As part of the Voices of Change project, the Youth Advocacy Training offers young people and youth workers a dynamic space to learn, connect, and take action for stronger youth representation.
Organised by World Scouting (BES) in partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, this multiplier training will bring together 40 participants from across Europe. Participants will strengthen their ability to collaborate with local authorities, amplify the voices of young people and youth organisations, build meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders, and advocate for youth-related issues at local, national, and European levels.
Taking place from 10 to 14 June 2026 in Tomar, Portugal, this five-day training will equip participants with practical tools, including an advocacy roadmap developed within the project, to apply in their own local contexts.
Aim & objectives
This event aims to empower and connect young people across Europe to become effective advocates for youth by strengthening their capacity to engage with decision-makers, build strategic partnerships, and drive meaningful change through the practical application of advocacy tools at local, national, and European levels.
Participants will:
- Develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to apply the Voices of Change Advocacy Roadmap in their local contexts.
- Strengthen their ability to engage effectively with local authorities and supportive local actors.
- Build and sustain partnerships with local stakeholders to reinforce youth advocacy efforts.
- Increase their capacity to advocate for the recognition and prioritisation of youth-related issues at local and national levels.
- Acquire advocacy-related competencies, including strategic thinking, practical tools, and communication skills, to address challenges and create impact across different levels of action.
Dates and venue
The event will take place in Tomar, Portugal, and will be hosted by ESN Portugal. Participants are expected to arrive on 10 June 2026 and depart on 14 June 2026. The training will start in the afternoon on 10 June 2026 and end on 13 June 2026.
Participants’ profile
This training is part of the Voices of Change project, which is organised in partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the World Scouting (BES). As a result, each partner organisation sets specific participant requirements and selection criteria.
Participants’ profile for World Scouting:
Participants will
- Be 18 to 30 years old.
- Have a strong interest in youth advocacy, civic engagement, youth participation, and non-formal education.
- Be an active member of a National Scout Association or National Scout Organization of the European Scout Region.
- Be engaged at the local, regional, or national level, with an interest in strengthening youth representation and advocacy efforts.
- Be motivated to collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders, and to support the recognition of youth-related issues.
- Be willing to share personal experiences and good practices, and to actively engage with participants from diverse backgrounds.
- Be able to attend the full duration of the training in person (5 working days).
- Be committed to applying the advocacy roadmap in their local context and contributing to follow-up actions after the training.
- Be motivated to disseminate acquired knowledge, skills, and learning outcomes within their organisation and broader community.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful dialogue among diverse perspectives to build empathy, shared learning, and constructive interaction.
Language
The working language of the event is English to facilitate all exchanges among participants. Effective communication in English is essential for participation.
Participation fee
The participation fee of 50 EUR will cover additional costs not funded by the Erasmus+ Programme.
Thanks to support from the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, all participants will be able to benefit from a reduced participation fee and 80% of travel costs up to 200 EUR. For reimbursement, all participants must present travel invoices and tickets.
Registration
To complete the application process, an official endorsement letter from the International Commissioner in your National Scout Organization/National Scout Association will be required. This is to facilitate the most timely and resourceful selection process experience for all interested applicants. Please be aware that a positive endorsement from the International Commissioner does not guarantee your participation in this event.
Visa and travel arrangements
Confirmed participants will be responsible for making their travel arrangements. Please do not book your transportation until you receive a confirmation letter from the planning team, which will provide more information about the logistics.
Please indicate in the event’s online registration form if you need a visa to enter Portugal. Visa costs will be covered.
Cancellation policy
If you are not able to attend, participants are not entitled to any financial support, even if they have already booked their travel tickets or VISA.
If you withdraw your participation less than 2 weeks before the event, you may be liable for incurred costs associated with the event.
Insurance
The European Scout Region of World Scouting does not cover participants' risks during the event or travel to or from the venue. Please note that it is the exclusive responsibility of the participant’s national association to verify that the participant's risks are covered by insurance (illness, accidents, repatriation, etc.).
More information and contact
If you have any questions or require further information about the event, please get in touch with Federica Imperadrice, the Voices of Change project coordinator, at [email protected].