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Name of the Advocacy Initiative/Project : Voices Unheard

Geographic Scope: Local

WHO?

This initiative was led by The Shelter Students Refuge (TSSR), a non-profit organization founded by international students from the Global South. Key stakeholders included migrant youth communities in northern Cyprus, local NGOs, and digital media partners who helped amplify the campaign’s reach.

For WHAT?

The Voices Unheard campaign addresses the systemic exclusion and lack of recognition faced by migrant and ethnic minority youth in northern Cyprus, an unrecognized territory. These young people encounter challenges such as limited access to resources, discrimination, and a lack of legal protections. The primary objectives of this advocacy campaign were to:

• Empower marginalized youth to share their personal narratives
• Raise awareness among local communities about migrant youth issues.
• Advocate for policy changes that support inclusion and social justice.

WHAT were the advocacy arguments?

Our advocacy focused on the importance of inclusive policies that recognize the contributions and rights of migrant youth. We argued that these young people add immense cultural, social, and economic value to society. By empowering them, we can foster a more inclusive and resilient community. Evidence was presented through individual stories, data on social contributions, and testimonials highlighting the positive impact of youth-led initiatives.

HOW?

• Digital Storytelling Campaign: We used social media platforms to share stories from migrant youth, creating a powerful narrative on the value of diversity and inclusion.
• Community Workshops: TSSR organized storytelling workshops where youth could express their experiences and learn advocacy skills.
• Public Awareness Events: Local events were held to engage the public and discuss the need for greater youth inclusion.
• Partnership Building: Collaborated with NGOs and international networks to gain support and visibility for the campaign.

To WHOM?

The primary target audience included:

• Local government authorities and policymakers in Cyprus and the EU.
• Youth organizations and NGOs in Cyprus and Europe.
• The general public, to raise awareness and build empathy for migrant youth issues.
• International networks supporting migrant and minority rights.

Tools and Resources Used

• Created graphics and posts to share stories and campaign updates.
• Storytelling Workshop Materials: Developed templates and guidelines for storytelling workshops.

Outcomes and Achievements

• Increased Visibility: The stories reached a broad audience, raising awareness about the plight of migrant youth in northern Cyprus.
• Empowerment of Migrant Youth: Dozens of youth were trained in storytelling and advocacy skills, giving them tools to voice their experiences and advocate for change.
• New Partnerships: Established connections with other organizations and networks, expanding TSSR’s influence and creating opportunities for future collaboration.

Challenges Faced

• Lack of Recognition: Operating in an unrecognized territory, TSSR faced difficulties gaining institutional support and funding.
• Systemic Discrimination: Migrant youth often faced hostility and lack of protection under local laws.
• Limited Resources: The campaign relied heavily on volunteers and donations, which restricted its scale.

How We Addressed Them: We adapted by focusing on digital platforms to maximize reach at a low cost and leveraged international partnerships to gain support. TSSR worked with local allies to mitigate discrimination and build a supportive network for youth.

Success Factors & Lessons Learned

• Success Factors: The campaign’s success was fueled by strong partnerships, a clear mission, and the compelling narratives of youth themselves. Our ability to build an empathetic public response through personal stories was crucial.
• Lessons Learned: This initiative taught us the importance of resilience, the power of storytelling as an advocacy tool, and the need for a supportive network. For others in similar advocacy efforts, we recommend building alliances, focusing on impactful storytelling, and leveraging digital platforms for visibility.

Contact Information

+905338771263, [email protected]

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Name of the Advocacy Initiative/Project: Collective Agreement for youth workers

Geographic Scope: National

WHO?

Estonian Association of Youth Workers

For WHAT?

ENK tried to use clause in the Collective Agreements Act which enables for advocacy organisations to act as labor union and initiate field specific working agreement. ENK GA negotiated and agreed on desired conditions for salary, vacation and training. On basis of the collective agreement many meetings with stakeholders and employers (municipalities) were held. Even if union of the municipalities refused to act as collective representative of employers to sign collective agreement then to become obligatory, our collective agreement inspired many youth workers and municipalities and was used as basis for negotiations for better working conditions for youth workers on local level

WHAT were the advocacy arguments?

Main arguments were to ensure better quality of Youth Work, as well as importance of education and occupation, meaning professionalism of youth workers

HOW?

• Networking with Labour Unions, negotiations with the Union of Municipalities, meeting with regional municipalities, empovernment of the youth workers and articles in national media

To WHOM?

