Objectives & Principles

Our members work with disadvantaged young people in different countries and contexts across Europe. Yet our strength lies in our combined knowledge, expertise and competencies. This allows us to be agile, adapting quickly to changing circumstances.

We recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach cannot address the unique challenges faced by each organisation, so we tailor our support and initiatives to fit the specific requirements of each context, ensuring relevance and effectiveness in every situation.

Our networks provides a strong sense of community. Whether it is through peer learning, capacity-building activities or membership initiatives, YES Forum creates a supportive space for youth and social workers to promote good practices and learn from each other.

In addition, YES Forum provides practical support that enables young people to access opportunities (travel, preparation, language support) and share their perspective at local, regional, national and EU levels.

At the heart of the YES Forum is the commitment to context organisations working with and for young people, while ensuring that youth workers, young people, and the professionals within member organisations are not merely recipients of support but active contributors to the process.

We foster a culture of active listening and meaningful engagement, one where youth workers and young people have a say in decision-making, projects, and advocacy initiatives. Whether in General Assemblies or project-related meetings, we ensure that the input of our members is valued and actively shapes the work we do. Through structured activities, we provide opportunities for young people to engage with EU institutions and participate in strategic events. 

We believe that learning and exchange are catalysts for social transformation. We are committed to making good practice in youth work widely accessible, and ensuring that it is shared, embedded and implemented across Europe.

For us, learning extends beyond employability. It is about building young people’s resilience and reflective thinking, as well as their confidence and the skills to engage with society meaningfully. It utilises formal and non-formal methods depending on what works best for the individual. For youth and social workers, upskilling and reskillingis a crucial part of lifelong learning. 

A strong network thrives on mutual trust, which is why open and transparent dialogue is fundamental to YES Forums approach. We maintain continuous dialogue with our members, involving them in strategic development and financial oversight.

We have a clear governance structure and maintain accountability in decision-making. In our flagship projects, young people are engaged at every stage, ensuring that they understand the ‘why’ and have the opportunity, wherever possible, to shape the activities.