In the YMCA we strive create programs to empower and inspire young leaders to develop initiatives and support their communities, and most importantly, acquire hands-on leadership and advocacy skills.
From the 1st to the 7th of September, we had the pleasure of bringing together 26 young leaders, staff and volunteers from YMCAs across Europe to attend our EYRN International Activity – Beyond Borders, Building Change: Youth Advocacy in Action! – hosted by YMCA Spain in Salduero.
The program had many sessions, activities, team-building sessions and energizers, as well as individual and team-focused workshops designed to expand their understanding of campaign design, implementation and advocacy in action.
The program was developed by the team of YMCA Europe, and the European Youth Representation Network (EYRN). EYRN is a youth-led network of National Youth Representatives that seeks to be a platform for young people to practise active citizenship, express their views, and develop joint positions to create a just, sustainable and inclusive Europe.
The first day of the program was designed entirely to strengthen team-building and empower participants to get to know each other, discover their team dynamics, and understand principles of effective leadership through a series of non-formal processes and activities both indoor and outdoor.
Participants were encouraged to reflect on the main topics of advocacy and campaign building, agreed on the development of their workshop, and learned about the works and initiatives in every one of their local or national movements.
During the second day of the program, participants had the chance to explore diverse topics related to conceptualising campaigns, understanding key messages, and inclusive dialogue.
They even got familiar with terms such as “public opinion” and “intersectionality” as well as discovering the importance of background information and statistical data when building key messages and campaign development in advocacy.
Creativity is always a key element of every aspect of our work, and the EYRN workshop was no exception to this. Since setting up a campfire was forbidden in the area, we made the most of our digital components, and made up a digital campfire, using lights, a couple of laptops and tablets- and invited all participants to share memorable stories and experiences around the “campfire”.
Participants in the program also had the opportunity to learn about the principles of advocacy, with hands-on experience
in engaging with the local community of the town of Soria, through practical campaigns and raising awareness initiatives
meant to engage the local population.
The workshop has been led by our guest from the private sector, Markus Schwertel, Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy at HP Inc., who provided an incredible practical exercise on advocacy and engagement with the local community.
This activity was designed to encourage them to express their key messages, interact with public opinion, and run a campaign at the very grassroots.
It has been a great privilege for the participants to be welcomed by Pedro Fueyo, Secretary General of YMCA Spain, and learn about the activities and work of the movement, as well as our Secretary General Juan, who had a great interaction and fantastic conversations with the young leaders at the panel discussion.
The program had a very balanced mix of activities from outdoor hikes to the local tourist spots, like Laguna Negra, where participants had the chance to connect at a different level.
The sessions continued with aspects of public policy cycles, and campaign planning – focused on group work and idea sharing in designing campaigns, especially focused on online and social media.
After these intense days of campaign research, designing, and information gathering, participants had the chance to present their campaign initiatives, and delivery plan, based on the four main themes: “Understanding Propaganda”, “Climate Action”, “Mental Health” and “International Volunteer Day” – each of the teams coming up with unique ways to present it and design the follow-up journey.
The final day of the program provided participants with the opportunity to plan the continuation of their advocacy campaigns in their communities and celebrate the wrap-up of the workshop through a wonderful closing ceremony, each of them being incredibly excited for the next steps of their advocacy journey in the YMCA, so keep an eye out for the campaigns on social media and their communities.
Until then some moments from the workshop!
This activity is supported by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe a unique Foundation supporting activities developed with, for & by young people.
