We contribute to the development of policies on youth and social affairs by transferring knowledge gained through practical experience and by giving the young people a voice which European decision-makers hear and pay attention to.
Thus we support a greater and more effective cooperation between different stakeholders such as public authorities and policymakers to implement the needed policies and reforms in the field of youth affairs.
We respond to European policy developments and inform decision-makers about our key concerns. Our members’ extensive field experience provides us with valuable knowledge and insight for pertinent policy recommendations.
Our priorities
Our advocacy priorities focus on vulnerable young people from five perspectives:
- Social inclusion, education and employment
- Participation and active citizenship
- Migration and diversity
- More and better mobility opportunities
- Youth work and non-formal learning
Our latest advocacy work
European Social Cohesion in the Digital Era – Youth and Social Work Perspectives (2024)
This report seeks to highlight the perspectives of young participants, professionals and representatives of European institutions on the topic of digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. With particular attention given to how we can ensure that digitalisation benefits everybody in our society equitably, and why it is so important that policymakers listen and involve young people and professionals in decision-making processes.
Navigating the digital transition: New Technologies in Youth and Social Work - Policy Paper (2024)
This policy paper focuses on the opportunities and risks of new technologies in youth and social work and provides insights from the experience of the YES Forum.
The first part of the policy paper provides general information on the EU's initiatives which are aimed at making Europe fit for its digital future. Two further sections elaborate on the opportunities, and critically address the risks stemming from the increased use of digital tools and AI in youth (social) work which affects vulnerable youth and youth professionals. Finally, we present recommendations for how policy makers, education institutions and social service providers can support and equip young people and professionals to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and effectively, mitigating potentials risks.
Social Cohesion in the Digital Transition - Policy Event 2024
The event, organised in partnership with the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and BAG EJSA, delves into the pivotal role of (young) citizens in shaping this transition and ensuring the well-being of all members of society within the framework of building a fairer and more inclusive European Union.
I Vote for EU - collaborative campaign on the European elections 2024
With the #IVoteForEU collaborative campaign, together with our members, we seek to encourage young people to mobilise their peers to take a step forward and actively participate in the elections and cast their vote.
Open letter #EUCivilDialogueNow
The YES Forum has joined the European Economic and Social Committee's Civil Society Organisations' Group and Civil Society Europe (CSE) in their call to European institutions to take concrete measures to create an open, transparent and regular dialogue with civil society.
Position Paper on Erasmus+ evaluation (2023)
In our position paper, we highlight that to improve the Erasmus+ programme accessibility should be a priority in the years to come. Vulnerable youth needs must be better addressed to ensure their inclusion. Moreover, it should be easier to step in for organizations supporting them, especially smaller grassroots organizations.
#explainEU - a campaign on making EU language more accessible for young people
EU communication needs to be more inclusive. By helping young people understand what the Union is, and what it stands for, knowledge of their rights and opportunities will grow.
What language does the EU speak? - Policy Event 2023
The YES Forum together with its Greek member, IEKEP, Institute of Training and Vocational Guidance organised on 14 – 15 November 2023 the conference “What language does the EU speak? EU Literacy and European Citizenship: Frameworks for Dialogue and Skills Enhancement”.
There, policymakers, MEPs, EU institution staff, civil society representatives, youth work professionals and young people dialogued and exchanged their perspectives about the EU and the language applied in its communication.
Statement on the Public consultation on the mid-term evaluation of the EU Youth Strategy (2023)
Our position emphasizes that recognizing and addressing the diversity of young people within the EU member states is essential for creating inclusive and effective youth policies. By aligning it with the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU can foster a social and fair Europe that provides equal opportunities for all young people. We also emphasized the importance of transparent and updated documentation on the strategy's implementation and results.
Civil Society for EU - campaign (2023)
The YES Forum has joined a broad coalition of civil society and philanthropy organisations led by Civil Society Europe and Social Platform to be vocal about the need for better civic space and civil dialogue all over Europe ahead of the 2024 EU elections.
Letter to restore the details of European Commission officials in the EU Whoiswho register (2023)
European civil society organisations advocating for the accountability of institutions towards the public and for civil dialogue, express our concern about the decision of the European Commission to remove the details of civil servants below the Heads of Unit level from the official directory of the European Union Whoiswho.
Position Paper - Inclusive Learning Opportunities (2023)
Based on our network members’ rich experience working with and for young people, our position emphasizes the need for comprehensive pedagogical support, increased funding, improved recognition, streamlined processes, and enhanced collaboration to address the obstacles and ensure a successful and inclusive learning mobility experience for young people.
Social inclusion and participation of young people in Europe - Policy Event 2022
The YES Forum, in collaboration with BAG KJS, organised its Policy Event in the context of the European Year of Youth 2022. This in-person event took place in Brussels, 26 - 27 October 2022. The aim of the event was to focus on the services, offers and projects of youth social work through-out Europe.
At the event, we:
- presented the importance of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan,
- promoted and discussed on its effectiveness, and
- exchanged how to better implement it at the national and local level.
#rEUconnecting - a campaign for a more inclusive and social Europe (2022)
What is “European cooperation”? What can it be useful for?
We have collected different interpretations of this concept and some success stories
Position Paper - Inclusive Youth and Education Programmes (2020)
For the civil society organisations subscribing to this position paper, inclusion is an essential part of their daily work - be it as a welfare or youth association, Church or social and educational institution. We are committed to truly inclusive education programmes at the European level.
This includes a comprehensive, diversity-friendly inclusion strategy for all European funding programmes that addresses multiple discrimination.
