World Scouting and ESN are growing a new generation of youth advocates

What does it take to turn a local concern into real change? For 40 young people and youth workers from across Europe, the answer began in the historic city of Tomar, Portugal.

From 10 to 14 June 2026, participants gathered for the Youth Advocacy Training, an activity of the Voices of Change project, organised by World Scouting's European Scout Region in partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). Over five days, they explored how young people can move beyond being consulted to becoming active partners in shaping the decisions that affect their lives and communities.

The training was designed as a journey. It began by creating a space where participants could get to know one another, reflect on their own experiences, and identify the challenges facing their communities. Through team-building activities, self-assessments, and conversations about identity and belonging, participants recognised that effective advocacy starts with understanding the issues that matter most to the people around them.

Throughout the training, participants worked with the Voices of Change Advocacy Roadmap, a practical framework designed to help young people transform ideas into action. By applying the roadmap to real challenges in their own communities, they learned to identify priorities, understand local contexts, plan advocacy initiatives, and develop realistic next steps they can continue after returning home.

Another key theme was recognition, both of young people's contributions and of youth work itself. Participants reflected on the barriers that often prevent young people from participating in decision-making and explored how increasing the visibility and recognition of youth-led initiatives can strengthen democratic participation and create more inclusive communities. The programme also extended beyond the training room. A visit to the UNESCO-listed city of Tomar offered an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between heritage and communities.

By the final day, the conversations had shifted from learning to action. Participants developed personal action plans, exchanged practical advocacy tools and ideas, and reflected on how they would apply their new skills in their own organisations and communities. As the project comes soon to an end, the Youth Advocacy Training marked an important milestone in the Voices of Change project, further strengthening a network of young advocates dedicated to ensuring that youth voices are heard and valued.