Popular participation is the foundation of a functioning democracy.People must be given the opportunity to organize themselves in order to formally participate in community development.  Social movements seeking to change society must base their efforts on the knowledge and experience of active members. Creative and independent members who think critically bring strength to democratic organizations.

Therefore, the Palme Center supports:

- the development of strong and independent social movements and civil societies around the world
- strengthened collaboration between social movements and civil society on the one hand and the established political powers of the other
- the commitment and organization specifically of women, the young and the vulnerable (such as migrant workers and people in the informal sector)