Our vision
We envision a Europe where every young person, regardless of their background, is equipped with the skills and support they need to realise their full potential:
Where disadvantaged young people:
- Can access inclusive, high-quality education, training, and lifelong learning opportunities, regardless of their background, and have equal access to employment.
- Are not at risk of poverty, exclusion and discrimination.
- Can participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives, locally, nationally, and at the EU level.
Where youth and social work:
- Is recognised as a vital investment in Europe’s future and adequately funded as an essential part of Europe’s social infrastructure.
- Is responsive to shifts in society and the labour market, while meeting the needs of young people.
- Is delivered by well-trained, competent professionals equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to support young people effectively.
Where decision-makers (at national and EU levels):
- Prioritise long-term solutions to youth poverty, inequality, and youth unemployment.
- Actively listen to and engage with professionals working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and young people themselves.
- Ensure that EU initiatives are accessible, understandable, and relevant to young people’s lives.
Our core activities
Transnational activities and projects
By leading and partnering in high-quality flagship activities and projects, we not only upskill youth and social work practitioners but also generate evidence-based insights that shape our policy recommendations and strengthen our networks collective expertise.
Networking and capacity building
We equip youth and social work professionals with the skills and knowledge to navigate EU policies and initiatives, advancing the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR). Through targeted webinars, trainings and workshops, we provide practical insights on emerging topics and EU funding opportunities.
Advocacy and policy engagement
We actively engage in advocacy and policy dialogue to amplify the perspectives of professionals and disadvantaged young people, ensuring their integration into decision-making processes and policymaking. Working with partners across Europe, we develop practical recommendations, create policy statements, and co-organise events.
Our values
Youth participation is our core value.Rather than asking, "What can we do for young people?" we focus on "What can we do with them?". We foster a culture of active listening and meaningful engagement, ensuring that young people are not just beneficiaries of our work but active participants.
We recognise the diverse ways in which they can contribute to projects and activities, fostering their social engagement and empowering them to shape their own futures. We provide structured opportunities for them to engage with EU institutions, participate in strategic events, and access skills development opportunities.
By equipping them with the necessary tools, we enable them to navigate the labour market, advocate for their rights, and actively contribute to a fairer society.
Young people's experience
Cassandra Helmli - intern
In 2024, Cassandra was part of the Secretariat team for 10 months, first as a working student and then as an intern.
Robin Gaastra - intern
In 2024, Robin did a double internship at the YES Forum: first with Jongerenwerk Barkeman an de Haan and later at the Secretariat.
Jone Villarroel - intern
During 2024, Jone completed a six-month internship at the YES Forum Secretariat in Stuttgart.
Milena Münchbach and the READY project
Milena was one of the young participants on the READY project that created youth-friendly and easy-to-understand materials on the EU.
Philipp Scheurich and the UPin project
Philipp joined the UPin project as part of the International Advisory Board and participant in the training.
An na Wu Yang - intern
An na was an intern at the YES Forum Secretariat for 6 months
Olga Vlasova and the VOICE project
Olga participated in one of the VOICE project's training in Viarreggio. Later, she joined the YES Forum's Policy Event in Brussels to promote the project and the Pohotvoice method.
Anna Maria Bareveld and the Policy Event
Anna Maria was part of the young participants that joined the YES Forum's Policy Event in 2022. Besides getting to know better the European Union, she also participated as a speaker in one of the event's sessions.
Iliana Petsa - working student
Iliana did an internship in the YES Forum's Secretariat while her Master's. She profited from the daily work experience with EU funded projects to complement her thesis' research.