• Government authorities at local level

Outcomes and Achievements

Topic of the working conditions were raised, later ministry ordered first ever wide research on working conditions of youth workers, which supports fighting for better conditions. Union of local municipalities tried to lobby for extra support from government for youth workers salaries during annual negotiations on budget between them and the ministry of education. Many youth workers and youth work specialists on local level initiated discussions about salaries, being supported by ENK and agreed collective agreement as a basis and succeeded

Challenges Faced

Main challenge was unreadiness of the Union of Municipalities to act as employers representative. We couldn't overcome this obstacle at that time

Success Factors & Lessons Learned

Very important that topic was addressed in public and youth workers were supported by strong common agreement on what are the minimum working conditions they desire.

Contact Information

Edgar Schlümmer, initiator and leader of the process, [email protected]

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Name of the Advocacy Initiative/Project: Local elections policy paper

Geographic Scope: Local

WHO?

Estonian Association of Youth Workers

For WHAT?

We initiated the creation of a policy platform for the local government elections that all the most important needs and trends, which are necessary for the systematic development of youth work in cities and municipalities, could be addressed.

WHAT were the advocacy arguments?

As local municipalities in Estonia are most important actors in youth work, it was very important to try to influence local policy during elections and to create a starting platform. The policy paper includes references to different arguments

HOW?

• Consultations with members, empowerment of the youth workers, comparison of the policy paper and promises of local parties and candidates, public communication

To WHOM?

• Local politicians

Tools and Resources Used

• Policy papers as promotional material

Outcomes and Achievements

As it was first time initiative, there was lack of time to promote policy paper before elections and to use process of the creation of the paper as a lobby

Challenges Faced

There is no much information available early on the plans and preparations of the electoral unions which are important forms for candidating to the local councils, only the parties had some indications in advance about their plans for the elections

Success Factors & Lessons Learned

The process of the establishment of the policy paper should be planned as communication exersise it self to have bigger range, and should start earlier

Contact Information

Kadi Bruus, president of ENK, [email protected]

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Name of the Advocacy Initiative/Project: First Policy paper for the Parliament elections in 2023

Geographic Scope: National

WHO?

Estonian Association of Youth Workers

For WHAT?

At the ENK general assambly held in the summer of 2022, the first platform of the Estonian Youth Workers' Union for the 2023 Riigikogu elections was jointly adopted, which expected greater attention from the parliamentary candidates to better involve young people and improve the situation of youth work and youth workers. The platform contains views on youth policy, youth work and youth workers, and focuses on proposals that could be reflected in the programs of parties running for the Riigikoku and later become the government's action program.

WHAT were the advocacy arguments?

The main message of the platform was: recognise, invest and inspire.

HOW?

• Initiation and process of consultations,
• Networking with other umbrellas as Union of Open Youth Centers, National Youth Council.
• Articles in media,
• Adoption during GA,
• Layouted materials

To WHOM?

• Politicians, publics, and youth workers

Tools and Resources Used

• Layouted platform, letters to all groups presented in the parliament including chairs.

Outcomes and Achievements

• Unfortunately only few political parties focused extra on youth work

Challenges Faced

• Was not easy to have a contact with politicians

Success Factors & Lessons Learned

• Good exercise to have common understanding in the field among organisations on what to expect and lobby for

Contact Information

Edgar Schlümmer, [email protected]

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Name of the Advocacy Initiative/Project: Creation of the Alliance of Youth Workers Associations

Geographic Scope: European

WHO?

Initiated after 3d European Youth Work Convention by 12 countries, and then process led by Estonian Youth Workers Association in cooperation with national youth workers associations from 9 countries.

For WHAT?

To make youth workers voice heard on European level, to empower advocacy for youth work on European level, to implement Youth Work Agenda.

National associations play an important role in advocating for youth issues at the national and European levels, securing funding, and helping national authorities understand the importance of investing in youth development. Firstly, we seeked to foster a collaborative environment where national associations catalyse knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and best practice dissemination among local youth work entities. This approach ensures that grassroots organizations benefit from the experiences of their peers, ultimately elevating the quality of their services. Secondly, the effort aspires to bridge the gap between national/ local authorities and youth work organisations by facilitating constructive dialogue and partnerships.

This collaborative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of youth work but hopefully serves as a source of inspiration. Ultimately, we were aiming to the establishment of a European Association which could represent youth workers and youth work providers  to efforts towards supporting national associations in their work supporting further youth work at local, national and finally at European level.

WHAT were the advocacy arguments?

