Training Course: Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship for Greener Europe

Training Course: Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship for Greener Europe

NEWS
November 25, 2023

We are partner organisation in Berlin

The world nowadays is increasingly under pressure. Climate changes are threatening the existence of humans and other organisms that walk this planet. Possible solutions exist and they are reflected in the sustainable development and application of the circular economy.

Several projections clearly show that the standard economic models currently used are outdated and urgently need to be replaced by a new system that is more value-oriented and considers the environmental requirements. One of the most suitable solutions is definitely a “Circular Economy”. It draws out the safe and just space for humanity to thrive within the Earth’s environmental boundaries and its social foundations. It illustrates how our world’s current economics have led to an overshoot beyond Earth’s carrying capacity and deeply into our world’s social foundation, thus leading to increasing inequality and a never-ending cycle of crisis.

Training course “Circular Economy and Entrepreneurship for Greener Europe” is based on non-formal education and learning-by-doing methods. Activity will provide participants with an opportunity to create their own learning expectations and outcomes, but also to discover themselves and their own personal limits. Training is focused on raising competences of the youth workers/teachers/educators in topics of circular economy, green entrepreneurship, how to approach these topics and how to further organise activities on this topic in order to contribute to improving level of youth participation on local level.

PREPARATION FOR THE TRAINING COURSE

In preparation for the training course, selected participants will be invited to do a short survey and collect relevant data and information from their organisation and country – to be used for discussions and parts of the sessions within the training course activity

Objectives:

To strengthen partner youth organisations and their staff for organising activities in field of sustainable entrepreneurship and circular economy.
To develop and further improve knowledge of participants about Erasmus+ program and available activities in the fields of sustainable entrepreneurship and circular economy, as well as about the Youthpass and recognition of learning through models of key competences.
To develop participants’ understanding of terms of sustainable entrepreneurial solutions, circular economy and aspects of circular economy related to entrepreneurship.
To develop knowledge and skills of youth workers in fields of sustainable entrepreneurial solutions, circular economy and entrepreneurship, and NFE activities for sustainable entrepreneurial solutions.
To develop and further improve participants’ knowledge and skills for developing approaches of their organisations for entrepreneurial education of youngsters based on the principles of sustainability and circular economy
To develop practical skills of participants in creation of educational workshops for youngsters focused on topics of sustainable entrepreneurship and circular economy.

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Training Course: Project Development for Beginners and ESC Solidarity Projects

Training Course: Project Development for Beginners and ESC Solidarity Projects

NEWS
November 12, 2023

We are Partner Organisation in Berlin

A society with positive social values, healthy lifestyles, gender equality and zero discrimination is our main goal. In order to achieve that goal, we are continuously working with young people from all around Europe. Programs currently implemented by the organisation are directed towards non-formal education of young people on topics of entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, volunteerism, mental health, the inclusion of refugees and migrants, healthy lifestyles and violence prevention.

TC “Project development for beginners and ESC Solidarity Projects” aims to develop competences of youth workers, youth leaders and volunteers in the development of the Solidarity project from the initial idea to writing a project application. Participants will go through the process of developing a project so they can transfer this knowledge and methodology to youth in their local communities, and empower them to develop their own Solidarity projects.

This TC is open to youth workers working with young people in their local communities and wants to empower and encourage them to become active citizens and contribute to positive change. Young people are aware of the problems and obstacles in their local communities and also see opportunities for growth and positive change. Solidarity Projects are a great way for young people to develop and implement their projects and make a positive impact on a local level. On this TC, we will explore ESC Solidarity projects – purpose, objectives, who can apply and how, how an application form looks like; and we will also go through the process of developing ideas, setting objectives, planning activities, visibility and dissemination.

After the TC, youth workers will lead local workshops for youth in their local communities, transferring their knowledge and skills and empowering them to develop their own projects for the benefit of their local communities.

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Training Course: Navigating Narratives – A Media Literacy Journey for Youth Workers

Training Course: Navigating Narratives – A Media Literacy Journey for Youth Workers

NEWS
November 5, 2023

We are Partner organisation in Berlin

In today’s information-driven world, young people are exposed to a constant stream of media content, from news reports to social media updates. Their ability to critically analyse and evaluate this information is crucial for informed decision-making and active civic engagement. Media literacy empowers youth to discern between reliable sources and misinformation, fostering a more informed decision making and participation in democratic processes. In this era of digital communication and social media influence, equipping young individuals with media literacy skills becomes an essential pillar in safeguarding the integrity of democratic processes and promoting meaningful participation.

