The Pool of Experts and Trainers on Youth Participation Launched

In the midst of the summer heat, a group of experts and trainers on youth participation gathered online to get to know each other, discuss and generate ideas for the future of youth participation.

The Pool of Experts and Trainers, composed of 31 experts with diverse backgrounds and experiences from all across Europe, was launched in the framework of New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY). “We are extremely happy to have such an interested and critical group of diverse experts and enthusiasts of the field, curious to build community, learn from each other and support the partnership. Looking forward to seeing where that brings us and the impact it can have on the development of youth participation on various levels,” says Brigita Medne, SALTO Participation & Information Youth Participation Coordinator.

After getting to know each other and sharing their favourite resources and trends in youth participation, the group proceeded to learn more about the partnership, share their expectations of the development of the Pool and connect based on their backgrounds and development interests. Instant connections being made included the interest to develop knowledge and understanding of participatory methods and approaches in research, work on participation of young people with fewer opportunities, explore underrepresented spaces and approaches to youth participation (social economy, trade unions, participation in imprisonment, etc.) and other topics of relevance to youth participation in the framework of Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps and beyond. The diverse backgrounds and experiences, as well as the participation of junior trainers and researchers in the group, provide a unique chance to learn, question and develop understanding and implementation of all things related to youth participation. 

The Pool was built based on the feedback and input from participants of an experts’ seminar and the partners and will continue to be developed throughout the Partnership, based on the needs and ideas of everyone involved. It will support the implementation of activities of NPiY and its partners, as well as advising on the decision-making process of the Partnership. It will keep providing a chance to share knowledge and experience and improve the implementation and advancement of youth participation as part of the Erasmus+ priority of participation in democratic life, common values and civic engagement. 

If you are interested in cooperating with the group, don’t hesitate to reach out to the partnership via the coordinator Veronica Stefan ([email protected]) or SALTO Participation & Information Youth Participation Coordinator Brigita Medne ([email protected]).