SOS – Stay or leave? A dialogue about the future of rural areas
Across Europe, more and more young people leave small towns and rural communities in search of opportunities in cities. But what happens when small towns empty out?
Let’s discuss it together at the free launch event for SOS – Should I Stay Or Should I Go?, a European project that promotes the active participation of young people in the valorisation and sustainable development of rural and remote areas in Europe.
We look forward to seeing you
on Thursday 26 March, 2026 at 18:30
at Arci PASOL – Via Bongiorno 29, Partinico
Free attendance
Why participate in
The event will be an opportunity to present the project and open a community dialogue on one of the major challenges affecting many territories across Europe: rural depopulation.
The gap between urban and rural areas is not only demographic, but increasingly economic, social, and infrastructural. When territories lose population, services, opportunities, and spaces for participation often decline as well.
Starting from the question that gives the project its name — “Should I Stay Or Should I Go?” — the event aims to create a space for open discussion among community members, young people, local organisations, and anyone interested in the future of rural territories.
During the event, the project will be presented and participants will be invited to take part in a participatory dialogue reflecting on the challenges and opportunities faced by people living in rural areas today: staying, leaving, or perhaps returning.
The evening will conclude with a small aperitivo, offering a chance to continue the conversation in an informal setting.
SOS – Should I Stay Or Should I Go? is a European project funded by the programme Erasmus+ – KA3: Supporto allo sviluppo delle politiche e alla cooperazione – European Youth Together 2025.
Partners
- Coordinator: Centro per lo Sviluppo Creativo Danilo Dolci ETS, Italy
- Right Challenge, Portugal
- Re-Act, Bulgaria
- Active Youth Institute, Lithuania
- Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (IED), Greece
- Fundación Santa María la Real (FSMLR), Spain
For further information contact Riccardo Bellavista: riccardo.bellavista@danilodolci.org.
