Generation Europe: The Ambassadors

Background The application, drafted in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to address long standing needs in youth education and engagement, particularly among marginalised groups. It sought to address the lack of access to civic education for diverse youth due to financial constraints and a lack of representation among youth work professionals. Through the Ambassadors Network, the project aimed to train diverse young professionals to act as role models and mentors to foster active citizenship among their peers. In addition, the creation of the Guide to Activism provided a low-threshold tool to engage young people in democratic participation, addressing the emerging need for mental health support exacerbated by the pandemic. By incorporating mental health resources and strategies into both the Guide and the Ambassador training programme, the project aimed to provide immediate assistance while working towards systemic change in mental health support for young people. Objectives The project aimed to create an innovative framework for promoting civic education, democratic engagement and human rights among European youth, while equipping them with essential skills and competences for activism. Through the establishment of the Ambassador Network, the consortium facilitated peer education and local leadership to bridge gaps and foster a more engaged and informed youth population. Diversity and inclusion were prioritised, with marginalised youth actively involved as youth work professionals, mentors and role models. The Guide to Activism was developed with input from the Ambassadors to ensure relevance and accessibility. The project also aimed to increase the visibility and accessibility of civic education initiatives, engage marginalised youth and raise awareness of ERASMUS+ programmes. Through lobbying and advocacy, the project aimed to empower young people to influence local and European policies, while promoting participatory strategies and inclusive organisational cultures. Implementation Activities implemented included Ambassador Training (C1-5), which provided in-depth insights into civic education and critical youth citizenship, focusing on skills such as critical thinking and communication. Annual Ambassador Conferences (funded by other sources) from 2022 facilitated collaboration, knowledge sharing and project planning. Buddy Group Meetings enabled peer learning and sharing of experiences, both digitally and face-to-face. They were also used to receive input and feedback from the Ambassadors for Intellectual Output. In addition, transnational and digital meetings were crucial for developing the IO, adapting processes and managing risks. Dissemination activities included social media posts, blog articles and nine face-to-face multiplier events organised by partners, reaching diverse audiences and promoting innovative citizenship education practices. Achievements The most obvious output is the 'Guide to Activism', a comprehensive peer education tool developed in collaboration with a diverse range of young people. It empowers young Europeans to become activists on local or European issues. The Ambassadors Network, established as a sustainable network of young professionals during the closure, has successfully engaged more than 60 diverse young professionals in European youth work, increasing inclusivity and impact. The Ambassadors are creating further results by acting as mentors, role models and advocates, bridging gaps and diversifying the field. They've influenced policy at both local and international levels. The strategic partnership has also contributed methods for increasing participation in civic education, which has influenced project management approaches. Overall, these outcomes are in line with the project's objectives of empowering young people, promoting diversity and influencing policy and practice.