The Speak Out project began with a clear objective: to equip young people with the tools and confidence to actively participate in shaping youth policy. The first phase of this initiative took place on 1 February 2026 in Gabrovo, where ESN Bulgaria organised a national training focused on introducing the “Youth Check” methodology.

The training gathered 32 participants—primarily university students and volunteers from ESN sections across Bulgaria. Hosted in the Youth Center in Gabrovo, the event also provided an opportunity for participants to engage with a local youth space and better understand how youth infrastructure functions at the municipal level.

At the core of this first phase was a simulation exercise designed to replicate real policy challenges. Participants were presented with a fictional legislative proposal to restrict social media access for individuals under 18. Working in groups representing different regions of Bulgaria, they were tasked with developing strategies to respond to this proposal. This included identifying ways to collect opinions from young people, researching relevant data, and designing advocacy campaigns targeting schools, universities, and local communities.

The exercise required participants to think beyond theory and engage with practical questions: How do you reach young people effectively? What evidence is needed to support a policy position? How can local youth organisations influence decision-making processes? The overall outcome demonstrated strong engagement and a willingness to explore advocacy in a structured way.

The session concluded with group presentations and a collective reflection on the feasibility of the proposed strategies. This discussion was critical in highlighting both the potential and the challenges of youth advocacy at the local level. It also reinforced the importance of clear methodology and guidance when working on policy-related topics.

Feedback from participants showed high satisfaction with the activity and confirmed that the “Youth Check” approach helped them better understand how to engage in democratic processes. Many expressed increased motivation to connect with local institutions and involve educational structures in youth initiatives.

This first phase of Speak Out established the foundation for the project’s next steps. By combining non-formal education with practical simulation, ESN Bulgaria created an environment where participants could experiment, learn, and build confidence. The transition from this local training to national-level dialogue in Pernik demonstrates how structured preparation can lead to meaningful youth participation in policy discussions.

The Gabrovo training was not just an isolated activity—it was the starting point of a larger process aimed at turning youth ideas into actionable policy input.