Unlocking Potential: Youth Empowerment Takes Center Stage at the European Parliament
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World Scout Bureau - Júlia Pérez Lema
Brussels, 22 February 2024 - Today, a new research report and innovative tool is launched, showcasing the impact of youth organisations and the role of youth development in shaping tomorrow's leaders, empowering young individuals with essential life skills and fostering resilience.
The ImpactYouth event convened in Brussels policymakers, academics, researchers, and civil society organisations. Recognising the pivotal role of youth development, the event aimed to showcase the findings from the MIYO project, highlighting key insights and presenting actionable policy recommendations.
During the conference, the MIYO Impact Measurement toolkit, a pioneering methodology designed to evaluate the impact of youth programmes accurately, was launched. Developed through a collaborative effort between the youth sector and academia, including the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), YMCA Europe and the Maynooth University Department of Applied Social Studies. Funded by the Erasmus+ programme, the toolkit promises to reinforce the links between research, policy, and practice.
The conference featured a panel discussion comprising consortium representatives, offering national and European perspectives on youth impact measurement, with an expected attendance of 100 stakeholders, including Karen Vandeweghe, Deputy Head of Unit, B.3 Youth and Volunteer Solidarity, DG EAC, and European Parliament representatives. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue.
Youth organisations need recognition from the civic society because that’s essential to grow. You are absolutely critical for the youth generation to develop the skills they need to become active citizens. Financial support is one of the mechanisms to support your work.
Michaela Šojdrová
Member of the European Parliament
Key findings from initial reports conducted using the tools developed include:
- Young people develop confidence and leadership skills through youth organisations.
- Youth organisations develop and sustain young people's sense of respect and wonder for the natural world.
- As a result of being involved with youth organisations, young people can satisfy their curiosity and learn new skills.
In Scouts, I disconnect from my bubble, my role, and I’m just me, ‘natural’. I’m not trying to look good, dress well. That’s when you see my true personality, and that’s when I like myself more than outside scouting.
Anonymous
Anonymous
The event included a session at the European Parliament, which included a showcase of the MIYO Impact Measurement toolkit. This will feature presentations from six member organisations, including study results and a panel discussion hosted by MEP Michaela Šojdrová assessing insights from toolkit designers and youth organisation representatives.
During the afternoon, later participants participated in hands-on workshops, exploring the practicalities of the methodology, data collection, and analysis instruments. Attendees engaged in open presentations, exchanging ideas and best practices for implementing the toolkit within their organisations.
The MIYO conference was pivotal in advancing the discourse on youth empowerment and impact measurement, charting a course for more informed policies and practices in the years to come.