Youth Pool began by collectively mapping of our locations and interests.
"We are different, yet so similar".
To enhance mutual understanding, practice active listening and self-awareness, we did the following activities.
- We were first divided into pairs and shared our personal stories. Then, each presented each other to the entire group focusing on 1-2 aspects of our partner's story.
- Next, in smaller groups of 3-4, reflect on the following:
- As you were growing up, which part of nature was close to you, and how were you connected to it?
- Whose influence has contributed to shaping who you are today?
- What deeply touched your heart, sparked your imagination, influenced your thoughts, or inspired your actions during these conversations?
Afterward, we began contemplating our lives in relation to the community and society. We reflected on the things that hold significance to us and identified aspects we would like to change within our community. Additionally, we engaged in discussions about the political nature of public space and explored how public spaces could facilitate community-driven transformations. Here are the questions that stimulated the discussion:
- Think about your role in the community.
- What do you appreciate or like about your community?
- What aspects of your community would you like to see improved?
- What is public space, and why is it important?
- How do you think public spaces could contribute to bringing about positive changes?
But, of course, it is one thing to imagine our ideal community and our role in it based solely on our own position and perspectives. Therefore, it made sense to delve into the needs of other young people in the community.
So, we explored several fundamental methods that could aid us in identifying these needs. Each participant was then given the freedom to choose any method they preferred to apply in their local communities. Some organized focused groups, while others utilized surveys and social media to gather responses. Gradually, we began constructing the activities of the Youth Pool based on the principles of Participatory Action Research.
So, we explored several fundamental methods that could aid us in identifying these needs. Each participant was then given the freedom to choose any method they preferred to apply in their local communities. Some organized focused groups, while others utilized surveys and social media to gather responses. Gradually, we began constructing the activities of the Youth Pool based on the principles of Participatory Action Research.
As Youth Pool aims to inspire both reflection and action, we explored how these identified needs could be translated into concrete steps through various means such as advocacy campaigns, policy proposals, or simple activities that could further promote discussions on the topics of interest.
We had already engaged in discussions and reflection on the reasons for change ("why"). It was now time to establish specific objectives ("what") and brainstorm ideas ("how") to make them a reality.
Youth Pool has been developed on the premise that community members should be empowered to effect collective change. With this in mind, the process of Youth Pool helps participant to identify ways in which they can connect with civic society, collaborate with other community members, and form alliances with local decision-makers. In a sense, Youth Pool aims to strengthen the practice of commoning in diverse contexts and communities.
To foster such an environment, Youth Pool invited participants to explore successful practices and advocacy activities already taking place in their communities. They provided feedback and consulted with each other on how to further develop their ideas.
We had already engaged in discussions and reflection on the reasons for change ("why"). It was now time to establish specific objectives ("what") and brainstorm ideas ("how") to make them a reality.
Youth Pool has been developed on the premise that community members should be empowered to effect collective change. With this in mind, the process of Youth Pool helps participant to identify ways in which they can connect with civic society, collaborate with other community members, and form alliances with local decision-makers. In a sense, Youth Pool aims to strengthen the practice of commoning in diverse contexts and communities.
To foster such an environment, Youth Pool invited participants to explore successful practices and advocacy activities already taking place in their communities. They provided feedback and consulted with each other on how to further develop their ideas.
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At times, young people's ideas might be achievable independently of financial resources and this is what young people has been encouraged to do through Youth Pool. However, sometimes finance does play a crucial role in supporting initiatives undertaken by young people. In line with this, we introduced Solidarity Projects of the European Solidarity Corps financial instrument and shared links and resources that young people could utilize to realize their ideas or look into additional opportunities (eg. Eurodesk Opportunity Finder).
Finally, we believe that the process of seeking solutions and exploring ways to implement them has an empowering and emancipatory impact on young people. Therefore, we encourage those reading these lines to experience the Youth Pool process themselves within their organizations and communities.
What's more, we encourage you to consider applying for next year's Youth Pool!
Finally, we believe that the process of seeking solutions and exploring ways to implement them has an empowering and emancipatory impact on young people. Therefore, we encourage those reading these lines to experience the Youth Pool process themselves within their organizations and communities.
What's more, we encourage you to consider applying for next year's Youth Pool!
Download the Youth Pool 2023 report document here.
Don't forget that you may the Youth Pool 2021 toolkit here and the full Youth Pool 2022 report document here.
It includes the Youth Pool methodology, guidelines and tools for young people interested to advocate and make a change in their community. The toolkit is also available in Greek. You may also download the full Youth Pool 2022 report document here.
It includes the Youth Pool methodology, guidelines and tools for young people interested to advocate and make a change in their community. The toolkit is also available in Greek. You may also download the full Youth Pool 2022 report document here.
For more information, contact Amerissa Giannouli at [email protected] .
