Our project marks an exciting milestone: the launch of the first Community Needs Assessment, led by our Polish partner.
At the heart of this activity lies an innovative and participatory method called Citizens’ City Map, a creative approach that places young people at the center of local change.
Rather than relying on traditional surveys or formal consultations, this method invites participants to collectively draw their neighborhood. Through this process, young people reflect on their everyday experiences, identifying what works well in their community, what challenges they face, and what changes they would like to see. Streets, parks, schools, and public spaces become more than just places they turn into stories, emotions, and ideas visualized on a shared map.
What makes the Citizens’ City Map truly powerful is its ability to transform reflection into action. Participants are not only encouraged to highlight problems but also to propose concrete, realistic solutions. These ideas form the basis of a community-driven action plan, rooted in the real needs and perspectives of local youth.
The process does not end with the workshop. The map created by participants is later digitized and transformed into an interactive online tool, accessible to the wider community. This ensures that the voices of young people are not only heard but also shared with stakeholders, decision-makers, and residents—creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration.
By combining creativity, participation, and digital innovation, this activity sets the tone for the entire project. It demonstrates that meaningful civic engagement can start with something as simple—and as powerful—as drawing a map together.
