PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

How to take part in Thu’Je

Thu’Je / P4DP is a democracy arena and festival where dialogue and debates are at the center. It is not a commercial arena. These guidelines support participants in designing high-quality, inclusive and engaging events and activities within the Platform.

PURPOSE

A practical framework for participation

The Platform functions as an open civic arena where institutions, organisations and citizens co-create the programme and shape democratic dialogue. These guidelines help ensure that participation remains meaningful, inclusive, relevant and aligned with the values of the Platform.

1. OPEN PARTICIPATION MODEL

An open civic arena

Open participation

Organizations and individuals can organize their own events.

Dialogue and exchange

Participants engage through dialogue, exchange and collaboration.

Co-created programme

The programme is co-created by multiple actors.

2. TYPES OF PARTICIPATION

How participants may engage

Organize events

Panels, debates, workshops and related public activities.

Host a tent or stand

Take part in the Civic Engagement Fair with a stand.

Participate in the programme

Join discussions, forums and platform activities.

3. EVENT DESIGN PRINCIPLES

What events and stands should do

  • Be relevant to democracy, peace, human rights or civic participation.
  • Encourage interaction and audience engagement, not only presentations.
  • Include diverse perspectives in terms of gender, background and viewpoints.
  • Discuss a socially beneficial topic.
  • Be open to everyone and remain free of charge.
  • Be located in Elbasan city center.
  • Be accessible and inclusive.
  • Adhere to Elbasan environmental principles.

WHAT EVENTS AND STANDS MUST NOT DO

What falls outside the scope

No sales

No sales or marketing of products, businesses or services.

No fundraising drives

No fundraising or ongoing membership recruitment.

No disruptive effects

No disruptive sound or visual effects outside the assigned venue or stand.

Stay within scope

Activities must fit Elbasan’s vision of a political meeting place centered on dialogue and debate.

CRITERIA FOR BEING AN ORGANIZER

Who may organize

  • Civil society organizations, businesses, academia, public administration and media houses can participate with events during Thu’Je.
  • Political parties and non-commercial organizations or associations may participate with stands.
  • Organizers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the Platform criteria and Albanian legislation.
  • Actors representing anti-democratic or violent messages may not participate.

IF THE CRITERIA ARE NOT FOLLOWED

Possible consequences

  • Registrations that do not meet the criteria may be rejected.
  • Violations during Elbasan Week may result in a warning or expulsion.
  • If an organizer is expelled for a second time, they may be denied participation in later years.

4. PROGRAMME COORDINATION

Coordination within the overall programme

  • Events must respect the overall programme schedule.
  • Final time slots and locations are assigned by the organizers.
  • Organizers are encouraged to coordinate with others to avoid duplication.

5. LOGISTICS & RESPONSIBILITIES

What organizers do and what the Platform provides

Event organizers are responsible for

  • Preparing content, speakers and moderation.
  • Respecting agreed formats and timing.
  • Informing participants about any changes.

The Platform provides

  • Basic coordination and programme structure.
  • Visibility and communication.
  • Selected logistical support, based on availability.

6. CIVIC ENGAGEMENT FAIR

Guidance for tents and stands

Interactive activities

Stands should offer interactive and engaging experiences.

Relevant information

Information shared should be relevant to civic engagement.

Respectful interaction

Interaction with visitors should remain respectful and inclusive.

7. COMMUNICATION & VISIBILITY

How approved activities are communicated

  • All approved activities will be published and promoted by the Platform.
  • Participants are encouraged to actively promote their events.
  • The Platform reserves the right to edit content for clarity and consistency.

8. SELECTION & QUALITY ASSURANCE

How applications are reviewed

Relevance

Relevance to platform values.

Clarity

Quality and clarity of the proposal.

Inclusiveness

Inclusiveness and diversity.

Feasibility

Feasibility and added value.

9. FINAL NOTE

A platform built on collaboration

The Platform is built on collaboration, openness and shared responsibility. All participants are encouraged to contribute actively to creating a meaningful, inclusive and impactful experience.