The AER is partnering with the DYPALL Network and the Youth Department of the Council of Europe to host the study session Climbing the ladder – Capacitating youth leaders to facilitate youth participation in decision-making processes at the local level. This event will take place from 24 to 30 April 2022 in the European Youth Centre Strasbourg (EYCS), France.

What are the objectives of the study session?

The study session will focus on two of the five strategic priorities of the Council of Europe youth sector: Revitalizing pluralistic democracy and Youth work. In addition, it aims to create and test a learning module based on non-formal education that includes vital skills (such as advocacy principles, outreach strategies, facilitation skills) to encourage youth leaders to take action at the local level and multiply their learnings and attitudes with their peers as well as map new forms of participation that emerged during the pandemic.

Who can participate?

25 youth leaders aged 18-30 years old, residing in one of the Council of Europe Member States, will be selected as beneficiaries of this CoE Study Session. The activity is targeting:

• Current and Former Youth delegates to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities;
• Youth leaders and young people with a strong interest in youth participation;
• Young representatives of local and regional youth councils and similar participation structures;
• Youth workers who are committed to empowering young people as key actors in decision-making processes.

N.b.: Previous experience in the youth sector, specifically related to youth participation in decision-making processes and youth work, is not necessary but is welcomed. 

Youth delegates sponsored by an AER member region may be privileged to participate. Young candidates must indicate on the application form their connection with AER in the “Organisational information” or “anything you would like to add?” sections. Following the application deadline, those selected will receive a confirmation email and an invitation to attend the event.

Applications CLOSED!*

*The successful applicants will receive a confirmation email with the official invitation to participate in the CoE Study Session scheduled for 24-30 April 2022. 

Practical information

Reasonable flight/trip expenses shall be reimbursed up to 350 Euros. Local transport from/to the venue, accommodation, meals, and visa costs are fully covered in exchange for a 50-Euro fee to be deducted from the reimbursements. Please, refer to the official call for participants for further details on reimbursements.

N.b.: Booking arrangements can only be done after receiving the email confirmation and invitation from the organisers. 

Covid-19 related information

In view of the current situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the selection of the participants will be made to secure that the travel rules set in place by France and the health and sanitary measures of the Council of Europe are fully taken into account.

Contact

For any questions or inquiries regarding the event, please contact Andrés Muñoz ([email protected]).

You can also address your inquiries to Gianluca Rossino at [email protected]