As part of the Local Youth Policy project in the municipality of Srbac, the mayor, Mlađan Dragosavljević, hosted members of the Citizens’ Association “C.E.Z.A.R.” from Srbac at an event symbolically titled “Coffee with the Mayor.”

In a relaxed and constructive atmosphere, discussions focused on the association’s activities, the problems and challenges faced by young people, as well as their needs and ideas for improving life in the community.

“In the municipal administration, we felt the need to organize a reception for the members and volunteers of the C.E.Z.A.R. Association, who, through their activism, achievements, and numerous successes—and of course as promoters of our local community—certainly deserve it,” said Dragosavljević.

On this occasion, discussions with young people centered on their thoughts and suggestions on additional actions that could improve the quality of life and living conditions in the municipality.

“Through a relaxed and informal conversation, we came up with some really great ideas that will surely attract our attention and that we will focus on in our future work,” emphasized Mayor Dragosavljević.

The Executive Director of C.E.Z.A.R., Tanja Šnjegota, expressed satisfaction with the organization of the meeting and highlighted the importance of connecting young people with decision-makers.

“It is a great pleasure that we managed to organize such a meaningful and useful activity, both for our association and for all young people in the municipality. Our goal was to draw the local administration’s attention to the problems and needs of young people, but also to show that young people are not alone—the doors are open, and support exists,” Šnjegota stated.

Among the important conclusions of the meeting, a particular highlight was the agreement that volunteer work will be given additional recognition in future evaluations for municipal scholarships, representing a significant step toward institutional acknowledgment of young people’s contributions to the community.

“This is very beneficial for young people, and we believe it will further motivate them toward activism and volunteering,” Šnjegota added.

Special attention during the meeting was also devoted to the new local youth policy, the draft of which was prepared with the active participation of C.E.Z.A.R., as well as other youth organizations. This strategic document, which Srbac has not had since 2016, is currently in the adoption procedure.

“We recognized the responsibility, as an organization that serves as a resource for working with youth, to be the initiators of this process. We formed a working group, conducted research, and prepared the document. Now we are waiting for the Assembly to adopt it,” explained Šnjegota, adding that the adoption of such a document significantly contributes to the positioning of young people and opens up additional opportunities to support projects.

In addition to Mayor Dragosavljević, the event was attended by Deputy Mayor Vladimir Gužvić, President of the Municipal Assembly Dejan Dević, Head of the Department for Economy, Agriculture, and Social Affairs Marko Miholjčić, and the officer for cooperation with youth organizations, Dragana Stojić. The students were also joined in discussions by Danijela Gužvić, a pedagogue at the “Petar Kočić” Center for Secondary Schools in Srbac.

The “Coffee with the Mayor” event once again demonstrated the importance of open communication between young people and local authorities. Through dialogue, exchange of experiences, and consideration of suggestions, the foundations are being laid for a more inclusive and responsible youth policy, where young people are active agents of change.