www.eayw.net Kranjska Gora, Slovenia 14 - 17 May 2024 European Academy on Youth Work Event Third Edition FINAL REPORT Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work by Nik Paddison EDITORIAL INFO Title: Third European Academy on Youth Work Event: Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work – Final Report Publisher: MOVIT, Ljubljana, November 2024 Author: Nik Paddison Editor: Sonja Mitter Škulj Design and layout: AIKO, Maja Cerjak s.p., Illustrations: by iracosma, Adobestock Nik Paddison is a freelance writer, creator and trainer in the fields of learning and youth work, working at the European level. Nik’s passion is for exploring how learning works, both challenging himself and the status quo. He likes to push the boundaries to find different and more effective ways for learning and communicating, through developing methodologies, resources and theories. Nik often works as a rapporteur on conferences, he also writes articles, content for youth work and learning websites, and publications on a variety of topics related to youth work. The European Academy on Youth Work aims to promote the development of quality youth work and to support its capacity to react to current and future developments. To this end, it focuses on supporting innovation in youth work, as a response to the trends, challenges and uncertainties faced by young people in today’s fast-changing societies. The EAYW offers a platform for exchange and knowledge gathering on trends and developments in and with relevance to the youth field in Europe, and on innovative youth work responses to these trends and developments. It is a long-term strategic cooperation of National Agencies of the Erasmus+ programme, youth field, and the European Solidarity Corps and SALTO-YOUTH Resource Centres. More information: www.eayw.net Free e-publication Kataložni zapis o publikaciji (CIP) pripravili v Narodni in univerzitetni knjižnici v Ljubljani / Cataloguing Record of Publication (CIP) prepared by the National and University Library in Ljubljana COBISS.SI-ID 222251267 ISBN 978-961-92614-7-7 (PDF) This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). CONTENTS Table of 4 Introduction to the Third European Academy on Youth Work Event 6 Report Structure 8 Insights and Questions 10 Opening 13 The Concept of Futures Work 18 The Futures of Youth Work 27 Getting Future-Ready! 31 Planning for the Future 38 The Forums and the Futures 43 The Students’ Research 46 The Closing of the EAYW 49 Concluding Reflections 53 Annexes 58 EAYW Event Team Final Report 2024 Introduction to the 01Third European Academy on Youth Work Event “One of the interesting things about this topic is learning to say ‘futures’ with an ‘s’ at the end all the time” Özgehan Şenyuva EUROPEAN ACADEMY ON The third EAYW was hosted by MOVIT, the PARTNERSHIP youth field, and the European Solidarity Corps, in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, from YOUTH WORK STRATEGIC Slovenian National Agency for Erasmus+, The European Academy on Youth Work the 14th to 17th May 2024. The theme (EAYW) aims to promote the develop- was ‘Future Developments and their Im- ment of quality youth work, to support pact on Youth Work’. its capacity to react to current and future developments, and to contribute to creat- ing a common ground for youth work and youth work policy. To this end, it focuses on supporting innovation in youth work as a response to the trends, challenges and uncertainties faced by young people in today’s fast-changing societies. The EAYW is a strategic partnership of 14 National Agencies for Erasmus+ Youth and the European Solidarity Corps pro- grammes, with MOVIT as its coordinating partner. Additionally, an Advisory Board consisting of stakeholders from the Euro- pean youth work field guides the content development of each EAYW edition. 4 The specific objectives of the third EAYW shops. There were 14 other projects, concepts and tools shared during a Com- OBJECTIVES AND FOCUS tions, either as presentations or work- • Jointly explore emerging trends and munity Evening, and six areas of interna- were to: future developments and discuss tional youth work discussed in ‘Lounges’ throughout the course of the EAYW. their possible impact on youth work; • Showcase and mainstream a variety PARTICIPANTS of innovative practices, approaches There were over 200 participants repre-and strategies developed in senting a broad spectrum of the youth response to these developments and work community of practice, most of • Foster networking and innovative them coming from a large portion of Eu-thinking about the futures of youth rope and its neighbouring regions. work within the community. In order to support the achievement of The participants included an international these objectives, three main questions group of twenty students in youth work, were explored throughout the event: social work or related studies coming • What will youth work look like in the from five universities. The students par- • How can we get ready for futures a specific mini-research project. In addi- tion, a group of 12 youth workers, all stu- future? ticipated in the event and also carried out thinking? • How can we act, plan and envision dents at NUI Certificate course on Adult know? University, took part in the EAYW event as a part of their studies. for a future of youth work we don’t and Community Education at Maynooth this EAYW was about “futures”. The rea-As the quote at the top of the page states, SOCIAL MEDIA AND son for using ‘future’ in the plural all the COMMUNICATIONS time is that there is not one single fu- Everyone was encouraged to use an of- ture ahead but multiple possible futures. ficial hashtag #EAYW, which helped to The EAYW, along with experts, research- pass information, updates and content ers, and the collective knowledge of the to those who were not able to attend the participants, explored and analysed the event. The social media aspect has two emerging societal trends. It looked at how main reasons of importance. Firstly, en- they impact and influence youth work, couraging the participants to post with providing direction for understanding the hashtag made the EAYW more visible the potential futures of youth work and to the wider youth work community. how the sector needs to be preparing for them. Secondly, two of the inputs were live streamed to allow for a much larger au- The EAYW also showcased 24 innovative dience to join the EAYW, who could not practices through participants’ contribu- attend in person. 5 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Report 02 Structure “What happens in the Academy doesn’t stay in the Academy!” Darko Markovic There were four key parts of the EAYW, entations or workshops of various youth which form the basis of this report. The work practices. Additionally, a game was report also includes key takeaways from created and produced specifically for the the opening speeches and closing ele- EAYW on the theme of ‘futures’ and fu- ments, a summary of the mini-research ture-readiness, which was played by all conducted by a group of youth work the participants. Links to the game, the students, and participants’ reflections Forum descriptions and key note speech- of the 24 Forums that consisted of pres- es can be found in Annex 2. 6 THE CONCEPT OF THE FUTURES OF YOUTH FUTURES WORK WORK The introduction to futures work The first input was followed by a came from Adanna Shallowe - in- summary of the EAYW research on ternational affairs analyst, network “The Futures of Youth Work”. This weaver, and facilitator - who intro- session explored the findings of the duced the EAYW to the concept of research and laid out cross-cutting futures work and the different as- themes as well as eight trends, to pects of it. This helped the partici- which the research team added pants to understand that foresight four scenarios to each trend. and futures work is not something that only experts can be involved in, but that in reality, we are all in- volved in futures work and we all need to raise our awareness of it. PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE The final chapter explores a model called “quadrants”, and summarises the participants’ re- sponses to individual and collec- GETTING FUTURE-READY! tive “inner work” (how we are developing as youth workers) and The third chapter explores how to “external developments” (what get future-ready, based on the re- does the youth sector need). search and our understanding of futures work. The chapter opens numerous questions and challeng- es to both individuals and the sec- tor as a whole. The report focuses on these four parts, but also includes other outcomes of the EAYW event, including the Forums and the students’ research. Additional information can be found in the appendices. 7 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Insights 03 and Questions “The past is tense, the present is simple and the future is perfect”. Zadie Smith sent a message to all the participants ask- Some participants pointed out the need ing them for their insights and questions Prior to the EAYW, the team of facilitators INSIGHTS following are the key insights and key “the now” rather than overly fixating on questions as expressed by the partici- predicting the future. It was stated that pants, which provide an insight into some youth workers need to be flexible and ad- regarding the future of youth work. The among youth workers, being prepared for for a focus on the present and flexibility of the thinking about futures work that aptable to effectively respond to current many participants had before the EAYW. realities and challenges. Interestingly, many of the insights and questions were explored as part of the Understanding the future requires enter- agenda of the three days. ing the world of young people, listening to them, and understanding life from their perspective. Youth work should be holistic and representative, adapting to evolving societal norms and global chal- lenges. Technology will play a significant role in youth work in the future, aiding in acces- sibility and innovation. However, it also presents challenges, such as an increased sense of loneliness and having potentially negative impact on young people’s men- 8 tal health. Addressing the mental health How can youth work remain meaningful and well-being of young people is becom- in an ever-evolving world, with changing ious stressors including technology, edu- • This question also cation, and the environment. ing more and more vital, considering var- societal norms and global challenges? came with many linked mains crucial. Maintaining face-to-face and how to support connections with young people is im-them in finding the portant for their social stability and their right opportunities. The need for basic human interaction re- equip young people, questions on how to mental health. Youth work should inspire hope, empow- How can youth work be-erment, and resilience, enabling young come a more holistic and people to both navigate and positively representative practice? influence societal changes. Youth work- • This needs youth ers should also be prepared for unknown workers to question challenges with a resilient mindset, open their practices and to questioning previous practices, learn- methods, to be ing new skills, and adapting their meth- open to learning and ods to stay relevant. Youth work needs to changing traditional be proactive in preparing for future chal- ways of working. How to ensure that lenges, and while the future is inherently youth programmes and activities uncertain, there is also potential for posi- remain relevant to the rapidly tive change and growth. changing social and technological landscape? QUESTIONS Why are we so determined to predict or And finally, five stand-alone questions: guess the future? • How can youth work help young • A number of questions focused on people to connect with each other locally while also thinking globally? this aspect of ‘why do we need to • How to deal with mental health and be looking to the future?’ Are we wellbeing and the potential risks trying to prove our worth, our value, related to technology? and our importance? Does it really • How can youth work shape the matter? Will things change so much? future collectively? Would it not be better to try and • How can youth work prevent work out what we need for the work undesirable scenarios from in ‘the now’? becoming reality? • How can youth work foster empathy and mutual understanding? 9 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 04 Opening “Youth work cannot remain on the side-lines of the process” Anonymous speeches, which provided some back- Sophia Eriksson Waterschoot shared that ground on the major youth work frame- The event started with three opening EUROPEAN YEAR OF YOUTH the process for futures thinking for this sion explored how the momentum from third edition of the EAYW. The three it could continue. As a result, 60 actions speakers were Sophia Eriksson Water- were recommended on how to concretely works at the European level and started been a great success, so the Commis- the European Year of Youth 2022 had schoot, Director for Youth, Education give young people a stronger voice in pol- and Erasmus+, DG EAC, European Com- icy making and how youth mainstreaming mission; Charalampos Papaioannou, should become the normal way of working. Policy Officer, SNE-Youth policy and Pro- grammes, DG EAE, European Commis- sion; and Uroš Skrinar, director of MOVIT. All three speakers gave updates on many of the big European youth work projects and provided information on their poten- tial futures. 10 Both Sophia and Charalampos Papaioan- grammes. Events such as the EAYW and the Convention should also contribute. nou highlighted the interim evaluation of EU YOUTH STRATEGY Youth and European Solidarity Corps pro- the EU Youth Strategy. The report shows that the Strategy is effective in addressing EUROPEAN YOUTH WORK young people’s concerns and has contrib- AGENDA uted to both the development of quality According to Charalampos, one aspect youth work and the recognition of youth of the interim evaluation of the Youth work. The European Commission is cur- Strategy that had already been identified rently proposing ideas for ways to further was that the European Youth Work Agen- enhance the impact of the various instru- da (EYWA) was strengthening the policy ments in the Strategy, including the EU base for quality youth work. Thanks to Youth Dialogue. They are also planning the EYWA, there is a common framework consultations with the youth sector for that the member states have agreed to the new EU Youth Strategy. follow, but at the same time, there are ERASMUS+ YOUTH AND THE a lot of different understandings about EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY of youth work development from country youth work and there are different levels CORPS PROGRAMMES to country. He stated that “we need to re- The mid-term evaluation is underway member that when we are talking about with the results expected at the end youth work, we are not talking about the of 2024. Uroš Skrinar pointed out that same thing all over Europe. We are talk- planning for the new programmes (to be ing about very different things from coun- launched in 2027) will also start at the try to country and from region to region.” end of 2024. Sophia explained that the To tackle this issue, there needed to be a Commission will be asking for inputs and proposal for further mutual learning ac- ideas from young people and youth work- tivities through the European Youth Work ers for the next generation of Erasmus+ Agenda. 11 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 4TH EUROPEAN YOUTH WORK however, more than eighty percent be- CONVENTION lieve that they can influence the future. tion will take place in Malta in May 2025. to do about them, even if they know that This is a great opportunity for youth work they need to be getting ready for those with almost all the member states of the challenges. The 4th European Youth Work Conven- lenges, though many do not know what Young people are quite aware of the chal- continent of Europe sending delegations, and there will also be representatives The European elections in early June from across the youth work community 2024 saw the forming of the new Europe- of practice. The EYWC provides the space an Parliament. This Parliament will be de- to meet, discuss and plan for the next five ciding about many issues that are of a real years of youth work in Europe. concern to young people, from health YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE to education and training, employment and well-being, environment and climate, FUTURE and inclusion, and common values of Uroš Skrinar shared that a recent pres- peace and democracy. The questions that entation by Sitra from Finland showed link to this are: “What should be the role that more than fifty percent of young of youth work here? Is youth work ready? people think that society is doomed; How can youth work get itself ready?”. 12 The Concept 05 of Futures Work “The purpose of thinking of the future is to disturb the present.” Anonymous Adanna Shallowe provided an input on to participants the concepts of ‘arche-futures work that set the foundation for types’, ‘scenario planning’, ‘visioning’ and the theme of the EAYW and introduced ‘horizon scanning’ (see Appendices 1 for most of the participants to the concept. an explanation of the game). During her Adanna is an international affairs analyst, input, Adanna also engaged the partici- a skilled network weaver and facilitator. pants in a ‘futures thinking’ exercise. As a foresight practitioner, Adanna has co-authored a research report entitled “A Futures work is about challenging our stitch in time? Realising the value of fu- existing assumptions, and exploring new tures and foresight”. and alternative futures in order to take action. This is something that is easy to FORESIGHT say, but not so easy to do, especially when Foresight is the capacity to think system- the present is already very challenging. atically about the future using a toolbox of methods and approaches. The con- PREDICTIONS AND LINEAR cept of ‘Futures work’ or hearing about THINKING ‘Foresight methods’ for the first time can One of the points that Adanna wanted feel intimidating and something only ex- to emphasise was that futures work is perts do. In reality, it is something we are not about making predictions. It is about all engaged in or can engage in. A game exploring possibilities that may or may designed and built by Anita Silva for the not happen, it is not about stating that EAYW was introduced to the participants “this will happen”. She explained that we during the first session of the EAYW, ‘Win- are brought up to think in a linear way, dow to the Future’. The game revealed which is one of the reasons why people 13 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 sometimes see futures work as predic- She then asked, “what are the factors tions: Society and the education system that you think will influence youth work have us believing that our futures are all in the next ten years?”. The participants mapped out. You go to school, graduate, responses included: get a job, get promoted several times, • Climate change; retire, and live out your days on a beach. • Policy directions, political impact; Linear thinking is that if you do A, it is fol- • War; lowed by B, then C will naturally happen. • AI; But that does not happen, not in the real • Less young people than older world. people; • Attention span narrowing down; Linear thinking is something we are • Political and civic engagement by taught while futures thinking is something young people; we do naturally. As humans, we are con- • Youth work will be influenced by stantly thinking of numerous futures that whatever is happening in the world. are possible, but we are generally not so conscious of doing so. There are power- Adanna explained that the results and ful influences that keep us in a short-term responses of this exercise produce a list mindset; however, we need to train our- of emerging trends and events that can selves to have a long-term mindset. influence the future of something. These are called the ‘drivers of change’. Adanna invited the participants to do a The table below from the research “A stitch in time?” shows the different driv- FUTURES THINKING ten years and think about the factors that ronmental crisis, Ageing and diversifying population, etc. It is not a complete list; have influenced youth work”. Some of the many other drivers could be added for responses included: participants to “look back over the last ers the research team came up with; Envi- futures-thinking exercise. She asked the • Pandemic; different contexts. The table shows the main global trends that are affecting all • Technology; of us and these are called ‘Macro’ drivers. • Social and economic crises; However, there are also ‘Micro’ drivers, • Environment; these are the things that are happening in • War; a person’s community, country or region. • Professionalising of youth work in We also need very much to be aware of some countries; these as well as global trends. • Erasmus+ funding criteria; • European youth work events and policies. 14 s ti- tor egime erw ansition tial ‘wild- e gy tr ations of ins en d’ disrup volts and r Pot car Financial crises Global pandemics Ener Re changLimit tutional po ealth om es e acts onomic er y o e of the ay fr onom tr ganised y w terialism e w tructur on ork’ and z er a ork including t-ma onom w w s vice models owth of the cular ec The futur ec Massiv inequality Shift of ec po the Global North Ne of w ‘gig-w hour c Gr cir Pos and on-demand ser Global (whitcollar) or crime trality of forming tion - -a-tic w ev ta’ eneene oma echnol gy ans tic biology orms of al t -security ating models easing ubiquity eased pr the w f oduction and Cen technology Tech tr pr oper Incr of AI, aut and ‘big da Ne medic ogy Incr lence of g engineering and syn Cheaper r able enerCyber es - - - /- tc. ve-oung forma er emon g., y orld o a poly al/urban; acyy/poor e al div gence of er chang ts ve t ocr w w social mo tionalism and tion, e.ealth Po Mo modal w Decline of US as global heg Resur na aut Ne men Rise of disin tion Cultur gence and polari sa old; rurw - --er-tion a-or eing on xpec ole f e e tion and tion tion c er rational han ation te-based s tr eased migr eased health eing and div ong ying popula ver omen Ag sif Higher lif tancy and ag popula Declining birth rate Urbanisa popula cen Incr tion, especially clima Str w Incr comorbidities Generdo tal - - o- -ce ces arbon tion tain eme w c esour ada xtr te crisis o lo orms of prood sour onmen ed r eased biodi ties e e ther phenom sity w f vir ailability ea En crisis Clima Mor w enon Limit av Soil degr Decr ver Shift t socie Ne tein and susable f Adanna Shallowe, Aleksandra Szymczyk, Ella Firebrace, Ian Burbidge and James Morrison “A Stitch in time?”, p. 24. RSA 2020. 