Are you confused before every election because you don't know if you are making a right decision? Then join us in our workshops where we will get to know our political parties, their structure, main ideas and how they work in practice. We will quickly go through the history of politics, elections, voting rights in the world and in our country. Then we will talk about function of the European Parliament with Slovenia's representative in it. We are planning on involving different generations.

Koroška, Slovenija (Carinthia region, Slovenia).

Due to past disappointments, people don't trust politicians and therefore don't inform themselves enough about the situation on the political scene. We would like to change that through our workshops and help people realize that they can achieve many things, even in politics. Often individuals are convinced that their opinion doesn't matter, it won't change much on a political scene, that one vote won't change anything but if we come and stand together the change and the set goal would be more possible or achievable. THERE IS POWER IN UNITY!

For all residents of Koroška region (also for all citizens of the Republic of Slovenia). Preferably those who already have the voting rights, but we definitely want to spread awareness and help educate younger people as well, to prepare them to make important decisions for themselves and in some sort of way for the entire country.

1. WHO LEADS US?
Workshop on the topic of our current political system of Slovenia: organization of government, political parties, their representatives and main goals and the importance of participation in elections. During the workshop we will create a folded pamphlet in which we will briefly present and describe our political parties.
2. THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE HISTORY OF THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Presentation of European Parliament in collaboration with the representative of Slovenia (representatives of EU member states, presidency of the Council of the EU, elections,...). Presentation of the struggle to obtain the voting rights for women, methods used throughout history in elections, manipulation of voters,...
3. COMPETITION: "LITTLE POLITICIAN"
In cooperation with primary schools, we will organize a competition, where students in the last triad will be introduced to the government and the importance of elections, then we will invite them to participate in a "political campaign" for educational purposes, called »Mali politik« (»Little politician«) where they will make a promotional video on elections.
4. NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
Another workshop where we would like to involve the students of last triad of primary schools. With previous agreement with school officials we want to give lectures about all national holidays, the main importance of each holiday.

At the end of the project, we expect tangible results in the field of political stability of each individual and the community as a whole. We want to make sure that people know they are heard, that their opinion counts. We intend to make and release a folded pamphlet, where we will describe political parties, their main representatives and their goals. We want to start raising awareness of the importance of participation in elections among young people too, so we plan on connecting with primary schools offering them various workshops (our government, elections, national holidays), then we will invite students to participate in the competition "LITTLE POLITICIAN" where they'll be able to record a campaign video. We will choose the best video and appropriately reward it.

By presenting the activities of political parties which usually run in elections, we want to "encourage" citizens and increase participation in elections, that consequently means they're actively involved in the functioning of the state. That way they'll be responsible for improving their quality of life, share their opinions and make sure they're part of decision-making. People are not aware enough of the importance of participating in elections, because there every vote really counts. This is the main area where we want to make a difference.

The idea is supported by the entire staff of Slokva (social enterprise) whose members are also residents of the region where the project will be implemented and are consequently involved in everyday life there. We are aware of the problem of lack of interest in politics and its functioning, even though we live in a democratic country where the voice of the people counts. As we are also part of the eligible voters, we are aware of our potential for changes in the running of the country. Our desire is to make the sceptics aware of this, to convince them to look at it more responsibly, and really as an opportunity for positive change in politics, we should all work together to create a better space for future generations.

Personnel costs: 19500 EUR (salary, including travel costs)
Promotional material: 5500 EUR (office expenses, advertising board, folded pamphlet, poster)
Rent and operating costs: 3000 EUR
External lecturers: 2000 EUR
Volunteering costs: 3000 EUR
Other costs: 2000 EUR

We want to hear how the electoral system works in your country and what do you think of your current political situation? Are you satisfied with your system, the way people in charge run the country? Do you feel involved enough or heard enough, do you think your vote really counts?