Training course “Navigating Narratives: A media literacy journey for youth workers” is based on non-formal education and learning-by-doing methods. Activity will provide participants with an opportunity to create their own learning expectations and outcomes, but also to discover themselves and their own personal limits. Training is focused on raising competences of the youth workers/teachers/educators in topics of media literacy, how to approach this topic and how to further organise activities on this topic in order to contribute to improving level of youth participation on local level.

The objectives of the TC

To strengthen partner youth organisations and their staff for organising activities in field of media literacy and democracy, in order to increase participation of young people in democratic societies of local communities.
To raise understanding and knowledge of participants on media literacy and impact media have on young people and their participation in democratic societies.
To develop and further improve knowledge of participants about Erasmus+ program and available activities in the fields of democracy and media literacy, as well as about the Youthpass and recognition of learning through models of key competences.
To explore the role of media as a social institution and media as a source of information.
To learn how to critically examine how media is constructed and how those elements contribute to the way media is understood and acted upon, with focus on young people and participation.
To provide opportunity and support for participants to develop new local and international activities and initiatives, focused on the topics of media literacy and democracy, and youth participation in democratic lives of local communities.

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Youth Exchange: Creative echoes – Balancing Art & Wellbeing in European Youth

Youth Exchange: Creative echoes – Balancing Art & Wellbeing in European Youth

NEWS
October 5, 2023

We are partner organisation in Seville

In addition to the challenges faced by young aspiring artists in Europe, concerns about mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression have greatly increased, and the pandemic has exacerbated these challenges by bringing additional pressures and unique challenges. Unfortunately, this has caused them to lose confidence in pursuing their artistic dreams.

Considering this situation, it is important to promote self-confidence, appreciate innate talent, and emphasise the importance of mental well-being outside of an artistic career. As Europe continues its developmental journey, we must ensure that the passions and abilities of these young aspiring artists are not overshadowed by their health challenges.

To that end, we have developed a program aimed at equipping these young artists with the skills they need for the future while meeting their current needs through activities and workshops designed to help them manage stress, prioritise their mental health, express their artistic creativity, and discover new interests. Another component of this program is the opportunity for these participants to travel and interact with peers from different parts of Europe. They receive valuable resources to help them participate in the community, improve their skills, and expand their network of peers and mentors.

The goal of this effort is to provide our aspiring young artists/participants with the skills and confidence they need to make a positive contribution to the cultural and social fabric of their communities. By using the transformative power of art as a tool for personal growth.

Overview

A collaborative journey where art and wellness work together in harmony. Our youth exchange is designed with specific goals in mind:
Raising awareness: immersion in the relationship between art and mental health. Experiencing firsthand how artistic expression can create transformative experiences for individuals and communities.
Focused creativity: workshops and activities designed to expose participants to different types and ways of creating in the arts. The goal is not only to reach audiences, but also to make a positive contribution to their overall well-being.
Co-Creation: interactive workshops that highlight the power of co-creation. These activities allow participants to work together, unlock the unlimited potential of collaborative art projects, and enhance their peer-to-peer connections.

The Objectives

Promoting mental health: tackling and reducing the increasing prevalence of mental health problems, particularly stress, anxiety and depression, among young artists in Europe.
Restoring confidence: To rebuild and nurture young artists, especially those affected by the challenges of the pandemic, so that they can pursue their artistic dreams.
Fostering self- confidence and self-awareness: Creating an environment that fosters self-confidence and reinforces the value of each individual’s unique artistic voice, while promoting self-awareness and encouraging a less competitive mindset.
Appreciation for talent and individual strengths: Provide appreciation for each artist’s innate talents and ensure that they recognise their intrinsic value and personal strengths and reduce competitive mindset.
Skills development and inclusion: Ensure an inclusive, interdisciplinary approach to mental health policy, especially for marginalised groups, and provide young professionals with the necessary skills.
Networking: provide networking opportunities for young aspiring artists.
Community integration: Provide ways for artists to engage in their communities and ensure access to inclusive and respectful spaces.
Use of the arts for development and prevention: use the arts for personal development, self-awareness and prevention to provide young artists with knowledge and skills for positive mental wellbeing.
Collaborative creativity and reducing stigma: Encourage collaborative art projects and organise awareness raising events to combat the stigma associated with mental health through their art.

