21-24 May 2026 | Cluj-Napoca, Romania
What happens when young people are given the opportunity not only to identify community problems, but also to propose solutions directly to decision-makers?
This question came to life during the ASPYRE EUROPE Civic Cafés Romania, organised by Polylogos as part of Zilele Clujului 2026. Over four days, young people transformed months of research, discussions, and teamwork into public advocacy, engaging hundreds of citizens and meeting directly with local decision-makers to present their policy recommendations.
The Civic Cafés marked the culmination of a process that began months earlier, during which young people learned about democratic participation, developed advocacy skills, researched issues affecting their communities, and worked together to design realistic, evidence-based solutions.
From ideas to action
Four Youth Advocacy Groups presented proposals on issues they considered most urgent for young people in Cluj-Napoca:
- OnBoard – Improving safety on public transportation and at stations.
- Future Compass – Increasing access to school counsellors in high schools.
- Sports+ – Strengthening institutional support for emerging and under-recognised sports.
- Fuel for Success – Improving access to healthy and balanced food during the school day.
Rather than simply raising awareness, each group developed concrete recommendations and engaged citizens in conversations about how these ideas could become reality.
Bringing democracy into the heart of the city
A key feature of this year’s Civic Cafés was their location.
By organising the public activities within Zilele Clujului, one of the city’s largest annual festivals, the Youth Advocacy Groups had the opportunity to engage with a diverse audience of residents, families, students, visitors, and tourists throughout the weekend.
At the Polylogos stand in Central Park, young people invited passers-by to discuss the challenges facing their generation, collected community feedback, and encouraged citizens to support youth-led initiatives. Many visitors stopped to ask questions, share their own experiences, and express appreciation for the quality and creativity of the proposals developed by the participants.
Dialogue with decision-makers
The Civic Café event also brought young people together with representatives of the Cluj-Napoca Local Council, Cluj City Hall, the Cluj County School Inspectorate, educators, youth workers, and representatives of political youth organisations.
Each advocacy group presented the issue they had researched, explained why it matters for young people, and proposed practical recommendations for change.
The discussions were open, constructive, and solution-oriented. Decision-makers provided feedback, explored possible avenues for collaboration, and expressed their commitment to following up on several of the proposals presented.
Perhaps most importantly, the event established a framework for continued dialogue beyond the project itself. Polylogos will continue facilitating communication between the Youth Advocacy Groups and local institutions, helping transform ideas into concrete action.
Building confidence and community
For many, this was their first experience speaking publicly about issues they care deeply about, engaging directly with public officials, and seeing that their voices are taken seriously.
Throughout the process of preparing for the Civic Café, young people developed confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and advocacy competencies while discovering that meaningful democratic participation begins long before election day.
At the same time, the initiative strengthened relationships between schools, local authorities, civil society organisations, and young people, creating new opportunities for long-term collaboration.
A shared commitment to participation
The success of the Civic Cafés was made possible through strong community support.
Teachers and school leaders encouraged students throughout the process, while the Cluj County School Inspectorate actively supported the initiative. The Cluj-Napoca City Hall and Local Council made it possible for the Civic Cafés to become part of Zilele Clujului, significantly increasing the visibility of the Youth Advocacy Groups and their work.
The enthusiasm shown by citizens, institutions, and decision-makers alike demonstrated that communities benefit when young people are given genuine opportunities to participate in shaping public life.
Looking ahead
The Civic Cafés marked the end of one phase of ASPYRE EUROPE – but the beginning of another.
The conversations initiated during Zilele Clujului will continue as the Youth Advocacy Groups work alongside Polylogos and local partners to further develop and advance their proposals.
Above all, the Civic Cafés demonstrated something simple but powerful: when young people are trusted, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to participate, they rise to the occasion – becoming active citizens, capable of building practical solutions and contributing to stronger, more democratic, resilient and inclusive communities.
Policy Recommendations presented by the youth during the Civic Cafés:
