3. PARTICIPANT SELECTION AND PREPARATION:
Public call for participation:
Methodology of Youth Community Hackathons is designed for enhancing media literacy and critical thinking, as well as boosting civic activism of young people. Therefore, putting them at the forefront of the activities as main event participants. However, range of demographics can be suitable for this methodology, especially children from 13 years of age that are starting to use social media in their everyday life.
Launch a public call detailing the participant criteria. Use social media, local educational institutions, schools and youth organizations to reach potential participants. Make inspirational promotional content that will allow you to reach and engage desired target group. This is particularly important in case you want to engage some more specific target group such are for example socially and politically passive young people. Furthermore, for these target groups some more adjusted and direct approaches like collaboration with the schools, youth centres or faculties could be beneficial.
Selection process:
Screen applications based on set criteria, focusing on increasing participation of women and politically inactive youth. Ensure diversity in participant selection.
Participant briefing:
Provide selected participants with preparatory materials about the event topics, hackathon methodology, and expected outcomes. This could include pre-event reading materials or introductory videos.
If you have managed successfully all the steps in the Stage I, Stage II will come smoothly and with the rewards!
