What happens when you give neurodivergent youth the tools and space to advocate, innovate, and lead? You get NeuroDem—Europe’s fresh take on democratic participation, inclusion, and changemaking.
GEYC is thrilled to be part of NeuroDem (Empowering Neurodivergent Youth to act as Changemakers for Inclusive Democratic Advocacy and Innovation), a bold Erasmus+ partnership bringing together 5 countries and a shared mission: to make democracy everyone’s business—including youth with autism and ADHD.
WHY NEURODEM?
Democracy works best when it reflects all voices—but for neurodivergent youth (ND youth), participating in civic life often comes with invisible barriers. Even though these young people have unique perspectives and incredible passion, they’re too often sidelined.
That’s where NeuroDem comes in. We’re designing tools, trainings, and hands-on labs that equip ND youth and youth workers across Europe with the knowledge, confidence, and platforms to meaningfully participate.
THE PROJECT IN A NUTSHELL
Train the Trainers: We’re developing an accredited training programme to upskill youth workers in inclusive democratic participation—because change starts with those who guide it.
Tools made WITH, not FOR ND youth: A co-created Toolbox and an action-packed Card Game will teach advocacy, collaboration, and civic engagement in ways tailored to autism and ADHD strengths.
NeuroDem Labs: Think hackathons for democracy—youth will dream up real solutions to community challenges and turn their ideas into action.
From practice to policy: Through roundtables and policy briefs, we’ll make sure ND perspectives travel straight from the Labs to decision-makers.
Campaigns: Youth-led national and EU-level advocacy campaigns will amplify what inclusive democracy really looks like.
WHO'S INVOLVED?
Alongside GEYC, the partnership includes:
VSBI (Germany) – The project coordinator, experienced in inclusive education and social services.
STIMMULI (Greece) – Social innovation and changemaking professionals.
EUCAP (Czechia) – The European Council of Autistic People, bringing deep advocacy expertise.
A Centrum (Slovakia) – Specialists in inclusion, education, and self-advocacy training.
Each partner brings not just experience, but passion for reinventing the way young people engage in democracy.
NeuroDem isn’t just about education—it’s about transformation. From ND youth shaping policy to youth workers championing accessibility, this project is carving out a new space for inclusion in civic life.