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Training Course: Empowering youth and their participation through service – Volunteering in youth work organisations

Training Course: Empowering youth and their participation through service – Volunteering in youth work organisations

NEWS
October 1, 2023

We are partner organisation in Barcelona

The benefits of volunteering are enormous to an individual volunteer, their family and community. Aside from helping with college applications and resumes, volunteering can also have a life-changing effect on their personal life. One fantastic thing that volunteering can offer is a new understanding of volunteers’ own abilities. Whether they are planning a huge event or making flyers for a small gathering, every task can help them understand how to accomplish something new. Volunteers can learn important skills like how to plan a budget or how to supervise and manage. Or, they can take time to enhance skills they already have by spending more time actively using them. An added side effect of volunteering is that it gives volunteers an opportunity to try out possible careers and opportunities, depending in which department they volunteer: fundraising, PR, project management, youth clubs, event management, etc.

Volunteering and volunteering activities can be an important factor in engaging young people to take a more active role on local level and ensure their everyday participation. This is one aspect of volunteering that will be explored during the program, and which will be a topic of discussion for developing new local and international activities as a follow-up of the training course.

This training course is continuation of the previous educational events and training for youth workers organised by Youth Power Germany, focusing on raising skills and knowledge of participants on development and management of volunteering projects and activities – both on local and international level (through ESC and other similar programs).

Training course is focused on comprehending volunteering and volunteering projects and programs, and understanding on how to develop and manage programs for volunteering. Participants will develop their understanding and knowledge on volunteering and existing volunteering opportunities in their local communities and as part of Erasmus+ programme and ESC. Furthermore, they will develop knowledge and skills for developing volunteering activities based on the real needs of the local communities, will learn how to recruit, educate and support volunteers; and how to evaluate and further improve programs and activities for volunteers. Last days of the program will provide participants with space and support for developing joint programs for volunteering, as well as follow-up activities for their local communities with the aim of attracting volunteers to become part of the partner organisations and join their current and future volunteering-based projects and programs.

The objectives are:

To strengthen youth organisations for organising volunteering activities, in order to provide more involvement of young people in local communities and activities within the local communities.
To raise understanding and knowledge of participants on volunteering in diverse contexts of participating countries and local communities of partner organisations.
To develop and further improve knowledge of participants about Erasmus+ program and ESC, as well as about the Youthpass and recognition of learning through models of key competences.
To develop knowledge and skills of participants in fields of: values, principles and motivation of volunteers, balanced commitment of volunteers and hosting organisations in regards to rights and responsibilities of both the volunteers and the organisations.
To raise the level of knowledge and skills of participants on developing local level volunteering activities within their organisations and their local communities, based on: understanding the necessities and assessment of needs, recruitment strategies, educating and supporting volunteers, supporting and providing supervision to volunteers, and evaluating volunteering programs’ outcomes.
To provide opportunity and support for participants to develop new local and international projects and initiatives for volunteering of youngsters and other youth workers from their organisations.

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Youth Exchange: Creative Horizons – Fostering Growth, Inclusivity and European unity through artistic exchange

Youth Exchange: Creative Horizons – Fostering Growth, Inclusivity and European unity through artistic exchange

NEWS
September 20, 2023

We are partner organisation in Barcelona

The Youth Exchange is an initiative designed to promote the personal growth, creativity and well-being of participants. The programme disseminates and deepens knowledge about Europe and the EU through non-formal educational activities It encourages exploration of different artistic forms, from street art to storytelling, and addresses pressing issues such as social justice, equality, personal identity and the central role of the EU in shaping its democratic future.

Recognising that everyday creativity can reshape problem-solving perspectives, the programme encourages innovative thinking that enriches both professional and personal lives. These inventive tendencies can enhance routine tasks and transform them into rich opportunities for growth and exploration, especially through various EU programmes.

At its core, the program aims to teach essential skills that foster unity among youth and highlight EU values that are critical to their upcoming futures. Through a mix of activities and workshops, participants are guided to articulate their feelings artistically enduring that the voice of youth is resonant, heard and impactful.

In addition, the programme provides an opportunity for participants to network with young people from all over Europe creating an unity in diversity and broadening their horizons.

The objectives are:

To increase participants’ skills in diverse artistic forms, including street art and storytelling.
To provide an intensive learning experience using non-traditional methods in indoor and outdoor spaces.
To equip participants with resources to actively engage in society, nurture talent and connect with peers and mentors while ensuring equal, unbiased and youth-friendly access to information about EU activities and opportunities for engagement.
To Encourage personal development by creating an environment that welcomes self-expression and independence and seamlessly combines with knowledge of European mechanisms.
To promote deeper discussions and understanding of key social issues such as social justice, equality and personal identity.
To encourage participants to become active citizens and contribute positively to the cultural and social fabric of their communities.
To equip participants with essential skills needed in their future, such as communication, creativity, problem-solving, democracy and social participation.
To promote the recognition and harnessing of the power of art to promote personal growth and development among young people.
To establish a platform for cross-cultural exchange, allowing participants to connect, learn from, and networking fostering unity in diversity with peers across Europe.

