Skip to main content

© COMMEDI

Democracy Panels – Month 5: Comics Meet Civic Action

 05/09/2025

|

 46

|

August focused on advancing creative skills and building stronger community links. The team engaged in new workshops on complex non-fiction storytelling and historical narratives in comics, exploring how civic issues and past struggles for rights can be transformed into engaging visual stories. These activities deepened participants' understanding of democracy as lived experience and creative expression.

One major highlight was the invitation to present the Democracy Panels project during the EUGREW Summer School in Thessaloniki—an international event funded by a Jean Monnet action. Coach Thanos Kyratzis and youth volunteers led an interactive workshop for 65 teachers from 30 EU countries. They shared the project’s concept, methodology, and early outcomes, engaging in lively discussions about the value of comics in civic education. The experience proved that a local youth initiative can spark international interest and provided the team with valuable feedback on how their work might inspire similar actions across Europe.

 

 

Meanwhile, the team also participated in the annual Vrisi Festival in Tyrnavos, following an invitation by the municipality for youth volunteer support. The volunteers contributed to the event’s organization and activities, taking on roles that helped ensure its smooth and welcoming atmosphere. Their involvement highlighted the project's commitment to solidarity and active citizenship—not just in theory, but in everyday life. It was a strong example of how civic-minded youth can make a tangible impact in their local community through presence, initiative, and collaboration.