• Youth workers are important actors and their voice should be heard. From youth workers by youth workers

HOW?

• 3 years lasting project with research, training courses, discussions and legal consultations to define strategy and the tools for advocacy of youth workers

To WHOM?

• National youth workers associations
• Youth workers and youth work providers
• Stakeholders at national and European level

Tools and Resources Used

Research, training courses, discussions, public seminars, web and social media, lobbying efforts among youth workers and youth work organizations across Europe.

Developed tools and resources that has been used also as tools for Advocacy:

• Research Youth Workers Associations:the state of play
• Research: Mapping of best practices for the recognition of youth work
• Massive Online Open Course (MOOC): Connect & Rise! – Forming National Youth Workers Alliances – Open Course

Outcomes and Achievements

• Establishment of the AYWA by 10 member countries
• The implementation of the advocacy practice involving national associations has also concrete and transformative effects and achievements:

Firstly, the quality of youth work programs and services can be seen as substantially enhanced through collaborative knowledge -resource sharing, and cooperation.

Secondly, advocacy efforts undertaken by national associations will result in increased funding and support from municipalities and government entities. This financial boost will allow local organisations to broaden their outreach and impact within their communities. Moreover, capacity-building initiatives will empower youth workers, equipping them with valuable skills and expertise. This can be translated into more confident and proficient professionals delivering youth services and supporting young people in their community. In conclusion, the tangible outcomes encompass improved youth work quality, increased cooperation, empowered youth workers, data-driven decision-making and a growing community of organizations embracing youth work principles with the support of National Associations.

Success Factors & Lessons Learned

This advocacy practice underscores the importance of collaboration, resource sharing, advocacy, capacity building, research, youth involvement, and the dissemination of success stories to strengthen youth work.

Knowledge Sharing: National associations can and should create platforms or networks where local youth work organizations, policy and decision makers can come together. This can be in the form of regular meetings, workshops, or online forums. This collaborative environment leads to improved program design and delivery, ultimately benefiting young people. Moreover, through training programs and workshops, national associations empower individuals within local organisations with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality youth work. We would like to present the partnership of Youth Workers Associations effort to develop a MOOC where all the above are planned to be discovered so to encourage national associations to be created and to facilitate the sharing of resources among local organizations and municipalities.

Advocacy and Funding Support: National associations actively engage with municipalities and government bodies, advocating for increased investment in youth development. This support streamlines funding processes for local organizations, ensuring they receive the necessary financial backing.

Research and Evaluation: National associations research to evaluate the impact of youth work. The findings provide evidence-based insights that inform program improvements and contribute to the overall effectiveness of youth services.

Contact Information

[email protected]

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Name of the Advocacy Initiative/Project: Network for Active Improvement of Youth Work – NAIYW, in the frame of Generation Europe- The Academy programme

Geographic Scope: European

WHO?

IBB e.V., Germany- Szubjektív Értékek Alapítvány, Hungary- Krea-Jugendclub der Kreativitätsschule, Germany- Càlam, Spain- Ozanam, Spain- Jugendwerk der AWO Württemberg e.V., Germany- YouthCoop, Portugal- Pedagogical Insitute München, Germany- MTÜ Noored Toredate Mõtetega, Estonia- IRENIA, Spain- Oficina Fermento, Portugal - Jugendakademie Walberberg e.V., Germany- SMouth, Greece- Ung i Kungsbacka, Sweden- Werkstatt-Berufskolleg Unna, Germany- META Società Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, Italy- Esplora, Italy- a, Foundation Institute for Socio-Economic Balance, Poland.

For WHAT?

Youth work is a vital component in functioning democracies and contributes to peaceful coexistence. However, its success is not automatic. Non-formal youth work spaces are more than just places for young people to spend their free time. They play a crucial role in empowering individuals, providing access to possibilities of participation in society, and fostering the development of critical and active citizens. To establish more sustainable youth work structures across Europe, we require both self-confident, courageous advocacy and direct lobbying efforts from within the youth work field. Advocacy is necessary for civil societies, empowering organisations and individuals to express everyone’s needs, voice concerns, influence decision-making processes, and contribute to positive change in their communities, cities, regions, countries, and throughout Europe. The European network Generation Europe – The Academy aims to strengthen both local and international youth work. Local youth work significantly benefits from international projects, and local structures are essential for the success of international youth work. Both elements are crucial for fostering democratic and inclusive societies, especially as they undergo transformation towards sustainable living. Strengthening young people throughout Europe, encouraging local activism, and fostering a global perspective are key aims of the network.