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Training Course: AI in action: Exploring ChatGPT for effective youth work

Training Course: AI in action: Exploring ChatGPT for effective youth work

NEWS
August 25, 2023

We are partner organisation in Barcelona

Youth Power Austria proudly participated as a partner organization in the innovative training course “AI in Action: Exploring ChatGPT for Effective Youth Work,” held in Barcelona from 22nd to 29th August, 2023. This cutting-edge program was designed for youth and youth workers eager to enhance their digital competencies through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, focusing on how these technologies can revolutionize social programs and introduce novel methods of engaging with young individuals.

The training emphasized the pivotal role of AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, in optimizing the operations of youth work by broadening the scope and effectiveness of social programs. Participants learned how these AI technologies can facilitate task automation, sophisticated data analysis, and provide valuable insights, thereby augmenting the efficiency and impact of youth initiatives. Moreover, the course explored how AI can streamline research processes, equipping youth workers with the latest strategies and knowledge in their field.

In a landscape where AI proficiency increasingly distinguishes job candidates, the course also addressed the importance of ethical considerations, particularly in the context of creating resumes and interacting with AI systems. Participants were introduced to “prompt engineering,” a vital skill for effective and ethical engagement with AI technologies, ensuring they understand the capabilities and limitations of these tools.

Objectives of the training course included:

Enhancing participants’ proficiency in AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.
Demonstrating the application of AI in improving social programs and engaging youth.
Instructing on the optimization of tasks, analysis of data, and generation of insights through AI for more effective youth work.
Guiding participants in utilizing AI for research and keeping abreast of the latest strategies in youth work.
Teaching “prompt engineering” for effective AI interaction while understanding its limitations.
Highlighting the ethical considerations necessary when employing AI tools in youth work.
Providing hands-on experiences with AI applications to inspire innovation in youth development.
Empowering participants to responsibly and effectively use AI in their professional and personal lives, harnessing its power for creative and collaborative goals.

This training course was a pivotal step toward empowering youth workers and young individuals to responsibly leverage AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to foster positive change, innovation, and betterment within their communities

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Transnational Meeting in Croatia: Digital transformation of Inclusive Youth Work

Transnational Meeting in Croatia: Digital transformation of Inclusive Youth Work

NEWS
August 10, 2023

The Project

Funded by the Agency for Mobility and EU Programs under the Erasmus+ program’s Key Action 2, the project is set to continue until December 31, 2024. It focuses on empowering youth, especially those facing economic, geographic, social, and cultural barriers, a need that became more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key activities of the project include creating a unified digital transformation strategy for youth work, developing five inclusive informal training programs for youth workers, establishing a Virtual Inclusive Center with diverse digital tools, and conducting a public campaign. The expected outcomes are comprehensive, ranging from the development of high-quality training programs and a digital educational platform, to enhancing digital skills within the participating organizations and engaging marginalized youth in the project and Erasmus+ programs.

Transnational Meeting in Croatia

Youth Power Austria recently participated in a pivotal transnational meeting in Croatia, marking a significant milestone for the “Digital Transformation of Inclusive Youth Work” project. This three-day event was not only a testament to the collaborative efforts of all partners involved but also a reflection of our collective dedication to advancing the digital transformation within the sphere of youth work, especially targeting inclusivity.

The agenda of the meeting was meticulously structured to facilitate a comprehensive analysis of the developments achieved through previous activities. It provided us with a precious opportunity to convene with our partner organizations, where we engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the progress made thus far. Our conversations spanned from reflecting on the outcomes of past initiatives to strategizing for the future, ensuring that we maintain our trajectory towards meeting our project objectives.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to evaluating the effectiveness of our activities. This exercise allowed us to critically assess our approaches and methodologies, ensuring that they align with the needs and aspirations of the youth we serve. Following this, we delved into the planning and monitoring of upcoming steps. We outlined a detailed plan for the next phase of the project, focusing on enhancing our strategies to further foster digital literacy and transformation in youth work across Europe.

