Planning & Managing Action for Social Transformation

THE CONTEXT? Youth Participation is often assumed as an ‘objective’ of youth projects, but ideally, it shall be considered as a ‘methodology’ as well, for a project to be truly participatory in its nature. Youth organisations face a great challenge when it comes to jump from running projects for young people to running projects with and by young people - planning, managing, implementing and evaluating youth participation projects requires specific approaches, tools and sets of competences. THE AIM? To improve the quality of youth participation projects in European countries by developing young people and youth workers competences in the field of project management and youth participation trough a non-formal education training. THE OBJECTIVES? -Experience typical challenges in youth participation projects and coaching groups of young people; -Develop participants understanding of necessary conditions for youth participation; Increase participants understanding of youth participation in its different dimensions: decision making, youth policy lobbying, NGYO’s programmes & activities; -Develop participants skills and knowledge in basic facilitation of groups of young people; Provide participants with standard theory, skills and tools to design, implement and evaluate meaningful and effective youth participation projects; -Introduce concrete tools and criteria to assess quality in participative projects; -Develop participants understanding of participation projects cycle, including needs analysis, aims, objectives, methodology, plan of activities, evaluation and follow-up; -Explore different values and types of youth participation projects and possible participatory approaches in their methodology; -Exchange experiences, good practices, opinions, educational tools and materials related to youth participation projects. -Provide an opportunity for participants to design a youth participation project to implement as a follow-up of the training, while strengthening the network between the involved partner NGYO’s; -Introduce a series of resources and funding opportunities that can be useful for bringing participants projects to reality, namely Youth in Action Programme. THE SETTING & CONTENT? 22 participants from different countries will meet in the city of Amarante, Portugal, for a week in order to learn and develop together their project planning and management competences, focused in local youth participation (and have a lot of fun along the way!). The group will be accommodated in wards rooms of four people. The bathrooms are shared and have shower cabins. Most of the meals served will be vegetarian with Fair Trade and biologically produced food. More info on: http://www.aventuramaraoclube.com/p/casa-juventude.html Trainers will follow non-formal education methodologies, based in peer learning, experiential learning; participative methods will be used – participants shall expect to be very active along the whole programme. Everything will happen in English language. Topics addressed include: youth participation, good practices in youth participation, structured dialogue, advocacy, local youth policies, coaching, facilitation, youth participation project management, Project Cycle Management, etc. This is an ideal opportunity to learn with your international peers and to initiate (or further develop) your own youth participation project, internationally or locally. THE TARGET GROUP? Active and experienced youth workers, trainers, coaches, youth participation project managers, youth leaders, youth policy makers. This is an advanced training – previous experience with youth participation processes is favourable. A strong motivation and support shall exist to implement a follow-up youth participation project. THE COSTS? -Participation fee: 50€ (Accommodation and food is included) -70% of the travel cost are reimbursed after the training (maximum costs apply according to the country of the sending NGO). HOW TO APPLY? Before you apply, make sure you meet the following participant profile: -To fit into the target group (as in this document); -Full availability to attend the training (from 08 to 16.10.2012), in Portugal; -Influence in decision making on your NGO; -Able to communicate in English language; -When selecting participants, priority will be given to those who will be involved in a youth participation project in the next 12 months. If you meet this profile, fill your application form online: http://dinamo.pt/index.php/56-noticias/353-chamada-para-planning-managing-action-for-social-transformation-portugal until 22.07.2012, 23:00 CET. You’ll be informed about the selection results during August 2012, by email. For further information, please contact Ana Morgado at pmast@dinamo.pt.