At first glance, a short vertical video may seem like something simple: A phone camera, a few seconds of speech, a message posted online. But for a group of young people in Moldova, creating short civic videos became more than a digital exercise. It became a way to reflect on the problems around them, to speak responsibly, and to understand that participation in public life can start with a clear message.
Through the project “Culture, Ethics, and Digital Civic Participation: A Civic Storytelling Course for Youth,” A.O. “Ethos Cultural Moldova” worked with young participants on civic engagement, digital rights, freedom of expression, legal awareness, media literacy, ethical communication, and civic storytelling. The goal was not only to teach young people how to use digital tools, but also how to use them responsibly.
Moving from passive consumption to active, ethical, and informed communication
Most young people are active online every day. They scroll, react, share, comment, and create content. Yet digital presence does not automatically mean civic participation. The challenge is to help young people move from passive consumption to active, ethical, and informed communication. This was the central idea of the program: to show that a digital platform can become a space for civic expression if the message is clear, respectful, and connected to real community needs.
During the program, participants created short videos on civic issues they considered important. Their topics were diverse: Youth participation in elections, misinformation, food waste, access to culture, water conservation, public transport, cleanliness, recycling, pedestrian safety, discrimination, volunteering, and youth spaces.
One participant opened with a strong message about voting and youth participation:
“At the last local elections, only 26.3 percent of young people voted. This means that almost three out of four young people did not make their voices heard. If we do not choose the future, others will do it for us. Get informed, talk to the people around you, and vote. Change starts with you!”
This message captures one of the most important civic challenges: the distance between young people and decision-making processes. Many young people feel their voice doesn’t matter, or that public life belongs to someone else. But the videos created during the project showed the opposite. They showed young people trying to name problems in their communities, propose solutions, and encourage others to get involved.
Another participant focused on media literacy, a topic that is increasingly urgent in a digital environment filled with emotional headlines, misinformation, and manipulation:
“Every day, we are bombarded with news, but how much of it tells the truth? Alarming headlines make us react emotionally and can spread false information. Media literacy means taking a simple pause: check the source, check the author, and ask yourself who benefits from this information. Do not let information control you.”
This short message reflects one of the key lessons of the project: Responsible digital citizenship begins with critical thinking. Before sharing information, young people need to ask basic questions. Who created this message? Is the source reliable? What emotion is it trying to evoke? Who benefits if this information spreads?
The participants also addressed everyday civic issues. One video spoke about food waste and the importance of planning purchases responsibly:
“Food leftovers can be stored and eaten later if they are kept properly. Planning your shopping can reduce food waste, because when you buy only what you really need, you avoid buying everything you see in the store. Food waste has an impact on the environment.”
Another video carried a very simple but important environmental message:
“After using the tap, make sure you close it. Every drop matters. Do not waste water.”
These examples show that civic participation does not always begin with large campaigns. Sometimes it begins with small habits: not wasting food, saving water, throwing waste in the right bin, or keeping public spaces clean.
Cleanliness was another issue raised by the participants. One of them framed the problem as a choice:
“Our city has two faces. Which one do you choose? Very often, waste is not thrown into trash bins, but on the streets, because people are indifferent. Cleanliness starts with one simple gesture. You do not have to clean the whole city — just clean up after yourself.”
The same practical spirit appeared in a video about selective waste collection. A participant showed different bins and asked where a cup should be thrown away. The message was simple: “Make the right choice.” Such messages are short, but they are easy to understand and easy to repeat. That is exactly what makes them powerful in the digital sphere.
Some participants chose topics connected to urban life and public infrastructure. One video focused on pedestrian safety:
“Have you ever felt unsafe while crossing the street? Road markings are not visible enough to guarantee traffic safety. Let’s join forces and ask the public authorities for support.”
Another spoke about public transport during hot summer days:
“Another summer day, another endless wait at the station. When public transport comes rarely, the stations are crowded, and finding a seat becomes a real challenge. There is no air conditioning, and the combination of heat and crowds makes every trip hard to bear. Public transport is the heart of the city. Let’s work together to create better conditions.”
These messages show that young people are attentive observers of the public spaces around them. They notice what does not work, but they also understand that civic communication should be about more than merely complaining. It should ask questions, suggest solutions, and invite collective action.
The project also created space for discussions about inclusion and respect. In one video, participants presented a short scene about discrimination based on appearance, origin, or disability. The conclusion was clear:
“Discrimination is a problem in our society. People are judged based on their origin, appearance, or disabilities. Respect the people around you and treat them the way you want to be treated. Together, we can stop discrimination.”
This type of message is especially important for young people, because online spaces can easily become places of judgment, mockery, or hate speech. Through civic storytelling, participants learned that freedom of expression is not separated from responsibility. A strong message does not need to attack or humiliate anyone. It can be firm, but respectful.
Culture and youth spaces were also part of the conversation. One participant spoke about the need for more understanding between generations, especially when young people take part in cultural events. Another emphasized that youth centers and free activities can help young people spend their time meaningfully, meet others, and learn new skills.
Volunteering was presented as another accessible form of civic participation:
“Change starts with one simple step: Get involved in what matters to you. Many people think volunteering requires many resources, but sometimes all it takes is a little of your time. Through volunteering, you not only help your community, but also make new friends and gain experience for the future.”
Program takeaways
The program’s final result was not just a set of short videos. Participants learned to transform civic concerns into public messages. They practiced how to speak clearly, avoid personal attacks, protect personal data, respect others, and communicate in a way that can encourage action.
In a digital environment where young people are often seen only as consumers of content, this project invited them to become creators of civic meaning. Their videos may be short, but the issues they raised are serious. Their words show that young people are ready to participate when they are given tools, trust, and a safe space to express themselves.
Civic storytelling does not solve every problem. But it can make problems visible. It can help young people understand that their voice matters. And it can remind communities that change often begins with a simple message, spoken clearly and responsibly.
