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World Youth Movement for Democracy

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What does democracy mean to you? - your chance to have your say!

WYMD's Essay Contest

The chance to be included in an international publication!

As part of the Global Youth Campaign, the WYMD hosted an essay contest, for young people to share their perspectives on democracy. Young activists, students, and citizens were invited to write short essays reflecting on their experiences with the ideals, the realities, and the future of democracy in their communities and countries.

VOICE YOUR IDEAS !
  • Authors must be aged between 14 and 30
  • Submissions were due by April 15
  • Finalists were chosen as follows: three from each of the following regions - Eurasia, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa, and five each from Asia and the Americas.
  • Finalists have been announced! Read them here...

All submissions had to respond to at least one of the following questions:

1) Where do you find democracy in your community?
2) What does democracy mean to you, your friends, your community?
3) Why do you work for democracy? Why are you an activist/active citizen?
4) What is your vision of an ideal society? What are some steps you can take to get there?

  • Essays could be written in: Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish
  • All finalists' essays will be included in an international publication
  • From the regional finalists, two international finalists will be selected to receive a scholarship to participate in the Fifth Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy
The Assembly, taking place in Kiev, Ukraine during April 2008, is a meeting of grassroots activists and democracy-promotion institutions from around the world, and is a great opportunity for young activists to meet with democracy activists, scholars, and practitioners from over 100 countries, gain global perspective on democracy issues, and build new collaborations. (Please note you must be over age 18 by April 2008 to qualify for participation in the WYMD Assembly).

Essays were evaluated based on:

  • composition,
  • accessibility,
  • interest