Turning social discomfort into civic participation in Ravenna

For years, Ilario J. Salvemini kept asking himself the same question: why do so many young people complain about their communities, yet have so few opportunities to genuinely meet, to connect and to shape them?

That question became Turbe Giovanili. He co-founded the youth-led organisation in Ravenna, and its formats are original and participatory. Walking dialogues, open mic events, intergenerational debates and public installations. Through them, he says, "we transform social discomfort into civic participation." The organisation creates spaces where young people can meet institutions and their local communities as equals, through real conversations and shared experiences rather than formal consultations.

“I believe social innovation does not always require large budgets. Sometimes it starts with creating the right environment for people to talk, listen and collaborate.”

Ilario J. Salvemini

What motivates him is seeing "people who arrived as strangers leave with new friendships," along with ideas and the confidence that they can change their own city.

Today, he says, Turbe is growing beyond its local community. Its formats are attracting interest from municipalities and organisations, and from European partners, and the team is working to turn them into replicable methodologies that other communities can adopt.

"My ambition is to prove that meaningful youth participation can be practical, creative and scalable," he says.