Our practical themes
Participation & citizenship
Contributing to decisions and action around shared concerns.
One of UnionOfSkills.com’s ten practical themes, not an official EU list. How we organise skills.
Why it matters
Participation can involve shaping a school decision, contributing to a community initiative or taking collective action on a shared concern. Civic participation focuses on the contribution people make; inclusive participation draws attention to who has access and influence. Listening and discussing different views help people weigh the options before acting.
Skills in this theme
Also connected with this theme
These skills have their main home in another theme, with a further connection here.
Critical thinking
Media literacy
Understand how media messages are made, presented and shared, and how this can shape their meaning.
Communication
Constructive dialogue
Explore different views respectfully, using reasons and questions to keep an exchange useful.
Problem-solving
Systems thinking
Understand how parts of a situation depend on one another and how changes can have wider effects.
Digital literacy
Digital safety & privacy
Protect personal information, devices, accounts and wellbeing when using digital technologies.
Digital literacy
Responsible digital participation
Interact, share and participate responsibly in digital spaces.
Inclusion & diversity
Intercultural competence
Interact thoughtfully across cultural differences and recognise that norms and perspectives may vary.
Inclusion & diversity
Inclusive participation
Recognise and respond to barriers that affect people's opportunities to participate meaningfully.
Entrepreneurship
Taking initiative
Move from intention towards action without waiting for every step to be provided.
Entrepreneurship
Ethical & sustainable thinking
Consider ethical, social and environmental consequences when developing ideas or taking action.
Connected themes
Youth relevance
School councils, youth consultations, volunteering and local initiatives offer different ways for young people to contribute. Organisers need to make clear which decisions are open to influence and how young people’s views will be considered, online or in person.