BootCamp Legislativo 2025: Strengthening Civic Participation in Ecuador

Fundación Nueva Democracia, with support from People in Need, has launched the first phase of its BootCamp Legislativo 2025, an initiative designed to strengthen civic participation and understanding of legislative processes among young people across Ecuador. The program received 98 applications and selected 28 participants, with women representing a strong majority, highlighting the growing leadership of young women in civic engagement.

People in Need supported Fundación Nueva Democracia with strategic planning workshops. These workshops helped the organization structure its activities and strengthen internal stability.

The strategic plan highlighted the need to seek new funding at both international and local levels. It also emphasized improving internal processes within the Foundation.

As the first activity derived from this planning, Nueva Democracia launched the BootCamp Legislativo project. Through this initiative, the Foundation strengthened its relationships with Ecuador’s National Assembly, academic experts, and various political actors.

These new connections allowed Nueva Democracia to present its work to political stakeholders and civil society. They also created valuable synergies for future collaboration.

The strategic plan includes a broader advocacy strategy focused on the legislative branch. BootCamp Legislativo represents the first phase of this long-term effort.

Future stages will focus on strengthening legislative staff. They will also promote citizen participation within the National Assembly.

Between August 1 and November 15, 2025, the Foundation implemented the first phase of BootCamp Legislativo. This phase aimed to empower young people nationwide in civic participation and understanding of legislative processes.

The project began with a mapping of youth organizations. A public call followed, attracting 98 applications.

A total of 28 participants were selected, with the majority of them being women (71%), their profiles reflected strong leadership potential and civic commitment.

The BootCamp included two training sessions with eight expert panelists. These sessions addressed the structure of the legislative branch, participation mechanisms, and essential elements of lawmaking.

Participants later joined a legislative observation workshop. They analyzed draft laws on environment, employment, health, education, and citizen participation, producing technical inputs and recommendations.

Security challenges in the country required adjustments to the project’s logistics. Despite this, all activities were completed successfully and received high participant satisfaction.

A communication campaign supported the visibility of the BootCamp and encouraged youth engagement. The project now continues with legislative review, outreach to lawmakers, and future activation of formal participation mechanisms in the National Assembly.