15 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 HORIZON SCANNING Horizon scanning is a way to explore three sets of future trends: • Horizon 1 - short term, what is clearly visible and understandable. • Horizon 2 - medium term, emerging trends taking shape, though their exact form and impact are not clear. Horizon 2 is the interesting, creative and challenging part. There are things happening now that you don’t like, so you try to get rid of those things. There are things happening that you do like, so you want to try and keep those things, and there are things that you really want to try, to experiment with and imagine themselves in a future scenar- dedicate some time to. In Adanna’s io and explore what living in that future words, “horizon 2 is the arena feels like. of transformation, where we are watering the seeds and getting rid of You do ‘visioning’ when you have a goal or the weeds.” vision of a preferred future that you want • Horizon 3 - long term, highlights to happen. You literally envision what you challenges and strategic issues that want it to look like and strategically work may arise in the long term. It allows towards that. you to think about the futures you want to envision, what is this If there is something that you think could amazing thing that you want to have be a wild card, that something unexpect- happening in five to ten years’ time? ed might happen, then it is good to con- What is it that you want to work duct ‘scenario planning’. What are the towards? likely scenarios to be, what will they look like, what will be their impact, and so on. ARCHETYPES, VISIONING POWER DYNAMICS AND SCENARIO PLANNING When there are groups, there are going The game of the first morning was a simu- to be power dynamics. One of the things lation of futures work. The game required people like to do in futures work is to dis- the participants to explore different fu- turb and invert those power dynamics. tures by coming up with different sce- Introduce role playing, for example, turn narios. The role the participants played senior management into the customers, is called ‘archetypes’, it is where people and the customers into senior managers. 16 and insights that would otherwise remain When ‘we’ talk about futures, it is impor- hidden. This can produce thoughts, reflections WHO IS WE? tant that we recognise, who is the ‘we’? STORYTELLING Me. You. Us. Who is in the conversations, who is managing those conversations, An important part of futures work is rec- who is included and perhaps more impor- ognising the power of storytelling with- tantly, who is not included? For a futures in it. Ella Saltmarshe talks about stories exercise to be considered legitimate, it in three ways: stories as light, glue, and must be inclusive. Futures work needs di- webs. When conducting futures work and verse perspectives, and every single voice utilising the different methods, it can help matters. There needs to be space for ‘ex- to see, in this case the futures of youth perts’ and there needs to be space for work, by thinking about it in these three non-experts. Sometimes, the non-experts concepts of stories, because the stories will see or say things that you and all the can help make visible alternative or pos- experts have missed. There are also those sible futures. who are hard to reach or unable to easi- • Story as light helps us to expose and there are those who will not want to ly participate because of societal barriers things when they are not working. participate. All this means working hard- It shows the cracks. It helps us to er to get these groups and individuals in- identify things on the edge of our volved. vision and illuminate experiences. • Story as glue. Storytelling is a very powerful ingredient. It helps communities to build empathy, to create collective visions of the future, and build a shared sense of purpose. • Story as web. This is where futures are really important. Stories are woven through everything we are, and are part of everything that we do, and oftentimes they are invisible to us because like a spider’s web, they are part of our society, they are in our cultural and societal norms. 17 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Futures 06 of Youth Work “I have to say, writing the report of this research is a race against time. We started some time ago and some things are already in the past.” Özgehan Şenyuva Sonja Mitter Škulj introduced the re- a guest speaker, Professor Gary Pollock search: ‘Futures of youth work’. The Steer- from Manchester Metropolitan Univer- ing Group of the EAYW commissioned it in sity, presented research they had done the spring of 2023. She explained that the on developing future scenarios related to EAYW has a strong focus on innovation, young people. Inspired by this input, the and that innovation should reflect what EAYW Steering Group felt it was impor- is happening in society as a response to tant to explore what the possible future present and emerging trends and devel- developments in youth work might be. opments. At the second EAYW in 2022, 18 FUTURES OF YOUTH WORK Methodology The research was conducted by Aleksan- of people they called ‘Signal Spotters’ from September to October 2023. They RESEARCH PROJECT The research team engaged a large group and Özgehan presented the overview of across Europe. Signal spotting is listen- ing to and recording what is happening the research and Gisele presented the around us, the recorded information is emerging messages, key questions and Evrard and Özgehan Şenyuva. Aleksandra were a diverse group of people from dra Szymczyk, Darko Markovic, Gisele insights from the draft research report. analysed, and trends are identified. It was important that the signal spotters paid at- Özgehan began by sharing their shared tention to even the weakest of signals and drew from as diverse sources as possible. image of the research concept: “The past Sources could include, the mainstream is behind and the future is ahead, and news about the war in Ukraine, a conver- we are looking towards the future and sation at a flea market about the loss of we are walking towards the future. But analogue skills, campaigns on social me- once you start thinking and going deeper, dia, or casual conversations at home or you realise that in reality, we are walking work about something happening locally. backwards. What we see is the past and the present, which makes the future lie behind us, which we don’t see.” Democracy, Civic Participation and Rights War and Conflict Values and Ethics Mental Health and Wellbeing Culture, Social Behaviour and Lifestyles Education Technology Demographic Change Youth Work Work and Practice Economy Climate and Sustainability 19 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 The team also conducted interviews with Future foresight issues experts from the fields of youth work, ac- Some aspects of future foresight work can ademia, technology, and other fields. evoke emotions and reactions; for some imagining the long-term future can be All insights were seen as potentially val- anxiety-inducing and overwhelming, par- uable, so nothing was excluded. All the ticularly if you are thinking about difficult signals were read, collated and connected issues, challenges, and problems. How- through relationships as seen in the map of ever, it also has the potential to empow- trends and themes below. These trends and er. It is important to monitor the feelings themes are explored in the next pages. and reactions that arise in us, because our perceptions and attitudes about the future The third part of the research was a “Res- will influence what will unfold. Not all fu- onance Workshop” in February 2024. This tures are distributed equally. Those facing workshop was held with the purpose to poverty, racism, and other forms of dis-test and further analyse the initial find- crimination are disadvantaged in futures ings. It brought together a broader group as well. In some cases, the future in ques- of people who examined the results and tion may come later or even not at all. so agreed with or challenged them, in order to help spot any limitations or bias Cross-cutting themes the team had employed. The resonance The mapping process revealed three workshop made it clear: Not all futures cross-cutting themes. They are the is- are in the future for everyone, for some sues that are transversal and connecting people some of the things are in the pres- to almost everything else in all the other ent or even already in the past. spheres. The three cross-cutting themes also affect each other constantly. 20 Climate note about this theme raise big questions issues that came up about where youth is that it can do good is climate refugees. work will stand on and it can do harm. It Co-dependence and different areas of can support access to resource-sharing are concern, including AI education through VR issues of the future. ethics, data privacy, and AI, for instance. It Climate and envi- deep fakes, the rad- can help make educa- ronment also create icalisation of young tion more accessible Technology was often ability affect each Values and ethics mentioned in the other as well as other Values and ethics signals. One thing of issues. One of the key Technology Climate and sustain-and sustainability and it can be custom- climate induced anxi- people fuelled by di- ised, and personalised. ety, again linking with visive propaganda, On the other hand, mental well-being etc. All underscore technology can help issues. the need for critical and contribute to the thinking. Reconciling these complex issues erosion of analogue will require dialogue skills. It can contribute and facilitation. negatively to mental well-being and feel- ings of isolation. Trends and Scenarios The trends are the core areas that were identified from the signal spotters’ in- puts and overall research. There are eight trends identified in total, each trend be- ing accompanied by four scenarios, which describe the possible future directions of each trend. Some of the scenarios contra- dict each another but these contradictions are coexisting; it is not a matter of either or. The trends do not exist in isolation, but they influence and shape each other in intricate ways. Below are the eight trends with a short description of each scenario. For the full explanation, see the Research Report (to be published in October 2024). 