The advocacy initiative within Generation Europe – The Academy addresses these needs by fostering a connected network that strengthens both local and international youth work practices. While local youth work provides direct, contextually relevant support to young people, international collaboration enriches these local efforts with broader perspectives and shared experiences. Together, these approaches contribute to fostering democratic, inclusive, and sustainable societies. As our communities transition toward sustainable living, equipping young people to lead, advocate, and act for change has become more crucial than ever. This initiative seeks to build a generation of young Europeans who are active in their local communities yet informed and inspired by global connections. Local, European or even Global advocacy, therefore, is vital to secure the resources and policy changes needed to strengthen youth work ecosphere. Through advocacy, civil society organizations can raise awareness, address gaps, influence policy, and drive positive transformation at local, national, and European levels.

WHAT were the advocacy arguments?

The advocacy arguments centered around demonstrating the significant, measurable value of youth work and communicating its impact on both individual and societal levels. Key arguments included:

• Youth Work as a Pillar of Democracy: Youth work contributes to the health of democratic societies by fostering civic engagement and empowering young people to participate actively in decision-making processes. Evidence shows that youth engaged in these programs are more likely to vote, volunteer, and contribute positively to their communities. This argument emphasized that supporting youth work is an investment in the future stability and inclusiveness of European societies.
• Social and Economic Benefits: Youth work not only addresses social issues like unemployment, mental health challenges, and social exclusion but also has economic benefits. Studies indicate that young people who participate in structured, non-formal education programs are better equipped for the job market. This supports a robust workforce and mitigates social costs related to health and crime. By investing in youth work, communities can reduce longer-term public spending and enhance overall economic resilience.
• Fostering Inclusive Societies: Youth work spaces promote inclusivity by bringing together young people from diverse backgrounds. They serve as essential sites for social integration, where young people can learn to respect differences and collaborate across cultures and identities. This aspect of youth work is particularly valuable in a transforming Europe, where rising diversity calls for new approaches to inclusivity and intercultural understanding.
• Adaptation and Response to Emerging Challenges: Youth work has proven its adaptability in addressing contemporary issues such as digital transformation, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, youth organizations quickly pivoted to online formats during the pandemic, highlighting the field's resilience and commitment to supporting young people despite unprecedented challenges. These efforts show that youth work is not only essential in times of stability but also in times of crisis, when young people need support the most.
• Youth Work’s Role in Achieving the European Youth Work Agenda and European Youth Goals: Supporting youth work contributes to Europe-wide objectives, such as the European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA). This alignment with European goals reinforces the need for unified support across countries, ensuring that young people everywhere have access to quality youth work programs that equip them to address local and global challenges.
• These advocacy arguments relied on evidence, including statistical data on civic engagement, qualitative studies on inclusivity and mental health outcomes, and examples of successful youth-led initiatives. Together, they conveyed a compelling case for the importance of youth work, highlighting its contributions not only to individual growth but also to the strength and sustainability of democratic societies across Europe.

HOW?

The advocacy strategy for the project was centered on a specialized team, the Competence Group Lobby (CGL), established specifically to lead and support advocacy efforts across several dimensions. The CGL prioritized a holistic approach that combined training, resources, and strategic action to advance youth work advocacy. Key actions included:

• Development of the “Take Power” Handbook: The CGL created a comprehensive resource, the Take Power Handbook, which serves as a practical guide for youth workers and advocates on effective lobbying strategies. This handbook provides tools, methods, and insights tailored for local and international lobbying, equipping network members with essential advocacy skills.
• Training and Capacity Building within the Network: Recognizing the need to strengthen advocacy skills across the network, the CGL conducted targeted training sessions for members of the Generation Europe – The Academy (GenE-A) network. These sessions provided hands-on guidance on using the Take Power methods, empowering youth workers to advocate effectively in their local and national contexts.
• Survey and Needs Assessment: To ensure the advocacy efforts were aligned with the needs of the youth work community, the CGL carried out a survey to assess current capacities and challenges in lobbying. This data shaped the subsequent strategies and informed the design of both the Take Power Handbook and other advocacy tools.
• Development of Local Lobby Tools: In addition to the handbook, the CGL developed specific tools to support local advocacy activities. These resources were tailored to diverse contexts within Europe, enabling youth workers to engage more effectively with local stakeholders and adapt strategies to their unique environments.
• Supporting the EYWA: The CGL actively worked to align advocacy efforts with the the European Youth Work Agenda (EYWA). By engaging in this Europe-wide initiative, the CGL helped highlight youth work's role in fostering democratic engagement, sustainable development, and social inclusion across Europe.
• Guidance and Support for Network Lobby Activities: Beyond creating resources, the CGL provided ongoing support to network members, assisting them in their lobbying efforts. This support included consultation on strategic approaches, feedback on lobby plans, and collaboration in coordinating advocacy actions to strengthen the overall impact of the network’s advocacy.

