Are you passionate about bringing positive change to your community? Do you want to learn more about how you can transform the ideas and experiences of those around you into practical solutions through advocacy and action? Then the “Community Solutions Hub: From Issues to Impact” International Activity is for you!

This workshop-based international activity is co-funded by the European Youth Foundation and will facilitate young people (18-30 years old) coming together through a collaborative, participatory process to turn their community’s needs and ideas into concrete policies that drive meaningful change.

Participants will strengthen their community engagement skills and learn how to identify, structure and advocate for the most pressing needs within their communities, then leverage the acquired knowledge within the European Youth Representative Network (EYRN), YMCA Europe’s youth-led advocacy network, all while facilitating progress on the issues that matter most to their communities.

About the EYRN

The YMCA Europe Youth Representative Network (EYRN) is a dynamic group of young leaders representing the voices of youth across the European YMCA movement. This network provides a platform for young people to actively engage in international advocacy, shape policies, and contribute to YMCA’s mission of empowering youth.

The primary goal of the EYRN is to advocate for youth-driven change on a European level. It offers members from national YMCAs the opportunity to participate in shaping the future by identifying key priorities for policy change, co-creating youth-led campaigns, and advocating for issues that impact young people both in Europe and globally.

Becoming a part of the EYRN is becoming a part of a vibrant network of young people who meet regularly, enhance their skills and expertise in the field of advocacy and contribute to the development of research and policy solutions that put European youth’s wellbeing at the forefront.

About the International Activity

The “Community Solutions Hub: From Issues to Impact” International Activity will see participants travel to Brussels between the 8th and 14th of September 2025 to develop their skills in community engagement and advocacy in an international, cooperative environment, at the heart of European policy.

Participants will explore how their communities can be the source of change and how young people can drive policy, all while engaging with high-level stakeholders, touring the European Union’s centres of power and building lasting links that will drive the work of the EYRN.

Participants are expected to take part in the preparatory meetings for the international activity, introducing the topics and the working methods that are to be developed in Brussels, as well as to implement a community needs assessment framework following the international activity.

Note: Participants’ accommodation and meals will be provided by YMCA Europe at Jacques Brel Youth Hostel. Participants are expected to cover their own transportation expenses, with travel subsidies available in exceptional situations. There are limited places available for this International Activity.

Costs

There is no participation fee.

Participants’ accommodation and meals will be provided by YMCA Europe at Jacques Brel Youth Hostel in Brussels. YMCA Europe will cover all programme costs, such as the work of external experts, and administrative costs. Travel costs are expected to be covered by the sending YMCAs. Limited subsidies may be available in exceptional cases where the travel cost would represent a significant burden for potential participants. Travel subsidies cannot exceed 250€.

Why should you join?

This is your opportunity to turn your vision for a better world into reality. By becoming a part of the European Youth Representative Network through the “Community Solutions Hub: From Issues to Impact” International Activity, you will:

Be Engaged in Europe’s Most Relevant Decision-Making Spheres
Gain firsthand experience in engaging with policymakers, institutions, and organizations at the heart of European governance. This includes visits to key EU institutions, where you will learn how decisions that shape our societies are made and how young people can influence them.
Bring Youth Voices Together for the Causes You Support
Collaborate with passionate young leaders from across Europe to amplify youth perspectives on pressing issues. Through workshops and discussions, you’ll develop strategies to unite young people behind impactful movements, ensuring that youth priorities are heard at all levels.
Take Part in Developing Forward-Thinking Policy Papers and High-Impact Campaigns
Work alongside like-minded changemakers to craft solutions-oriented policy proposals. These documents will serve as a foundation for youth-led advocacy efforts, equipping you with the tools to make tangible contributions to policy discussions both locally and internationally.
Expand Your Advocacy Skills
Whether you’re new to advocacy or already experienced, this program will help you refine your ability to articulate community needs, structure compelling arguments, and build persuasive campaigns that drive action at multiple levels of governance.
Interact with Diverse Stakeholders
Engage with policymakers, civil society leaders, and international organizations to exchange ideas and gain insights into policy-making and advocacy on a European scale. You’ll develop valuable connections that can support your future initiatives.
Grow Alongside Your Peers
Surround yourself with a network of motivated young leaders who share your commitment to positive change. You’ll exchange experiences, support each other’s initiatives, and build lasting friendships that transcend borders.

You are…

between 18 and 30 years old and are a citizen or resident of a European country.
comfortable with speaking English and can effectively participate in discussions and activities.
passionate about active citizenship and youth participation at the European level.
eager to contribute to systemic change in areas such as youth wellbeing, employment, climate action or human rights.
interested in developing or expanding your skills in advocacy techniques and methods.
motivated to identify key issues across Europe and learn how to influence policies that directly impact those challenges.
comfortable engaging in an intercultural environment and value mutual respect for different backgrounds
either already a member of, or genuinely interested in joining, the YMCA Europe Youth Representatives’ Network (EYRN).
committed to being actively involved in the EYRN network