21 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Demographic changes Segregation and political polarisation by age Age-specific residential areas, age-based segregation, lack of intergenerational understanding and cooperation, young people discriminated against. Intergenerational bonds Intergenerational living might become the norm, limited access to elderly care, and limited access to the housing market for young people. Youth work evolving into community work Youth work may evolve into work with the elderly or intergenerational community work. Youth work is to think more holistically about the needs of whole communities. Solidarity for the age of Anthropocene Anthropocene is the age where human activity has resulted in the loss of places of refuge, not just for humans but for other species as well, resulting in climate migration. Culture, social behaviour and lifestyle Immersive entertainment Entertainment access is changing someone from being a passive receiver to having a customised participatory experience. People can create images with zero talent in drawing. Is it good? Bad? Sustainable journey mapping Travel experiences and travel practises will change. Potentially, in the future, there will be less tourism and more travellers in search of an experience. Digital nomadism 2.0. New forms of flexible work and economy encourage workers out of metropolitan cities. However, are people being parasites living off societies with nice climates while giving nothing in return? Divisive mis/disinformation FIMI, Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference. A lot of research and policy guidelines are being developed. Young people are both the recipient and producers of FIMI. 22 Democracy, civic participation, and rights Youth representation. We are seeing a diminishing political influence of young people alongside different forms of interest and participation. Grassroots initiatives and decentralisation. Youth participation in activism is on the increase especially on topics such as climate change and equality and rights, which points to civic participation centred on social justice. Questioning of legacy institutions. There is a diminishing belief in democracy and in the civic sphere, there is a growing polarisation in political discourse, democratic backsliding, and an overall lack of trust in public institutions. Rethinking governance models. There are innovative approaches to civic engagement, including those enabled by technology. Education Self-driven passion learning. Issues of access to education and learning. It is also about individuals learning different things at their own pace, personalised and democratised learning. Personalised AI tutors. Personalised AI tutors, personalised learning experiences, deciding when you are going to learn history and how you are going to be evaluated. Customised learning. Novel education models. The future scenarios are all about different experiences and interdisciplinary learning. Learning in simulation. Simulation, immersive experiences, and safe skill experimentation via augmented reality. In medicine, students are learning through experience without cutting real people. 23 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Work and economy Gig economics and portfolio careers. In work and the economy, there are unstable and uncertain futures with young people taking on numerous professional changes over time - flexibility over stability. Entrepreneurship ecosystems and circular economy models. Creative problem solving and the continuous development of new competencies. Degrowth agendas and rethinking of economic models. Changes provide both a challenge and an opportunity, they also point to emerging concerns around environmental responsibility. Specialised credentialing systems. Young people exploring new pathways to employment, which points to a need for a pragmatic economic shift. Mental health and wellbeing Increased anxiety and depression. Rising mental health issues - evidence points to young people experiencing this more and more. Community and peer support networks Making mental health issues and wellbeing accepted. For example, in preparing training courses and exchanges, recognising that some participants might be going through some issues. Digital mental health solutions. Smartwatches that inform about mental well-being issues and that can support a person to intervene before something becomes more serious. Holistic approaches to wellbeing. Integrating mental, physical and social health, and linking them to preparedness, resilience and education. 24 War and conflict Increasing political tensions. Global instability and the escalation of conflicts will continue to have profound effects on young people. Humanitarian crises and displacement. The displacement of people will see refugee populations continue to increase. Trauma and mental health. It is difficult to fully understand what others are going through but it is important to be addressing psychological impacts. Peacebuilding and resilience. It is important to find ways and potential avenues to respond appropriately to conflict. There are ethical reasons and practical responsibilities for talking more about it. Youth work practice Digital youth work. There needs to be a greater focus on integrating technology in youth services. Competency based approaches. There needs to be a focus on how to deal with the new skills and competences, and new models of education - the youth sector is already coming up with solutions. Inclusive youth work. Addressing diversity and equity inclusion of different people, be it climate refugees or conflict refugees. Sustainable and resilient practices. Promoting long term wellbeing and sustainability; both need to be a stronger part of youth work. 25 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 REFLECTIONS ON THE people who are protesting and they want RESEARCH to completely change the system. These Aleksandra and Özgehan highlighted the trajectories, but at the same time they are two forces that have contradictory importance of the way in which we talk can exist in the same society at the same about these different matters, the way time. that we tell our stories and the way that we imagine the future, because it will have It is also important to note that the sce- an effect on the reality that we live in. narios are not universal for everybody. It was asked if the composition of the sig- happening. Is it in a city or in a village? It This can depend on where something is nal spotters influenced the results. The re- can depend on the country, the person, sponse was that ultimately the outcomes the class of that person, and so on. are indeed influenced by the signal spot- ters, which is why the spotters were as di- THE NEXT STEP positive for one, might mean something The report of the research will be final- verse a group as possible. What might be very negative for the other. ised and published in October 2024. The discussions and outcomes from the EAYW The scenarios under all of the trends can will be added to the report. be happening at the same time. Most of them do not exclude each other, most are fairly complementary and some are even contradictory. There can be contradicto- ry objectives and they can still coexist in the same reality. For example, there can be people pushing for a rethinking of governance models, employing big data systems to improve and streamline gov- ernance. On the other hand, there can be 26 Getting 07 Future-Ready! “Our task is to make trouble, to stir up a potent response to devastating events, as well as to settle troubled waters and rebuild quiet places.” Donna Haraway: Staying with the Trouble Gisele Evrard provided a short input after ARE WE READY? the presentation of the research results, Gisele invited us to not look at the out- in which she posed a number of ques- comes in a linear manner but really look tions and challenges for all of us as the at it all as being completely connected community of practice to respond to. and interconnected. We can also chal- lenge ourselves to look at the results from different perspectives, to not take a first impression and run with it but to stop and reflect if there are other ways to see something. “The only constant in life is change” (Heraclitus) or as Gisele put it, “at one moment it was, and it will never be the same as it was before, and it will not be the same as it will be in a minute”. There is one certainty in this world of uncertain- ties and that is change. The question then is, how ready are we to face change? And another question that came from a par- ticipant, “do we need to get ready, should we be getting ready, do we even have a choice?” A question that remains unan- swered but one that needs consideration. 27 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 phrase, but what does it imply? It involves If it is not broken, why fix it? What should mindset, a future-ready mind, becoming remain, what needs to be adjusted, what familiar with future literacy, allowing our- needs to be changed, and what needs to selves to grow in comprehension, mental be added? Rethinking the role of youth agility, flexibility, adaptability, and being Future-readiness is becoming a popular world? Do we keep doing what we have always done or do things have to change? FUTURE-READINESS of youth work in this ever fast changing ready to embrace uncertainties… step into a future-readiness mindset. work for young people and for society is a sense of agency, taking responsibility, The research team took a conscious de- and taking action. It is more than simply Being future-ready entails taking on a A SYSTEMIC APPROACH reading and comprehending, it is having way to support making sense of what has cision to look at the results in a systemic something to say and saying it, it is about emerged in terms of the scenarios. having something to do and doing it. One aspect they wanted to look at more The research encourages us to rethink the deeply was technology. In the mapping, purpose of youth work, especially its so- technology got the biggest number of sig- cial role. Hillary Tierney stated that “the nals. While that makes it very prominent, state is more interested in what youth it does not mean that it is the most im-work does for it, than what youth work portant, but it is significant. does for young people”. What is the role 28 tions to challenge their assumptions and If we start to look at the root causes, to find different ways to look at the trend. The team came up with a series of ques- THE PLACE OF YOUTH WORK that we are not yet seeing or not yet ready What is the place of youth work? Are we to see? Are we excluding something? Are doing too much, taking on roles that are we forgetting something because our not ours? At what point do we say, stop, For example, what is behind technology workers) limits, how far does our role go? how far do we go, what are our (as youth focus is attracted there? What is there enough, this is not the job of youth work? which is not yet visible but emerging? Where do we put the boundaries and how flexible are they? These and many other questions are good for reflecting on each trend in the report. INDIVIDUAL TO COLLECTIVE HOW READY ARE WE? We are in a time when we need to be look at the things that we do not want to and connectivity. It is damaging to focus look at, the uncomfortable and unpleas- so much on individuals instead of col- ant things, as well as the things we like. lectives. The signals from the research Gisele also emphasised that we need to collective, and that calls for empathy shifting away from the individual to the Many of the scenarios can come across indicate a need for thinking about things as quite pleasant, but in reality, there are collectively. This does not mean that the many aspects that point to things that individual does not have a role, but if we most of us would not want to see happen. only focus on that, it is not going to work. Also, there are bigger issues such as war, conflicts, mental health, climate issues, Everything is connected, not just human things that we know are coming or are al- beings, it is about animals, insects, the ready there, but might be increasing. We environment, nature… In the report, all are already addressing these issues, how- the areas and all the scenarios are con- ever, as they take shape and become big- nected. We need to be seeing this as a ger, they might become painful to look at whole picture even if we need to address and address. How ready are we for these each area step by step. situations? Another challenging question is, what do we need wake up calls about? Are we focussed on the symptoms of something and not actually tackling the root caus- es? Do we need to zoom out and look at some of these trends with a broader per- spective? 