The Next Step

The Next Step (TNS) aims to improve the quality of youth work done in Europe, by creating a network of qualified youth workers using a new and innovative approach for youth programmes. This approach is called the Synergy (Network) Method. It results from the last 10 years of work developed by Synergy LT and its network and we find that now it is the time to share it. TNS main working objectives are: 1) Increase the quality of youth projects, by introducing youth workers to our method for designing and implementing programmes; 2) Empower youth workers by developing their own coaching attitude and facilitation style, based upon different approaches for coaching and self-reflection; 3) Increase the capacity of the organisations involved to create new and innovative projects; 4) Exchange the knowledge and best practices of the project through an online portfolio for promotion and dissemination; 5) Increase the ability to attract and impact of programs designed for youth; 6) Increase the learning opportunities on youth employment through the creation of KA1 projects and national activities. The main method used will be experiential learning or learning by doing, which will be used in combination with others: Coaching/Self-Coaching, Informal learning, Somatic work, Outdoor learning, Learning by submerging. As for the participants we expect that we will have as an impact: • Enhanced their performance as facilitators; • Become able to design and deliver innovative programs with high quality, by implementing a new approach for youth projects and using new planning tools and skills; • Enriched their methods to support further young people; • Developed a more proactive, accountable and flexible attitude; • Improved their working performance and more productive work; • Increased their satisfaction and sense of fulfilment in their working lives; • Enhanced their performance as a team member/leader in local and international projects; • Enhanced capacity to train others and support their professional growth; • Increased their impact on young people, due to clearer, more impactful and persuasive communication; • Improved their assertiveness; • Enriched their perspective on youth work through exchanging best practices with other participants; • Deepened their knowledge of Youthpass as a tool for self-assessment. On the long run, this will project allow to have a standard approach regarding youth programmes. Furthermore, there will be a network of organisations and members of the organisations capable of implementing this approach in different contexts and with different target groups, and therefore capable of keeping the desired standard quality.