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Launch of the Youth Consultation

The consultation process begins with an outreach initiative led by the Mayor of Montalto delle Marche, who sends formal communications to all young citizens aged 16-26. These efforts are amplified by the Local Node—a collaborative team of local leaders and stakeholders, including educators, community representatives, and youth workers.

On December 27, 2024, a public event launches the initiative, featuring presentations from the Mayor, the Youth Worker, and SVEM (regional development agency). The event introduces the goals and expected outcomes of the consultation, explains the methodology, and demonstrates the features of the online platform to be used. By live-streaming the event, the consultation ensures accessibility to both local and remotely located participants.

Identifying Youth Needs and Solutions

The first stage of the consultation focuses on understanding the needs and challenges faced by the youth of Montalto. Over two months, hybrid meetings are held, blending in-person and online participation to maximize inclusivity.

Under the guidance of the Youth Worker, participants explore key themes from the European Youth Strategy, including:

• Gender equality,

• Mental health and well-being,

• Rural youth support,

• Quality education and jobs,

• Sustainable and inclusive societies.

These discussions aim to identify specific local needs and propose viable solutions, leveraging the features of the consultation platform: debate, proposals, voting, and blogging. This phase culminates in a detailed report documenting the identified needs and proposed solutions.

Defining Activities and Services for the Youth Space

Building on the insights gathered, the next phase involves co-designing services and activities for the future Youth Space. Once again, two hybrid meetings are held monthly, engaging youth alongside local stakeholders.

Discussions are centered on tailoring activities and services to address the identified needs. This participatory approach ensures that the Youth Space reflects the aspirations of the community. A final report detailing the proposed activities and services is produced, providing a roadmap for implementation.

Presentation of Results

The consultation results are presented in a public event, fostering transparency and community engagement. Young participants and Local Node members share their findings and proposals, supported by technical insights from external stakeholders. The online platform is updated to showcase these results, reinforcing the project’s participatory and transparent ethos.

Setting Up and Inaugurating the Youth Space

The physical transformation of the Youth Space takes place over the summer months. Guided by the consultation outcomes, the space is designed to embody the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and beauty. The official inauguration in September 2025 marks the culmination of this collective effort, opening the doors to an operational space tailored to the needs of Montalto’s youth.

Operation and Evaluation

The Youth Space becomes a vibrant hub for self-managed activities, offering the services and opportunities co-designed during the consultation. Throughout this period, the Local Node and municipal administration monitor and evaluate the space’s functionality. The online platform remains a vital tool for engaging users, capturing feedback, and tracking outcomes.

A final report evaluates the success of the initiative, setting the stage for continuous improvement and inspiring similar efforts in other communities.