29 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 FOCUS ON WHAT IS NOT Structured conversation ALREADY PRESENT We need more structured conversation The map of the signals shows the trends spaces where we can discuss about the and the links between these trends, the futures. The EAYW is one such space, size of the circles represents the number the Convention is another, the Europe- of signals for any one trend. It is clear an Platform for Learning Mobility is yet that technology is present and in the another. However, these spaces do not middle of everything. The lines in black have to be big events, we need spaces show the clear connections, though it that have different sizes and different can be argued that some are missing, contexts. We have to use all the available which also reminds us that anything like spaces to address the questions of the this has limitations. These bigger circles futures of youth work. and solid black line connections show us what is already present. However, the Embrace system change grey lines represent the weaker signals, We need to look at youth work in a sys- especially those on the periphery. These temic and holistic manner. Whatever ac- are potentially the issues that we will tions we take, whatever move we make, need to be working with tomorrow. we have to think of the consequences on the rest of the system. We need to keep PROPOSAL in mind that any action we make influ- The research team also suggests four ences the rest, especially at the policy strategies for adapting to the future chal- level. lenges. Transformation calls Having a sense of agency We need to stay alert for transformation We need to adopt a reflected, ground- calls, to shift our mind to this awareness of the signals that we have around us, to ed and embodied sense of agency. It is engage with them, have the conversa- about co-creating; youth work can be tions, respond to the needs, and reflect very reactive and not proactive, we need on the impact for our work. to be co-creators, to take an active role and a grounded role in the development Gisele closed her input with a note of of youth work towards the futures. The caution that this is not the end, the re- difficulty is that this is a continuous dance search report will take into account the between what is coming to an end, what findings, comments and outcomes of the we need to let go of, and what is emerg- EAYW, and even that is not the end be- ing. We need to make judgements on cause the futures of youth work is ongo- what we need to embrace, because we ing and without end. cannot and should not do everything. 30 Planning 08 for the Future “The moment we said future, the first syllable was already in the past”. Based on a poem ‘The three oddest words’ by Wislawa Szymborska The Future Foresight research highlighted the trends and provided scenarios as well as strategies for “getting future-ready”. Darko Markovic then led the participants into an exploration of how, in a practical sense, to get future-ready - both individ- ually and collectively, and to consider the conditions, actions and resources that are needed for that. The objective was to de- velop concrete ideas and suggestions for the field of youth work. The outcomes are a message for the youth work communi- ty of practice, which gives inspiration for what we can be doing in the present. The participants were divided into four groups, each group taking on one of the quadrants. They were provided with a specific question for their quadrant, which was then discussed and explored collectively in the context of the emerg- ing trends and signals. Each group pro- duced proposals, ideas and strategies for the field of practice. 31 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Inner work External developments Individual Mindset Skills Attitudes Practices Future readiness Societal role Policies Collective Identity Structures Patterns Programmes THE QUADRANT INNER WORK The ‘Four Quadrants’ is a theoretical – INDIVIDUAL LEVEL model developed by Ken Wilber, for the Responding to the question: What are purpose of the EAYW it was adapted by the ways to strengthen the individual Darko Marković to be a model for ex- youth workers’ mindset and readiness ploring future readiness. The quadrants for exploring and addressing the future model allows us to explore at the individ- challenges? ual and collective levels, alongside, “inner One of the primary recommendations workers) and “external developments” for youth workers. Creating collabora- 1 (what does the youth sector need). tive platforms where youth workers can share experiences, seek advice and offer work” (how we are developing as youth is to establish strong support systems Below is a summary of how participants support to one another can significantly approached the strategies to get ‘fu- increase their sense of community and ture-ready’ and what they entail. belonging. These platforms can be online forums, regular meetups or professional networks that provide a space for mutual support and knowledge exchange. Encouraging youth workers to engage in regular self-reflection is another im- portant strategy. Tools such as journaling 1 Inspired by Ken Wilber’s Integral theory; Ken and reflection apps can help individuals Wilber, A brief history of everything (Boulder, CO: to take time to think about their experi- Shambhala Publications, 2017). ences, identify stressors and develop per- 32 sonal strategies for coping. Self-reflection Providing emotional support to youth promotes greater self-awareness and can workers is essential for maintaining their lead to more proactive management of mental well-being and a sense of satisfac- mental health. tion in their work. Strategies for offering mental health. Acknowledging those con- their experiences and offer mutual support can create a safe space for tributions and providing positive feedback discussing challenges and emotions. helps them to feel valued and appreciat- These groups can provide empathy, ed. This recognition can come from peers, understanding and practical advice, managers, supervisors or the broader helping youth workers to feel less community and can take various forms, ments of youth work and youth workers Establishing peer support groups where youth workers can share can significantly improve feelings and Recognition and celebrating achieve- • emotional support include: isolated and more connected. such as awards, public acknowledgements or personal notes of thanks. • Providing access to professional counselling services for youth work- Encouraging youth workers to step out of ers can offer them a confidential and their comfort zones and explore different supportive channel for discussing attitudes and points of view can promote personal and work-related stressors. personal growth and resilience. Being ex- Counselling can help to develop posed to diverse perspectives can support coping strategies and resilience, them in developing a more adaptable and thus contributing to youth workers’ flexible mindset, which is crucial for man- overall well-being. aging the dynamic nature of youth work. • Implementing mentorship pro- Incorporating sensory stimulants and crea- workers mentor newcomers can grammes where experienced youth tive tools into daily routines can help youth provide guidance, support and workers manage stress and improve their encouragement. Mentors can offer mental well-being. Activities including art, insights based on their experiences music and physical exercise can provide and help mentees to learn how to much-needed relief from work pressures navigate challenges, in a supportive and offer healthy outlets for stress. and nurturing environment. Helping youth workers develop a long- • Managers, supervisors and team term perspective on their careers and leaders should conduct regular personal development can also enhance check-ins with team members to resilience. Encouraging them to set long- ‘assess’ and understand their emo- term goals and to see their work as part tional well-being and address any of a larger, meaningful journey can pro- concerns. These check-ins should be vide a sense of purpose and motivation, informal and supportive, focusing which is important for sustaining mental on listening and providing support health over time. rather than evaluating performance. 33 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS create pathways for career advancement – INDIVIDUAL LEVEL and recognition within the youth work Responding to the question: What are sector. Engaging with external mentors the ways to enhance youth work prac- and networks can provide new perspec- tices, methodologies and youth workers’ tives and resources, facilitating personal skills so they become more future-ready? and professional growth. Providing youth workers with access to fessional development opportunities is vital. Workshops, seminars and courses high-quality information and resources on mental health, leadership and project What measures are needed? Access to continuous training and pro- mental health resources, best practice management enhance competencies. is important, if not crucial. This includes guides and educational materials that help them navigate the challenges they Building professional networks and men- face in their work. Access to compre- torship programmes allows youth work- hensive information can empower youth ers to connect with peers and experts. These networks provide valuable guid- workers to make informed decisions and ance, support and career advice, foster- adopt effective strategies for managing ing personal and professional growth. stress and promoting mental well-being. Ongoing training and professional devel- Simplifying access to funding and re- opment opportunities are essential for sources through less bureaucratic pro- building resilience. Workshops, seminars cesses facilitates youth workers in fo- and courses focused on mental health, cusing on their work, projects and other stress management and resilience-build- initiatives. Providing adequate financial ing techniques can equip youth workers support for infrastructure, training, pro- with the skills they need to maintain their grammes and project development is well-being. Such training should also in- crucial. clude practical tools and strategies for self-care and coping with work-related Once again, making access to external stress. training programmes and workshops easier can allow youth workers to acquire Youth workers benefit from external sup- new competencies from experts outside port systems and structures. Access to their immediate environment. Partner-professional development opportunities ships with educational institutions and and training enhances their competen- professional organisations can provide cies and confidence. It is important to diverse learning opportunities. 