Elevating Youth Involvement in Organisations: Insights from the German and Dutch National Agencies

23 February 2024

Let’s embark on a journey of inspiration and innovation as we explore the initiatives of two European National Agencies—JUGEND für Europa in Germany and the Dutch National Agency for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps. In a two-part series, we will discover best practices for effective youth participation, shedding light on transformative practices and lessons that organisations globally can adopt.

 

Sharing the Power with Young People in the German National Agency

In this article, you will discover the dynamic world of youth participation in JUGEND für Europa, the German National Agency responsible for promoting Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes in Germany. In an exclusive interview with Marlene Mayer, alongside Youth Advisory Board members Simon Pladwig and Mira Schneider, we have delved into the concept of meaningful youth participation versus tokenism. Uncover how this agency is shifting organisational culture, fostering diversity, and avoiding common pitfalls in youth engagement.

Get Inspired to Improve Your Outreach with Youth Participation

The Dutch National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps shares valuable insights of their journey of improving youth participation and outreach. Linda Janmaat, along with youth ambassadors Valérie van Diepen and Nuno Gomes da Silva Neto, provides a comprehensive view of how effective communication and outreach strategies are integral to fostering meaningful engagement with young minds. Explore their initiatives, challenges, and success stories that have transformed their approach to youth participation. Read the full article here.

A Report on Direct Youth Involvement in National Agencies

Discover the wider context of youth participation in organisational decision-making with a report that maps the direct involvement of young people in several National Agencies for Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps. Delve into existing practices, challenges faced, and potential solutions outlined in the report. From empowering local youth associations to forming permanent Youth Advisory Boards, explore diverse methods that align with the strategic development of youth participation on local, national, and European levels.

These mapping and articles were developed as part of the “New Power in Youth” Strategic Partnership between National Agencies for Erasmus+ Youth & European Solidarity Corps.

Authors

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New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY)

New Power in Youth is a Strategic Partnership between National Agencies for Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps and SALTO Resource Centres. Its main aim is to foster youth participation in democratic life and it contributes to three specific objectives: 1)Introducing Erasmus+ & ESC Youth Participation Strategy and supporting youth participation projects through E+ & ESC programmes; 2) Supporting the strategic development of youth participation in democratic life on local, national and European levels; 3) Enhancing the partnership between the non-formal and formal education sectors in order to better support youth participation in democratic life.