[article written by Mathilde Colarte, Chair of the YRN Thematic Committee on Youth Participation & Governance]

At this year’s Youth Regional Network General Assembly, we didn’t just talk about advocacy:
we practiced it! During the workshop on “How to Advocate Efficiently”, participants came
together to explore how to turn ideas into impact. And what an energizing experience it was!
From the very start, the room buzzed with enthusiasm. Designed as a welcoming and
interactive space, the workshop encouraged everyone to think critically, share openly, and
collaborate across perspectives. Through non-formal education methods, we transformed big-
picture concepts into practical, hands-on tools: making advocacy feel both powerful and
accessible.

We began with a warm introduction and a creative icebreaker: “Describe advocacy in a few
words”. Responses like “empowerment”, “support”, “youth”, and “making those who need to
be heard, listened to” set a purposeful tone that resonated throughout the session.
Drawing from the Advocacy Handbook by the European Youth Forum, the workshop
followed a clear and structured approach, guiding participants through five key steps of
advocacy planning:

• Understanding the context
• Defining issues and goals
• Mapping stakeholders
• Crafting powerful messages
• Choosing the right actions

To bring these steps to life, participants worked in four small groups, each tackling a pressing
issue:

• Youth Participation: Exploring the lack of interest in activism
• Mental Health: Advocating for early-access mental health support for young
• people
• Birthrate: Brainstorming ways to support young families in the face of declining
• birthrates (inspired by trends in Norway)
• Housing: Addressing affordability and accessibility challenges

From catchy slogans like “Make it Possible” (complete with playful baby-fever visuals)
to “Gone Wise Up” for housing advocacy, the creativity was inspiring. Each group identified
a core problem, set a clear advocacy goal, mapped out key stakeholders, and proposed
realistic, impactful actions. The results spoke for themselves: thoughtful, strategic proposals
grounded in lived experiences and enriched by cross-border exchange.
This workshop wasn’t just a learning opportunity: it was a launchpad. It showed that when
youth advocacy is collaborative and rooted in real challenges, it becomes a powerful driver of
change.

Advocacy doesn’t end in the meeting room; it begins there!