New guide launched to educate youth about democracy ahead of 2024 parliamentary elections in Iceland

A new guide has been released aimed at educating young individuals about democracy and their potential influence within a democratic society. The initiative, launched in 2016, was designed to encourage greater participation of youth in elections, as prior voter turnout data indicated a significant disengagement among younger demographics.

The recently published handbook, titled “Democratic Awareness,” seeks to address this gap by providing reliable information amid the overwhelming quantity of often misleading content available online. It emphasizes the importance of political parties engaging with young people on a peer-to-peer basis, according to one of its authors, a political scientist who discussed the project in a recent media appearance.

The guide is divided into three sections: the first includes practical information about democratic processes; the second offers strategies for young people to effectively participate in democratic discourse, such as engaging in public meetings, providing feedback on legislation, and writing for media outlets; and the third outlines ways to influence one’s immediate community through discussion events or advocacy.

The inspiration for this handbook stemmed from observations made by another co-author during her time managing a student organization for secondary education, which coincided with her studies in political science. She noted a stark lack of resources detailing how young people could engage meaningfully in the democratic landscape beyond merely voting.

As Iceland approaches its upcoming parliamentary elections in 2024, the relevance and urgency of this educational effort become increasingly significant, aiming to empower the next generation to actively shape their governance.