34 Responding to the question: What deep- and respect different backgrounds er conversations do we need to have in and perspectives. Embracing the field of youth work? What do we diversity within the team enhances need to rethink in terms of youth work’s creativity and problem-solving societal role, identity and patterns? abilities, contributing to a more – COLLECTIVE LEVEL competencies and diversity can help team members value, understand INNER WORK • Providing training on cultural What is still standing and what needs to inclusive and effective collective be transformed? mindset. Fostering a • Promoting collective mindset involves collaborative learning promoting a sense of shared purpose and opportunities, such as group collective identity among youth workers. training sessions, workshops and • Developing and communicating encourages ongoing development, continuous improvement and shared Related strategies include: professional development courses, purpose and a set of goals for the growth. When team members learn a clear shared vision, a common team can unite team members together, it nurtures a sense of community and mutual support. and support the alignment of their efforts. When everyone understands • As for the inner-individual level, and is committed to the same goals highlighting and celebrating and objectives, it creates a sense collective achievements rather of purpose and direction. Regularly than individual accomplishments revisiting and reinforcing these goals reinforces the importance of helps maintain focus and motivation. teamwork and collaboration. • Encouraging Recognising the team’s success as inclusive decision- a whole contributes to a collective making processes in which all team identity and reinforces the value of members have a voice guarantees working together towards common that diverse perspectives are goals. considered. This approach not only raises a sense of ownership and empowerment but also serves the collective intelligence of the team, leading to stronger, sustainable innovative solutions. 35 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Rethinking community engagement in a that all young people have access systemic way includes: to the resources and support they • Building strong community need. relationships with community • Implementing collaborative members, organisations and community projects that address local authorities helps create a community issues and involve supportive network for youth work multiple stakeholders can enhance initiatives. Regular communication, community engagement. Projects collaborative projects and that focus on social issues, community events can strengthen environmental sustainability and these bonds and increase a sense of cultural activities can bring together collective responsibility. youth workers, young people and • Involving the community in the community members in meaningful planning and implementation ways. of youth work programmes and projects ensures that initiatives Team building is crucial to creating a are relevant and respond to local cohesive and collaborative environment needs. Participatory approaches among youth workers. Useful team- young people, parents and other • Organising regular team meetings stakeholders can improve the that include feedback from building strategies include: effectiveness and impact of these and workshops can support programmes and projects. collaboration. These gatherings open communication, trust and • Promoting public awareness and provide a platform for team recognition of the importance and members to share their experiences impact of youth work is crucial to and challenges and explore solutions gaining broader support for the field. collectively. Workshops focusing on Public campaigns, media coverage team dynamics, problem-solving and community presentations can and project planning can enhance highlight the achievements and teamwork and cooperation. • Creating contributions of youth work(ers), • Engaging in team-building activities supporting a positive perception and such as outdoor activities, sports greater community involvement. and interactive games can reinforce flexible and accessible relationships among team members. spaces for young people within Activities that require teamwork and the community provides safe and collective problem-solving can build supportive environments for them trust and improve the cohesion of to engage, learn and grow. Hybrid the team. Retreats or team-building spaces that combine physical and days can provide a break from virtual elements can cater to diverse routine work and help renew or needs and preferences, ensuring revive the team spirit. 36 • Encouraging collaborative projects Establishing a collective body of ethics in which team members work and standards for youth work, in addi- together towards a common goal tion to the newly established European can improve unity and collective body in 2024, can guarantee consisten- effort. Assigning roles based on cy and high-quality practices. This body individual strengths and promoting would develop and enforce ethical guide- joint responsibility ensures that lines, enhancing the professionalism and everyone contributes and feels integrity of youth work. valued. Collaborative projects can also help in sharing competencies Supporting alliances among youth • Recognising and celebrating team created Alliance of Youth Workers Asso- ciations (AYWA), can increase their voice within the team. work(ers) associations, such as the newly Celebrations can be formal, such tive efforts can lead to more coordinated and cohesive strategies for addressing the as awards and ‘certificates’, or challenges faced by youth workers. informal, such as team lunches or accomplishment and belonging. and influence in policymaking. Collabora- achievements nurtures a sense of achieved. Recognising collective small celebrations for what has been Increasing funding for youth work at na- contributions can strengthen the for sustaining and expanding its impact. Policies should support the collection of efforts rather than individual tional and European levels is essential team’s unity and spirit. data and research on youth work practic- es, thus providing insights for informed EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS – decision-making and effective resource COLLECTIVE LEVEL allocation. Responding to the question: What are the structures, spaces and policy meas- Developing and implementing flexible ures needed to create conditions for and innovative programmes that align future-readiness of youth work? How with the needs of young people is crucial. European Youth Programmes need to Policies should support room for experi-become to support the evolution of ments alongside EU priorities, ensuring youth work? that youth work remains relevant and adaptive to changing needs. The Euro- On a broader scale, there is a call for pean youth programmes should become pol- icy changes and increased recognition of more flexible and less bureaucratic, al- youth work at national and European lev- lowing for innovative and experimental els. This includes the development of flexi- approaches. ble and accessible spaces for young people that are inclusive and empowering. 37 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 The Forums 09 and the Futures “We don’t have to invent the wheel because somebody somewhere has already been riding it for some time; that is why it is important for us to discuss these matters with each other and with people outside of our sector.” Aleksandra Szymczyk and Özgehan Şenyuva Each set of Forums consisted of presenta- sights that participants gained in the Fo- tions and workshops. Two of the Forums rums related to the future of youth work. in each set consisted of two presentations Summaries of the different practices and each and the other two held a workshop workshops from the four sets of Forums each. Below are summaries of the in- can be found on the EAYW website. 38 RESPONDING TO MAJOR • Inclusive Digital Communication TRENDS for Youth Information Services - The participants shared their learning Where to Begin? points related to these trends that they It is very important to keep in mind how felt were important for the future of we communicate with young people, youth work. both the language and platforms we use. We need to develop inclusive (digital) • Experiences of Evidence-based communication and use it in a systemat- Youth Work Development ic and flexible way because some specific • terms are offensive or excluding for some Insights to Digitalisation and groups. To reach more young people we Sustainability Aspects of have to think outside of our bubble and Learning Mobilities go beyond what we know. It is important Participants felt that youth work is on the to reflect on and evaluate: Who is miss- right path. It was felt that there needs to ing? Who am I excluding or not reaching? be a greater sharing of knowledge, ideas How to adapt communication strategies and values from one generation to next accordingly? What are the barriers young for development and sustainability. It was people are experiencing? Youth workers also acknowledged that youth workers need to be prepared to learn from the are often the hindrance to digital youth young people. work, with many youth workers lacking • the knowledge and skills to work with the VER - Youth Regenerative digital world. Employment Incubator • We need to be integrating the concept Inspiring IT Curiosity in Girls of head, heart and hands to this topic. It • The Playfield of Mental is necessary to be ready to adapt quickly Wellbeing to changes as they come fast, and there Youth work will become more and more needs to be continuous support and fi- nanced programmes available, such as the promoter and awareness raiser of Erasmus+ Youth. In terms of the employ- mental well-being. There is a growing ment topic, young people need time and need for youth workers to have an un- the opportunity to find out who they are, derstanding of the topic, to know the lan- what their talents and interests are and in guage and the issues that come with it, which context they can ‘bloom’. and to be working on developing meth- ods on it and other related topics. Digital skills can be used to enhance a girl’s or young woman’s choices and reveal differ- ent and alternative paths in life. However, there is a lack of information on this topic currently in the sector. 