What happens when European resources reach local youth work? In YWCA YMCA Switzerland, leaders are using OASIS tools to reflect on constant connectivity, establish healthier digital boundaries, and navigate social media safely.
Across Switzerland, thousands of young volunteers dedicate their free time to guiding children and youth through scouting and community programs within Cevi Switzerland (the Swiss YWCA YMCA movement).
However, modern youth leadership also brings new digital challenges. Volunteer leaders often feel expected to remain constantly available through group chats while balancing their studies, families, and hobbies. Managing social media channels for local scouting groups also requires media competence, digital awareness, and an understanding of online safety.
Building on an initiative already underway, a leader from YWCA YMCA Switzerland attended YMCA Europe’s OASIS webinar. Following this exchange, YWCA YMCA Switzerland integrated selected OASIS resources into their national network.
Materials from the OASIS Youth-Friendly Kit and Training Pack were featured in a workshop during August, promoted via an Instagram campaign, and made accessible directly to local leaders through their mobile app for quick reference.
Finding Balance in a Connected World
During YWCA YMCA Switzerland’s National Leader Weekend—a major gathering centred around a grassroots movement conference alongside roughly 30 diverse workshops—participants explored a variety of key topics. As part of this program, one specialised workshop focused directly on digital balance and well-being within the context of voluntary work, utilising resources from the OASIS toolkit.
Because many leaders are students managing multiple responsibilities, establishing clear boundaries between work, life, and hobbies is essential to avoid burnout.
Drawing on self-reflection activities and boundary-setting strategies, participants engaged in guided discussions about their personal digital habits. Through open exchanges on specific scouting situations, young leaders worked together to establish healthier boundaries, address constant availability, and co-create practical solutions.
Navigating Social Media Safely and Responsibly
The weekend also addressed cybersecurity and media competence. Grounded in digital awareness principles, participants reviewed essential cybersecurity basics and critical media literacy skills.
Facilitators introduced Cevi (YWCA YMCA) Switzerland’s newly developed booklet, titled How to use social media safely in our scouting groups. Developed through a participative grassroots process with members and drawing from multiple expert sources, the booklet includes OASIS tools in its digital well-being section to help local scouting groups apply safe digital practices in their daily activities.
A Model Other YMCAs Can Adapt
YWCA YMCA Switzerland’s experience demonstrates how OASIS resources can serve as flexible, supplementary tools alongside existing national projects. Rather than acting as a standalone or formal program, individual activities and materials were seamlessly integrated into workshops, app platforms, and local guidelines.
By selecting relevant resources and adapting them to the realities of volunteer leaders, they created space for practical conversations about constant connectivity, personal boundaries, social media, and online safety.
Their initiative showcases how YMCA Europe’s resources can complement local efforts to strengthen digital well-being, cyber safety, and leadership resilience—supporting volunteer networks in fostering safe digital spaces for the next generation.
Ready to bring these tools to your local youth work? Explore the OASIS Strategic Partnership materials and discover how you can adapt these digital well-being tools for your own community.