In parallel with the CGL’s work, direct lobbying efforts, delegations to EU policy events, and strategic use of existing resources like the Guidance Papers (youth work situation reports for participating countries) complemented the CGL's groundwork. These direct actions allowed the network to engage with policymakers, showcase youth work’s impact, and leverage previous findings to advocate for supportive policies and increased recognition of youth work.
Together, these coordinated efforts between the CGL, IBB, and the GenE-A network created a comprehensive advocacy approach that not only built capacity within the network but also achieved direct engagement with policymakers at local, national, and European levels. This synergy amplified the network's advocacy voice, enabling it to drive meaningful change for youth work across Europe.

To WHOM?

The advocacy initiative targeted a diverse range of stakeholders, both within the project network and externally, to create multi-level impact:

• Generation Europe – The Academy Network: Our own network was a primary audience, as empowering and equipping network members with advocacy skills was essential for a unified and sustained lobbying effort. This internal focus enabled each member to become an active advocate for youth work in their respective countries, strengthening the initiative’s reach.
• Government Authorities and Policymakers: The advocacy targeted national government agencies, particularly those responsible for youth and education. The engagement varied by country; in Germany, we worked at all governmental levels, from local to federal, while in other countries the engagement was shaped by access and context. In Italy, multiple partners actively lobbied for shared objectives, further strengthening our influence.
• Municipal and Regional Authorities: Recognizing that youth work often operates within local communities, the initiative also reached out to municipalities and regional governments. These authorities play a critical role in implementing youth policies and providing funding or infrastructure, making them essential allies in advancing youth work.
• Youth Councils and National Youth Agencies: We targeted national youth councils and agencies, both as stakeholders and as partners in the Bonn Process. These agencies, beyond providing funding, actively contribute to policy formulation in the youth sector. By engaging them, we aligned our advocacy with ongoing national and European policy efforts, enhancing our impact.
• International Networks and European Parliament Members: International youth networks and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were essential for amplifying our advocacy beyond national borders. MEPs, in particular, offered avenues to influence EU-level policies, bringing the needs of youth work into wider European discussions on democratic engagement and social inclusion.
• Public Institutions and NGOs: In countries where youth work structures are underdeveloped, public institutions and non-governmental organizations were key targets. By building partnerships and collaborative initiatives, we sought to create a supportive ecosystem for youth work, raising awareness about its importance and encouraging local advocacy.

Through this multi-level and cross-sector approach, the advocacy initiative effectively engaged a broad spectrum of stakeholders, aligning national and European efforts to strengthen youth work across varying political landscapes.

Tools and Resources Used

• Take Power. Handbook to Get Started With Advocacy and Lobbying
• Report Results of international Symposium 2024: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers with the European Youth Work Symposium
• Results of international Symposium : Youth Work in Europe – Mission (Im)possible?

Outcomes and Achievements

The above mentioned organisations and their partners gained new experience and professionalisation. They learnt to work and cooperate on a European level and in international teams, becoming active in advocacy and youth politics in the frame of the EYWA and therefore work for a common goal. The above mentioned tools equipped them with the necessary competencies to engage effectively in youth work and civic activities, fostering a sense of empowerment.
Improvements in operational strategies, particularly in engaging with youth and other community stakeholders.

Lobby processes were initiated on a local and regional level with the support of the above mentioned tools promoting youth work, building networks of interest with other organisations, formulating needs and showing impacts of international youth projects.
Importance of civic education and the need for strategic advocacy in youth work were highlighted and led to increased recognition of non-formal education methods and their integration into local and national policy frameworks, particularly those related to the European Youth Work Agenda.
The strategic partnership successfully built and strengthened networks across Europe, allowing the exchange of ideas and best practices in youth work.

