EUROPEAN YOUTH PRESS,newsletter

 

Newsletter August 2024

Dear young media makers, July and August were dynamic months for our community, marked by a series of impactful events and exciting developments. The month of July began with the successful "Voices of the Next Generation" Youth Exchange held in the charming town of Pärnu, Estonia. This week-long event gathered young people from across Europe to delve into topics such as literacy, entrepreneurship, and cultural awareness through interactive workshops and cultural exchange. Participants had the opportunity to enhance their skills and form lasting connections, all while contributing to meaningful discussions on pressing issues. In August, we hosted the Forum of Member Organisations (FOMO) in Bratislava, Slovakia. From August 9th to 11th, representatives from our member organisations gathered for a less formal yet highly engaging event focused on "Inclusion in Media Production." Through a series of workshops and networking opportunities, attendees explored how diverse perspectives can enrich media storytelling and ensure that every voice is heard. These events not only fostered collaboration and learning among young media makers but also reinforced our commitment to promoting active citizenship and democratic participation. They provided valuable platforms for discussing European values and advancing our collective mission. As we move forward, we are excited about the upcoming activities and exchanges planned for the remainder of 2024 and 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to engage with our vibrant community.   Happy reading, EYP Executive Board Forum of Member Organisations 2024: Bratislava Slovakia From August 9th to 11th, 2024, the European Youth Press (EYP) hosted its annual Forum of Member Organisations (FOMO) in Bratislava, Slovakia. This event brought together representatives from Full and Observer Member Organisations for a weekend of workshops, networking, and discussions on the central theme of "Inclusion in Media Production." Unlike the more formal General Assembly, FOMO provided a relaxed environment focused on learning and collaboration. Participants engaged in study sessions, lectures, and hands-on workshops aimed at exploring how diverse perspectives can enrich media storytelling and the importance of inclusive practices in ensuring every voice is represented in media production. Throughout the weekend, attendees shared experiences, formed new connections, and deepened their understanding of inclusive media engagement. The event successfully fostered a sense of community among European youth media organizations, setting the stage for future collaborations. All costs for the participants, including transportation, accommodation, and meals, were covered by the EYP, allowing full participation and focus on the event's content. FOMO 2024 was a vibrant and inspiring experience for all involved, and we look forward to seeing even more organizations join us at future events as we continue to shape the future of youth media in Europe. Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events, including our General Assembly this Autumn! Recap: Voices of the Next Generation - Youth Exchange in Pärnu, Estonia From July 14th to 21st, the picturesque town of Pärnu, Estonia, became the epicenter of youth-driven innovation during the "Voices of the Next Generation" Youth Exchange. Young participants from across Europe came together to engage in a week of dynamic workshops, interactive sessions, and cultural exchanges. The event offered a platform for exploring critical issues such as literacy, entrepreneurship, citizenship, and multilingualism. Through hands-on activities and thought-provoking discussions, participants honed essential skills like public speaking, teamwork, and creative expression. One highlight of the event was the focus on advocacy, encouraging participants to reflect on how they could adapt their communication and contribute to social initiatives in their communities. This enriching experience also fostered new friendships and lasting networks. As we look ahead, this is just the beginning. We have several more Youth Exchanges lined up in 2024 and 2025, covering topics such as sustainable Europe, media literacy, and volunteering. Stay tuned for updates on registration and event details via our social media channels. A series of short films will also be produced during these exchanges, showcasing young people's visions on societal issues and promoting their active participation in European democratic processes. Join us in shaping the future of Europe! Follow our partner organisations and stay informed on how you can be involved in the next phase of this exciting journey!  Want to know more about our programmes and next exchanges? Check on our website. Discover Orange Magazine: A Platform for Young Journalists Orange Magazine is the official multimedia platform of the European Youth Press (EYP), providing young journalists from across Europe the opportunity to practice their skills and produce impactful content at international conferences and events. Since its founding in 2004, Orange has evolved from a learning platform into a high-quality publication, offering a space for young journalists to cover pressing global issues such as media policy, human rights, social justice, and environmental concerns. Through Orange, young media makers get to work alongside professionals, gaining invaluable experience while providing multinational coverage of key events. The magazine is available both in print and online, and all previous editions can be accessed on our Issuu page. Explore Orange Magazine today! Visit orange.youthpress.org to read the latest editions and gain insight into the voices shaping Europe’s future. Opportunity: 22nd International Youth Conference - European Values for the Future of SEE Countries We are excited to announce the 22nd edition of the International Youth Conference, "European Values for the Future of SEE Countries," taking place in Krusevo, North Macedonia, from September 26th to 30th, 2024. This conference will bring together 58 young leaders from 16 countries, offering a platform for collaboration, dialogue, and action on some of the most pressing challenges facing Southeast Europe. Participants will engage in workshops and panel discussions on topics such as regional economic cooperation, digital transformation, EU integration, youth participation, employment opportunities, and the role of AI in regional development. The event is designed for young leaders passionate about shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and youth-friendly future for the region. How to Apply: Submit your application by September 10, 2024, 23:59 CET. For more information and to apply, visit the conference website. For any inquiries, contact conference2024@krusevoconference.org.mk. European Youth Press and Európsky Dialóg Meeting - Slovakia In the last week of July, our board members convened in Trnava, Slovakia, as part of our preparations for the previous FOMO event. During this time, we had the pleasure of meeting with Denisa Karabová, Chairwoman of Európsky Dialóg. Our discussions centered on their current projects and organisational goals, exploring how European Youth Press can continue to serve as a valuable partner in their initiatives. We are especially grateful to Európsky Dialóg for their generous hospitality in providing their office space for our meeting. Following this productive session, the Board traveled to Bratislava to further advance preparations for FOMO, ensuring the event’s success. Our next Youth Exchange in Spain is coming!   "Voices of the Next Generation: Future Decision-Makers on European Values and Citizenship" is a youth-led project aimed at enhancing cooperation among youth organizations to foster active citizenship and democratic participation. By supporting and empowering young people, the project aspires to make them active members of the European Community. It includes five youth exchanges and a final conference on topics such as a sustainable Europe, media literacy, European Parliament election simulations, advocacy, solidarity, and volunteering. We are also excited to announce our next “Voices of the Next Generation” Youth Exchange, set to take place in Spain this October. This event, focusing on "Sustainable Green Europe," will be produced by Ilewasi. It promises to be a significant opportunity for young leaders to explore sustainability, share innovative ideas, and contribute to a greener future. Join us and become part of a community dedicated to shaping the future of youth media in Europe. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to the European Youth Press network!   Find out more about here. European Citizen Initiative The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) empowers citizens across EU Member States to propose legislative changes on pressing issues. Established by the Treaty of Lisbon, this innovative tool has facilitated 103 initiatives over the past 11 years. Initiatives that gather 1 million signatures are reviewed by the European Commission. However, despite its potential, participation has slowed in recent years. To revitalise engagement, the European Commission is partnering with organisations to promote the ECI. In 2023, they introduced an educational toolkit alongside a competition for secondary school students. Your organisation can support this effort by sharing materials, placing web banners, circulating updates, and utilising public spaces to promote the ECI, encouraging citizens to actively participate in shaping EU policies and exercising their democratic rights. Click here to find more information. Opportunity: YOUTH Remembers Program 2025 The YOUTH Remembers program is now accepting project proposals for 2025! This initiative invites young people to explore and reflect on the history of National Socialism, its crimes, and its broader context, focusing on how these issues continue to impact society today. The program supports extracurricular projects that foster critical thinking, historical knowledge, and engagement with contemporary challenges like antisemitism, racism, and right-wing extremism. Projects should empower youth through self-directed learning, connecting historical events to current social issues while reflecting the diverse backgrounds of participants. Special consideration is given to projects involving youth with migration experiences or international family ties. How to Apply: Interested individuals or organizations can submit project proposals by the deadline of October 7, 2024. For more information and access to application materials, please visit the official program's website. How to become an EYP Member Organisation Are you interested in joining a vibrant network of youth media organisations across Europe? Becoming a member of the European Youth Press (EYP) offers you the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded organisations, participate in impactful projects, and contribute to a collective mission of empowering young journalists and promoting democratic values. To apply for membership, simply fill out the application form by clicking here. After submitting the form, please send the requested documentation to us. We will review your application and get in touch with you once the evaluation process is complete. Join us and be part of a dynamic community that shapes the future of youth media in Europe! If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to welcoming you to the European Youth Press network!

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