39 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 RETHINKING LEARNING: • The “Politics” of Evidence: NEW PERSPECTIVES FOR Knowledge to Action with the IMPACTFUL CHANGE Youth Research & Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX) participants were asked to respond to the At the end of this round of Forums, the • The Power of Networking and question: “What areas of development Broad Policy Influence around Play does the youth sector need to be focusing on for impactful change?” We need to be developing good youth • Youth Workers and Trainers that are tailored to the needs and capaci-work monitoring and evaluation systems Modular Trainings and ties of the specific youth workers or youth Certification Aligned to ETS work teams. Having interdisciplinary and Strategy and Competence intersectional connections will greatly en- Models hance youth work. • Transforming Youth Work: A Pulse of the City: Social • Breakthrough in Quality and Space Analysis Focusing on Tech! Adolescents in Urban Areas to Recognised accreditation/credentials Facilitate Systemic Change for youth workers will support impactful Social space analysis is impactful and for change. There is also a need for harmo-the future of youth work it needs to be nised quality frameworks as well as tools happening more broadly. Taking a holistic for assessment and recognition. A third approach is key, incorporating active com-aspect is having access to asynchronous munication between any and all services learning that adjusts to different learner supporting and impacting young people, needs and diverse abilities. from traditional educational facilities, to The digital is already having an impact urban planning, to youth services. The but more can be done. There is a need youth sector needs to be active in advo-for quality criteria in the tech and digi- cating for young people’s involvement in tal learning world, something that needs the development of urban spaces and in to be developed. However, any system services intended for young people. and local circumstances and situations. needs to remain adaptable to national • Humour is Serious Business There also needs to be a push in the sec- - The Power of Humour to Transform tor for transforming non-formal method-ologies, tools, and activities into digital Including humour in learning is a great ones. way to learn. Those who attended the workshop felt that youth workers need to use more humour in their work in order to make more impactful change. Humour can be used to break the ice, create an 40 open space for young people to speak tivities, and their active involvement with about different social challenges/differ- young people. The quality labels can aid ences, and it can help the youth worker local lobbying efforts and inspire ideas for in understanding a young person’s needs improving youth centres. and issues. Humour can also be used to address serious and heavy topics in youth • Vijećko - Board Game about work. It is also good for wellbeing – for Youth Organising young people and youth workers. • Shift Digital and Cultural Youth House RETHINKING SPACES OF Creativity supports learning, and gamifi- cation is an excellent tool for this. Change PARTICIPATION brings mixed feelings, but we need to em- In this round the participants were re- brace adaptation, be flexible, uphold key sponding to “What inspiration for re- values, and involve young people in all thinking youth work do you take from the the processes. practices you just explored?” • Quality Label for Badge • Climate Creatorship Recognition Connections matter! People are the most • important resource. We must invest in National Quality Label for ourselves and take care of ourselves, Youth Centres connecting with each other, with our en- Youth work should define its own quali- vironment, and with our communities. ty criteria to improve its outcomes, this This is pivotal in facing the future issues needs to be combined with regular de- explored across the EAYW. nition framework at both national and velopment checks. Having a clear recog- • Where Does Youth Motivation European levels will also support quality. Come from and Where Does it Disappear? We need to standardise the theoretical anchor points of youth work and create Motivation will continue to be impor-a shared language to help with achiev- tant, both for young people and for youth ing a shared vision of quality, leading to workers. However, youth work needs to effective projects and better daily activi- find new solutions to strengthen young ties. Capacity to build alliances with other people’s motivation. It is important for stakeholders is crucial for boosting recog- youth workers to be in touch with their nition processes. own motivation, where it is coming from and what pushes the youth worker to do The concept of quality labels needs to better. Youth workers also need to take be supportive, not just a checklist, and it responsibility in motivating each other. needs to work for each individual organ- isation. The quality label should help or- Youth work needs to boost motivation ganisations assess and improve their ac- among young people in a more conscious 41 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 and guided way, so they can find their al organisations and institutions makes purpose in life more easily. The more is them more accessible to young people. done on this, the more resilient the young We need to be supporting festivals that people will become. A part of the motiva- are designed and led by young people. tion is based in identifying the real needs of the young people and knowing the • Re-envisioning the Future right questions to ask. Together While the future is unknown, we can ex- LOOKING TOWARDS THE we can do things that affect the future. plore different possible futures, because FUTURE Including youth participation in local and The participants were asked “What did national politics has implications for the you take from this round that is a key fac- future, but not just including young peo- tor for the future of youth work?” ple physically, really listening to their ide- as and proposals. If we change one ele- • ment, this has consequences to the whole Immersive Audio Unlearning - A Radical Education Methodology system. This can be for good or bad, so we • need to be aware of that. Youth workers Yurish need to be prepared and skilled in order We can use social media for storytelling, to help young people to think about the youth workers need to be active in this. future, planning and dreaming about Storytelling can deepen our understand- what they need and want. people. It is a way to invite people to re-ing of the world. Storytelling connects • System Thinking and Future ally think about the world and support of Youth Work through Lego young people to become more self-deter- Serious Play mined. It is so important to change perspectives • when we look at the same thing. Springboard to the Event Industry - An Innovative Approach to Promote Youth Employment • The Melting Pot Something that has been said for many years is that a cross-sectoral approach is very valuable and can create real sustain- able impact, especially for the young peo- ple we work with. Mainstreaming youth work practices and principles across dif- ferent sectors and institutions would have a huge impact. Collaboration with cultur- 42 The 10 Students’ Research “As individuals and as a community we need to decide if any of these scenarios threaten, challenge, put in danger, or erode our youth work values, or if are they going to strengthen them. It is then up to us to react or not.” Aleksandra Szymczyk and Özgehan Şenyuva One of the innovative aspects of this 3rd The universities selected a total of 20 stu- EAYW, was the inclusion of five universi- dents to take part in the EAYW. As well as ties that teach youth or social work or re- fully participating in the event, the students lated studies into the programme of the with the support of their teaching staff, en- event: gaged in a 48-hour research project, which • IU International University, Germany focused on two main questions: • Maynooth University Department of • What do experts and practitioners Applied Social Science, Ireland on the EAYW think about the future • UCLL Social Work, Belgium of youth work? • Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore • What do participants think about Milano / Education and Training good ways to prepare students for Sciences their work in youth work? • University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Department of Educational In total, the group of students conducted Sciences 20 interviews, produced 80 pages of inter- view transcript and ten pages of summary. 43 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Five of the students - Sanja Milojević (Slo- Going for an eclectic approach venia), Brian O’Neill and Billie Morgan Youth work is extremely broad and touch- (Ireland), Julia Sidorow (Germany) and es a lot of fields like sociology, anthropol- Stan Toebat (Belgium) - presented five ogy, political science, social and cultural core outcomes of the group’s research. work etc. As a result, youth workers need interdisciplinary knowledge as well as Voicing the young people critical thinking skills. The education of The voice of young people must be heard! youth workers should also include soft To achieve that, youth workers need to be skills that are needed to get interdiscipli- educated in soft/relational skills. In order nary knowledge. for youth workers to be effective, to make changes in the lives of young people, and The education and training of youth to empower them to make changes for workers provides a large amount of the- themselves, the youth workers need to ory which creates the backbone of youth form meaningful connections with them. work. However, just theory does not This involves listening to them and includ- make a youth worker, it is vitally impor- ing them. Through this process the youth tant to get a good balance between the workers become aware of the young peo- theory at school and being able to put it ple’s realities and are able to meet their into practice. needs. 44 Creating standards in boundaries: It is important that youth professionalisation workers develop boundaries related to Many people responded that the recogni- their work, this not only supports them, tion of youth work is necessary and that it also means they are a role model to there is a need for a standardised quality the young people who need to be en- framework for youth work. The European couraged to create their own boundaries. community of practice connecting with The second is professional boundaries: It each other and learning from each at is important to keep in mind the bound- events such as the EAYW is an important aries between youth work and the other way to achieve this. professions who work with young people. It can be hard to admit that we might not Thinking about selfcare be the best person to help a young per- Another key finding is related to bounda- son and to link them in with other pro- ries and self-care in youth work and how fessions. the education of youth workers needs to include aspects of self-care to help prevent Lifelong learning through burnout. Youth work can be a very intense international cooperation job, especially when dealing with young Lifelong learning is essential in youth work people that have many complex needs. education because of the fast changes in young people’s lives. One of the ways this In terms of boundaries, there are two as- can be achieved is through taking part in pects of this. The first is about personal international activities such as the EAYW. 45 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 The Closing 11 of the EAYW “One of the things about the future is that it is often a new version of the past. Hopefully, new and improved. Sadly, sometimes a second-rate copy. But let’s try and make our futures something better.” Nik Paddison PARTICIPANTS’ REFLECTIONS For the closing of the EAYW, six participants were asked to respond to a specific ques-tion in the final plenary. The intention was to give a voice to participants at the end of the conference where they could share some of their insights and learning from the conference. 