arguments:
Step 4 – How will we respond?
What is your reply to those arguments?
🔹 Section 3: The Debate
✅ Circle one:
I presented / My teammate presented / We shared equally
🧠 Notes from the debate:
Write down something smart or surprising someone else said:
✨ Did anything change your thinking?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, what and why?
🔹 Section 4: Deliberation & Voting
☐ I voted for: ____________________________________
☐ I voted as: Myself / My Character
☐ One reason I voted this way: _______________________
🔹 Section 5: Reflection
Complete these after the session or at home.
- What skill did you use most in this activity? (Circle one)
🗣️ Speaking | 🤝 Critical thinking | 🤝 Listening | 📝 Writing | 🎯 Planning
- What did you enjoy most?
- What was most challenging?
- What would you do differently next time?
- What do you think this activity taught you about real-life democracy?