Being a Citizen/Activist Economist is a two-day youth workshop designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage critically with economic issues and advocate for more just and inclusive economic systems. Organised through the REFA EC Convening, the programme combines economic education with practical activism and collaborative learning.
Developing citizen economists
The workshop encourages young people to become informed citizen economists by building economic literacy through a civic and social justice lens. Participants explore how economic policies shape everyday life and learn how to engage institutions, analyse evidence, and contribute to public debate.
Practical skills for advocacy
The programme focuses on five core areas: strengthening economic understanding, engaging decision-makers, investigating and exposing unequal power structures through evidence, communicating economic concepts in accessible ways, and developing practical alternatives that promote economic justice. Facilitation emphasises participation, collaboration, flexibility, and shared learning rather than traditional lecture-based teaching.
Interactive learning and creativity
Across two days, participants take part in discussions, rotating workshop stations, and collaborative activities centred on youth leadership and social change. A creative highlight is “Meme the Economy,” where participants translate economic concepts into engaging visual content using meme formats. Supporting resources, including shared databases and design guidance, encourage participants to continue learning and sharing economic ideas beyond the workshop.
Conclusion
The workshop aims to develop a new generation of citizen and activist economists who can communicate complex economic issues clearly, influence policy debates, and advocate for fairer economic systems. Through practical learning, collaboration, and creativity, participants are empowered to become active contributors to economic justice and democratic change.