Challenges Faced

Throughout the advocacy initiative, we encountered numerous challenges that underscored the complexities of promoting youth work across diverse European contexts. One of the primary obstacles was the varying levels of lobbying skills and experience within our network. While some members brought extensive knowledge and resources to support advocacy, others were relatively new to these activities, making it difficult to approach lobbying as a cohesive, unified effort. To address this, we focused on training and skill development, organising targeted workshops and capacity-building sessions, and creating resources like the Take Power Handbook. These measures aimed to build a stronger foundation across the network, although the challenge persisted, as it took time for members to apply new skills effectively in real-world scenarios.

The diversity in national contexts added further complexity. In some countries, youth work is recognized and well-supported by legal frameworks, while in others, it remains unregulated, lacks institutional support, and has minimal funding. This disparity made it challenging to set unified advocacy goals and required us to tailor our strategies to each unique setting. While we embraced flexibility and worked to adapt to each country’s environment, the need for constant adjustments required extra coordination and limited our ability to focus on consistent, Europe-wide objectives.

Funding constraints were another persistent issue. Advocacy and lobbying require sustained resources, but with limited budgets, these activities often become “extras,” difficult to prioritise amid regular project duties and immediate organisational needs. Integrating lobbying goals into existing projects and collaborating with other initiatives allowed us to maximise resources, yet limited funding remained a barrier, as long-term advocacy work often does not yield immediate, visible results.

External disruptions also affected our progress. The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread delays, impacting our ability to meet in person, conduct training sessions, and hold public events critical to our advocacy goals. In addition, some members were forced to flee their homes due to war, further complicating their ability to fully participate in the project. We adapted to these disruptions by transitioning to digital formats where feasible and offering support to affected members, yet maintaining continuity in the face of such crises was a significant challenge.

The nature of advocacy itself, with its focus on long-term change, made it difficult to sustain momentum alongside immediate project demands. Balancing lobbying efforts with daily responsibilities often led to delays, as the urgent needs of other projects took precedence. To address this, we set clear milestones and maintained regular check-ins, which helped retain some focus on advocacy, though it remained a struggle to consistently allocate time and resources.
Finally, developing and testing materials for advocacy and lobbying took considerable time, and the project’s three-year span was limited for implementing these resources fully. While we were able to showcase materials and share our results during multiplier events, the time constraints of the project made it challenging to embed these tools deeply within the network. Additionally, the evolving processes of initiatives like the Bonn Process and the European Year of Youth presented their own delays; in some EU countries, support for the Bonn Process was limited or nominal, and resources were sparse, which hindered local implementation efforts. Despite these setbacks, the team remained committed to the long-term vision, working within these constraints to lay a strong foundation for sustained advocacy in youth work across Europe.

Success Factors & Lessons Learned

The strategic partnership fostered extensive European networking, creating sustainable partnerships among across 14 countries. This facilitated the exchange of best practices and fostered a sense of European identity and solidarity among professionals. Activities in the frame of Generation Europe- The academy programme were crucial for building and strengthening these networks. By harmonising approaches to civic education and participation, the strategic partnership contributed to a stronger understanding and implementation of core European values such as inclusivity, democracy and active citizenship.

I will copy here what we wrote in the conclusion of our Handbook, Take Power, which is what we discussed in the strategic partnership and could be considered our “takeaways”:

• 1. Never Walk Alone! No one can save the world alone. Therefore, think about how to join forces with like-minded people. Expand your network and gain supporters. Depending on individual talents and interests, different roles and tasks can be taken on. Brainstorming over ideas together gives new impulses so that synergies can arise.
• 2. Be Prepared! Good preparation contributes to your success. Create visions and make plans to get them off the ground. Don’t neglect to take into account possible risks, and think about a plan B (or C, D, E,...) in case your original plan doesn’t work out. But of course, never give up spontaneity.
• 3. Evaluate and Adjust! Plans help you to be prepared. But often, things don’t go as planned, and plans need to be adjusted. A thorough evaluation helps you to identify weaknesses and required modifications. If necessary, don’t worry about throwing your plans overboard and adapting to changing conditions. Regular evaluation also gives you a realistic assessment of the progress of your project.
• 4. Be Persistent! Lobbying and advocacy processes often require perseverance. Even if you have a lot of drive to change the world, change often takes time, so you will need a lot of patience. Even if things don’t go your way, don’t give up and make sure you and your team stay motivated and committed!

Contact Information

Generation Europe – The Academy
E-mail: [email protected]

Lucia Andreatta
Project Manager, Programme and Team Coordinator
E-Mail: [email protected]

Balint Josa
Advocacy Consultant and Lobby Support
E-Mail: [email protected]