Youth, communication, and leadership: continuing to create opportunities for active participation in community life

The second event within the framework of the Citizens Engagement Plan of the Fontanska United Territorial Community (UTC) took place, as part of the project “Civic Participation and Cross-Sectoral Partnership in Communities of Ukraine,” implemented by the NGO “Network of Civil Society Hubs of Ukraine” with the support of UNDP in Ukraine and funded by the Government of Denmark. 👥 This time, the student activists and school ombudsmen joined a training titled “Communication that Works: The Psychology of Effective Interaction,” held as part of the initiative “Youth Leadership in the Community: Opportunities and Prospects.” 💬 During the meeting, young people discussed the power of communication, the role of effective interaction in public life, and the key communication qualities of a modern leader. Participants not only became acquainted with the theoretical aspects of interaction but also had the opportunity to practice, discuss their own vision of leadership, and share experiences. 🎓 The event was led by a top-category practical psychologist, methodologist psychologist Leyla Ilgarivna Gasanova, who helped participants to look at communication as an important tool for influence, cooperation, and community development. 🤝 During the training, students learned how to construct 'I-messages' — an important tool for effective and non-violent communication. Thanks to the 'Labels' exercise, the students were able to understand how stereotypes affect communication and relationships between people. 🎲 The interactive activities were of particular interest: the quiz 'Conflict or Not?' and the teenage game 'Creepy or Normal,' during which participants analyzed real-life situations, expressed their own opinions, learned to find ways to reach understanding, and tools for conveying their own position to the interlocutor. ✨ The meeting took place in a friendly and open atmosphere, promoting active dialogue and involving young people in community processes. Special emphasis was placed on the fact that the voice of every young resident is important, and participation in community life is a real opportunity to influence its development. 💙💛 We thank all participants for their activity, engagement, and willingness to participate in shaping the future of our community!


