What it means to be an active citizen, and that activism is not just a protest, a slogan or a campaign on social networks, but rather an understanding of the needs of the community and coming together around solutions, is what young people from several Montenegrin cities had the opportunity to hear about, among other things, through conversations and practical examples during the past weekend at the Academy of Activist Steps and Tools - online and offline, which was held in Nikšić over the weekend.
Environmental activist Vuk Vujisić told participants how to recognize the moment when it is not enough to just observe, but to take responsibility and act.
"Young people are the ones who need to initiate themselves into activism. We can offer them certain tools, help them solve the problem that is bothering them, and teach them how they can reach a solution more quickly. But what must be awakened in activism is the need for change. If there is no need, you cannot force someone to become an activist. It is something that comes from within," said Vujisić, adding that workshops can offer young people important tools, but that the desire for change and perseverance play a key role.
Jelena Novićević, executive director of the NGO "Forum", spoke about how to understand the community as a place where activism naturally arises. Young people had the opportunity to hear that the community is not just the environment in which we live, but a space that we can and should change for the better.
"I believe that changes start with a smaller number of people. It is much more important to work long-term and on a deeper level with a small group and achieve real changes, than to do something massively with a large group of people and achieve superficial results. Unfortunately, we do not always have the conditions for that, it often all comes down to numbers, but I always believe that changes start at the individual level," said Novićević.
She pointed out that re-examination is a major indicator that a particular community has woken up and is ready to take concrete steps.
"I think the first sign is not accepting something they are told for granted. The first sign is also thinking about whether I can change something or know someone who could help me change something," added Novićević.
A special part of the Academy was dedicated to activism in the online space. Through the workshop “Digital Guerrilla”, led by journalist Damira Kalač, participants explored how digital channels can be used to mobilize people, spread messages and build support. In an era where a large part of public life takes place on social networks, they are becoming an important ally for those who want their messages to reach as far as possible.
"The advice to young people is to use all the tools at their disposal as a channel of communication," said Kalač, particularly emphasizing the way in which these channels should be used.
"To begin with, you need to be completely open so that people recognize your good intentions and gain trust. The tools have changed and I have experienced these changes in person. Some networks have emerged, others have disappeared, and still others have changed their mechanisms. What remained was the need for people to truly trust us," Kalač pointed out.
In the continuation of the Academy, activism was observed from another important angle - through the story. Because every action, in order to move people, must first touch them. Journalist Svetlana Mandić spoke about this with the participants. She reminded that it is not enough to just have an important message, but we also need to find a way to market it to the target audience.
"We have to try to be original and tell the story in a way that interests young people. To be honest and include them as the main actors, not just as someone who will listen. If you start with a person, then every story has meaning," said Mandić, adding that emotions also play an important role in everything.
"We always react when a story touches us. If you think about it, cry, laugh, get angry or furious about a problem, then you will react. If you are indifferent, you will not," said Mandić.
The first working day ended with a session called “Activism in Action.” During the conversation with Aleksandar Dragićević, participants heard more about examples of concrete socially responsible activities and the ways in which they have been implemented in practice.
The second day of the Academy also brought a look towards the future. The workshop "AI on the Street: Technology in Practice", led by Ema Gargović from the PR agency Represent Communications Podgorica, opened the question of how new technologies can help activists better understand problems, communicate with the community and design more effective actions. Technology was presented, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that can amplify what already exists - an idea, a message and the need for change.
The final part of the program, "Steps of Youth Through Time", led by Jelena Miljanić from UNDP, rounded out the story of activism as a process that does not begin and end with a single event. It is built through experience, learning from others, and the willingness to take responsibility.
The Academy of Activist Steps and Tools is organized as part of the De facto for Youth program, implemented by the Fund for Active Citizenship in partnership with the Alfa Center.
The program is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the Ministry of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations.
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