Study Visit – Social Economy 3.0

The Role of Youth Organizations is clear when the concept of conventional Social Economy is discussed. Known as the ‘social economy’, it includes cooperatives, mutual societies, non-profit associations, foundations and now social enterprises, a new reality, a new practice inside the Social Economy spectrum.

The primary objective of the traditional social economy enterprises is to serve the members and not to obtain a return on investment as the traditional mainstream capital companies do. The members act in accordance with the principle of solidarity and mutuality and manage their enterprise on the basis of 'one man one vote' principle.

The new Social Enterprises are bringing new cards to the table, investment, equity, social innovation, and they operate a very broad number of commercial activities, provide a wide range of products and services across the European single market and generating new of jobs.

From Social Economy 1.0 to 2.0 and expecting to understand the Social Economy of tomorrow and the role of Youth and Erasmus+ in it, be welcome to the Social Economy 3.0 Study Visit.

The main aim of the study visit is to learn more about Social Economy and Youth Work in North Macedonia and Portugal, as well as sharing good practices and networking.

Aims and objectives of the activity:

* Learn about Youth and Social Economy practices in both Countries;

* Learn more about role of Youth and Young people on the 3rd Sector;

* Learn concrete tools to promote Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship among Young People and Youth Organizations;

* Network with others working on the same topic;

* Explore potential for follow-up activities, especially within the framework of Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps;

This project will be implemented in the frame of Strategic Cooperation agreement between the Portuguese National Agency for Erasmus + Youth in Action and The National agency for European educational programs and mobility of the Republic of North Macedonia.

Having in account the strategic objectives of the cooperation agreement stablish between both National Agencies, this study visit is intended for Youth Leaders, Youth workers, Municipality workers and others who would like to learn more about the role of Youth, Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps on Social Economy and Social Innovation.

The group of participants selected to this 1st study visit in Portugal should also participate in the 2nd Study Visit in North Macedonia, in Spring 2023.

Target groups:

• Youth Leaders; Youth workers; Trainers; Youth Policy Makers

Profile of participants:

• Youth Leaders, Youth workers, Municipal workers and others who are working directly with youth councils (or similar entities), or plan on setting one up
• Participants must be comfortable with English as a working language