Youth in LEADER

About Youth in LEADER

The LEADER Youth Community is a vibrant, dynamic group within the larger LEADER-CLLD framework and initiative, proudly affiliated with ELARD. Our network is dedicated to empowering young people to take an active role in the sustainable development of rural areas. Through a collaborative platform, we support youth engagement in community-driven projects, policy dialogues, and decision-making processes that shape their hometowns and regions. This community enables youth to connect, share ideas, and gain the skills to participate in meaningful transformation.

ONGOING – YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS

Stay tuned for our exciting events! We have regular meetings, creative workshops, and interactive webinars where you can get involved and gain new insights.

Shape the coming year

Deadline 7th of January

Your input is valuable in shaping our activities and initiatives for the coming year.

Feedback Form

HIGHLIGHTS – LOOK WHAT WE’VE ACHIEVE

NETWORK PROMOTION

2024, June-August

Now is the time to spread the network to all our contacts in Europe, to build a strong youth in leader network!

Campaign material

ONLINE KICK-OFF PARTY

2024, 2 September, 17:00 -18:30 CET

The online party will include mingling, networking, and setting upcoming goals for this group!

Group photo

EUROPEAN LEADER CONGRESS

2024, 2-3 October

We will have the opportunity to have the first physical network meeting at the second European LEADER congress.

About the congress

What We Offer

Knowledge Sharing: Learn and gain insights from experts and peers through interactive workshops, webinars, and seminars.
Support & Resources: Access essential and tailored resources, funding opportunities, and guidance to bring your ideas and projects to life.
Visibility: Share your achievements and be inspired by others’ stories of change and innovation within our network.
Capillarity: Spread our activities and ideas throughout the rural EU thanks to the more than 2.500 counties represented in ELARD by the Local Action Group.
Diversity: Take part in a network with many profiles, areas of expertise, and interests.
Horizontality: Participate in decision-making and the organization of our future activities.
Advocacy: Promote youth volunteering and unity, and raise awareness on several topics such as social issues (mental health in rural areas for instance).

Why Join Us?

Young people are not just the future – you are the present! By joining the LEADER Youth Community, you play an active role in shaping the path forward for your rural area. This community recognizes your challenges and offers encouragement and guidance. Here’s what membership means:

Make Your Voice Heard: Participate in meaningful discussions and decision-making processes that impact your community and local initiatives.
Develop New Skills: Enhance your expertise in areas like project management, entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and community engagement.
Network with Purpose: Connect with motivated peers, mentors, and professionals who share your passion for rural innovation and transformation.
Be a Catalyst for Change: Contribute to projects that create real, sustainable impacts, from addressing local challenges to influencing broader rural policies.

Join Our Community!

Are you ready to be part of something bigger? Join the LEADER Youth Community today and embark on a journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future for rural areas. If you are 30 or under, you are most welcome to sign up as a member and ambassador in the LEADER Youth Community. You also have the opportunity to choose which role you want in the network: part of the steering group and running the network, an ambassador and collecting opinions for my country, an administrator who helps at meetings and get-togethers, a communicator, to be involved in developing materials and campaigns, a group leader and arrange group-strengthening activities and take initiatives or if you just want to share information as a member.

If you are over 30, you are welcome to sign up to become a mentor.

Not this age, but want to join?

LEADER is a community for everyone. Whether you are a young person looking to make an impact or an older interested in supporting and learning from youth initiatives, we welcome you to be a part of our mission as a mentor.

Why Get Involved?

Share Your Expertise: Contribute your knowledge and experience to help guide and mentor young leaders.
Learn and Grow: Participate in our events and gain insights into innovative solutions and sustainable practices.
Support Youth: Empower the next generation by providing resources, support, and opportunities for their projects.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower young voices within the LEADER-CLLD framework, ensuring their participation in decision-making and community development processes. Young people frequently confront the dual challenges of age-specific disadvantages and the underdevelopment of rural areas. Acting as a bridge between communities and institutions, we support youth in tackling local challenges and innovating sustainable solutions. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive, contribute, and be recognized as valuable partners and proactive leaders in rural development by fostering a space for connection, innovation, and inclusive dialogue.