An enriching aspect of our visit was the opportunity to engage with the local community in Croatia. We had the honor of visiting the Bodovaljci community centre and meeting the vibrant team at Studio B. Their insights and experiences added valuable perspectives to our discussions, enriching our understanding of the local context and the potential for digital transformation in community-based youth work.

Furthermore, our meeting with the mayor of Vrbje municipality underscored the importance of local governmental support in amplifying the impact of our initiatives. It was a reminder of the powerful synergy that can be achieved when local authorities, community centers, and international partners collaborate towards a common goal.

This transnational meeting in Croatia was a significant step forward in our journey towards achieving the objectives of the “Digital Transformation of Inclusive Youth Work” project. Co-funded by the European Union, this project stands as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in youth work. Our time in Croatia has left us invigorated and more committed than ever to leveraging digital technologies to empower young people and the organizations that serve them.

Partners:

YOUTH POWER GERMANY e.V. – Germany
Udruga za promicanje aktivnog sudjelovanja Studio B – Croatia
YOUTH POWER/UNG KRAFT – Sweden
Youth Power Austria – Austria

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Training Course: Social and Emotional Learning for mental Health of Youngsters

Training Course: Social and Emotional Learning for mental Health of Youngsters

NEWS
July 17, 2023

We are partner organisation in Croatia

We are thrilled to announce our participation as a partner organization in the transformative training course taking place in Split, “Social and Emotional Learning for the Mental Health of Youngsters.” This initiative is poised to revolutionize the way youth workers empower and support the younger generation, focusing on the integral role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in fostering mental health.

At the heart of our training course is the innovative approach towards mental health, emphasizing the significance of SEL in cultivating a positive self-image, self-efficacy, and effective management of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The primary objective is to arm youth workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to craft activities that champion experiential learning, thereby enhancing the social fabric and emotional resilience of young people.

The criticality of SEL cannot be overstated—it’s a cornerstone for developing healthy social relationships, boosting learning capabilities, and mitigating social and health disparities. The methodology prioritizes psychosocial strengths and protective factors, steering away from focusing solely on risk factors and behavioral issues. This shift is crucial for deconstructing mental health stigma and enabling young individuals to unlock their full potential.

Aligned with the competencies outlined by the Council of Europe, the training course is dedicated to preparing youth workers to effectively advocate for and improve mental health and wellbeing. By fostering a supportive and enriching environment, we are committed to nurturing the growth of young minds and ensuring they have the foundation to thrive.

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Youth Exchange: Cultivating self-expression and intercultural understanding through art.

Youth Exchange: Cultivating self-expression and intercultural understanding through art.

NEWS
July 15, 2023

Partner Organisation in Athens Greece

Youth Power Austria is delighted to announce its partnership in an innovative youth exchange program designed to inspire personal growth and development among young individuals. This unique initiative, centered around fostering independence and self-expression, will be hosted in a vibrant art studio and outdoor spaces. The approach leverages non-formal learning methods, creating a nurturing environment that encourages participants to explore and express themselves freely.

The program is meticulously crafted to enable young people to delve into various artistic mediums, with a special emphasis on street art and storytelling. These artistic endeavors serve as a gateway for participants to engage with pressing themes such as social justice, equality, personal identity, and cultural heritage. By offering a platform for open expression and intercultural exchange, we aim to foster meaningful dialogues among youth from diverse backgrounds.

Objectives of the Youth Exchange Program:

Enhance Artistic Skills: Empower participants to explore and excel in diverse artistic forms, including but not limited to street art and storytelling.
Foster a Supportive Environment: Cultivate a secure atmosphere where participants can freely express their creativity and engage in enriching intercultural dialogues.
Prioritize Mental Health: Introduce activities and workshops dedicated to stress management and mental health, ensuring participants’ well-being.
Resource Accessibility: Ensure participants have access to essential resources, enabling them to actively participate in societal roles, develop their capabilities, and expand their networks of peers and mentors.
Promote Personal Development: Encourage the comprehensive growth and self-expression of participants, enhancing their independence.
Educate on Key Issues: Increase awareness and understanding of critical issues such as social justice, equality, personal identity, and cultural heritage.
Cultivate Active Citizenship: Inspire participants to become proactive members of their communities, positively impacting the cultural and social fabric.
Equip with Essential Skills: Provide participants with crucial life skills, including communication, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Highlight the Role of Art: Recognize and utilize the transformative power of art in fostering personal growth and community development among youth.

This youth exchange program represents an exceptional opportunity for participants to journey through personal and artistic exploration, meet like-minded individuals from across Europe, and build a foundation for active and engaged citizenship.