46 What are the blocks in youth work engaged in discussing the futures of cul-that we need to overcome to be- ture and music, but this is the first time come more future ready? that we have the opportunity to discuss “I want to stress that we need to think the futures of youth work. So I would real- positively about the future. It felt some- ly like to bridge all these different worlds times during the conference that we were and contribute to this broader discussion struggling a little bit with this because with them.” Giulia Annibaletti there are so many negative trends to face, but we can’t let these trends dictate how What need to be the next steps after we see the whole.” Geert Boutsen the EAYW? “I would like to make a few calls for action. What kind of culture does the youth Firstly, we need to take this future-orient- sector need to develop to be future ed mindset wherever we go. Secondly, we ready? need to be discussing more as a sector “In terms of a youth work culture, we the futures, because the future of youth need to think, where is our focus? To work needs collectiveness. Thirdly, when please the state and meet official funding we get home and meet the young peo- criteria, or to work really with the young ple we work with, we need to be giving people?” Ana Pecarski them confidence about their future. If young people have that confidence, then What aspects of youth work do you together with youth workers, they can think will stay? move mountains.” Rilke Mahieu “Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, was asked what kind of jobs in the next 5 years will be needed because of AI. He was surprised because people normally ask what jobs won’t exist in the future be- cause of AI. He replied that it is the jobs that require human connection, that pro- vide fantastic experiences, these are the jobs that will be needed. So I was think- ing, that sounds like a youth worker, that sounds like what we do. The centrality of youth work is the relationship, and this forms part of the fantastic experiences that we provide and that resonates with people. This will stay.” Uzo Anucha What for you is the key thing you need to be discussing with col- leagues back home? “For my work at the international level with Jeunesse Musicale, we are already 47 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 REFLECTIONS FROM THE do about this whole future thing? Should EAYW TEAM we just get inside a cave and wait for it and facilitating team were involved in the “what happens in the Academy should closing of the EAYW. Following are some not stay in the Academy”. While recog- of the points raised, reflections made, Various members of the EAYW organising a slogan that was adopted by the EAYW, to pass, or do we do something? There is and questions asked at the end of three may seem overwhelming, there was also nising that many aspects of the future intense days of learning and futures ex- a strong desire to take action and at the ploration. very least, everyone was encouraged to share what they heard and what they We have been challenged to reflect on their organisations. Future past present and future discussed, with both their colleagues and whether we are ready for the future or for preparing for the future. Is our mindset in The role of the EAYW the right place, are we ready to challenge The role of the EAYW in 2024 has been to ourselves to rethink the role of youth try and put this future oriented mindset work? What new things are we ready to onto the youth work agenda and get the take on, what traditional things might we sector to be more conscious of it. In this it have to let go of? How are we going to do has succeeded. The EAYW Advisory Board that? What developments in the training and Steering Group meet in autumn 2024 and education of youth workers, current to discuss and decide how to take this youth workers, and future youth workers project further in the coming period until do we need? 2027. When is the future? When does the future start? Is it now, is it tomorrow, last week, next week? In an- swer, there was a quote that came from one of the participants, “the only place where change is happening is in the pres- ent, so make sure to be there”. New ways of looking It is very important to have this new way of looking at things, new questions, new ideas, new perspectives. We need more people who will think like this, who are able to connect the different worlds. A next step Am I more pessimistic? Am I more op- timistic? Am I more hopeful? What do I 48 Concluding 12 Reflections “The end is just the beginning”. TS Eliot While the key elements of the EAYW were Recognition related to exploring the concept of fu- One of the aspects of futures work is that research, it is also true to say that the vourable futures can be worked towards. participants and contributors had a huge tures work and the futures of youth work by knowing the possible futures, more fa- amount to say on the topics. Their feed- portant role in just about every possible The recognition of youth work has an im- managers, students, professors, trainers, importance of youth work and its impact to the public through public campaigns, institutional representatives and so on. media coverage, and community pres- work as youth workers, policy makers, future scenario. Therefore, promoting the back and analysis are grounded in their This final chapter is based on inputs, com- ments, workshops, and discussions of all entations that highlight achievements, is the people who attended the 3rd edition key for the futures of youth work. of the EAYW. 49 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Support also useful in supporting youth workers to One of the issues that was talked about identify and maintain boundaries - work and personal. a lot throughout the EAYW was the need for support for youth workers, indeed, Support systems not just youth workers but for everyone There is a need for strong support systems working in the youth sector. In order to for youth workers, collaborative platforms meet the challenges ahead, in order to where they can share experiences, seek keep being open to future foresight work, advice, and offer support to one another. there needs to be support. The partici-The Alliance of Youth Workers Associa-pants, contributors and speakers divided tions and the International Youth Work this topic into several areas. Self-support, Trainers Guild are two examples. With support systems and mutual support. strong support there is more opportunity Self-support for being able to develop coordinated and cohesive strategies for addressing future Participants felt that self-care and challenges faced by youth workers. self-support are also needed in terms of the futures. Self-reflection was high- Mutual support lighted as a means of identifying not only As youth work develops and changes to strengths but also the stressors and diffi- meet the ever-evolving needs of young culties being faced. With this knowledge, people, the sector needs to develop a col- youth workers can not only improve their lective mindset that has a shared purpose current situation but can develop strate- and a stronger collective identity. Creat- gies for coping for the futures. The stu- ing a sense of ownership strengthens the dents, through their research, identified sector. This encourages ongoing develop- that self-care and self-support should be ment, continuous improvement, shared included in the education of youth work- growth and preparation for the futures of ers in order to help prevent burnout. It is youth work. 50 Professional development important for both the present work and There is a need to develop long-term for the futures. perspectives on youth work careers with pathways for career advancement and The forums reflected this strongly, shar-recognition. There needs to be more ac- ing different practices that are happening cess to professional development oppor- around Europe and are supporting the fu- tunities and greater access to high-quality ture developments of youth work. Four of information and resources. There need to the Forums shared how they are connect- be stronger partnerships with universities ing youth work with the wider communi- and with youth work students having a ty. This is through analysing social spaces place at the major European events. and adolescents, connecting youth work with climate and environmental organi- One of the forums was about a project sations, and mainstreaming youth work that is working on accreditation creden- practices and principles into cultural or- tials for youth workers, highlighting the ganisations and institutions, making them need for harmonised quality frameworks more accessible to young people. as well as tools for assessment and rec- ognition. The students identified lifelong Policy learning as essential in youth work educa- Even if there are multiple possible futures tion because of the fast changes of young to consider, it is still important to explore people’s lives. policy development towards young peo- ple and youth work. One of the Forums Youth work and the wider community shared that youth participation in local The sector needs to be connecting with and national politics has implications for society and harmonising with the chang- the future. Others were focused on how es happening in society. Many youth or- youth work needs to be influencing policy ganisations already have strong commu- development as much as policy develop- nity relations with community members, ment influences youth work. Being fu- organisations, and local authorities; this is tures aware can provide as yet unthought 51 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 of insights for informing decision-making Funding and resources and effective resource allocation. One area that received a lot of support in terms of both the here and now and Standards for the futures of youth work was for Another need the students identified the simplifying of access to funding and through their research was for a standard- resources through less bureaucratic pro- ised quality framework for youth work. cesses. Many people also recognised that Establishing collective ethics and stand- there needs to be an increase in funding ards for youth work can guarantee con- for youth work at national and European sistency and high-quality practice. This levels - both for sustaining and expanding was also echoed in the Forums through its impact. two quality label projects. In these exam- ples, the concept of such frameworks was EU Youth Programmes seen to be necessary for ongoing youth In the light of the faster and faster chang- work development. es taking place in societies everywhere, the European youth programmes need Digitisation to become more flexible and less bu- Much like the Futures of Youth Work re- reaucratic, allowing for innovative and search, a common cross-cutting theme experimental approaches. Developing that came from the voices of the people and implementing flexible and innovative was technology. In discussions, in the Fo- programmes that align with the needs of rums and from the students’ research, it young people is crucial. is in many of the conversations and points being made. Examples included youth workers themselves being the greatest hindrance to developments and innova- tive projects promoting the IT world to girls and young women. In total, there were four Forums that were working with or promoting technology and the digital world. 52 The 13 Annexes 53 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 Annex 1: Programme Overview 3rd European Academy on Youth Work Event Kranjska Gora, Slovenia - 14 – 17 May 2024 54 15.05, 11.30 - 13.00 - 1st Round of Practice and Reflection Forums Responding to major trends The use of digital media in international youth work Ulrike Werner – Results of the scientific monitoring of the project 1 "IYW.digital - International Youth Work.digital" Presentations and How to be more sustainable in learning mobility discussion Marzena Ples projects? Framework for sustainability in learning mobility Laura Grineviciute Empower Girls Creativity Through Use of Digital 2 Technologies (SparkDigiGirls) project Presentations and discussion Aagje Rottiers PLayfield mental well-being 3 Inclusive Digital Communication for Youth Informa- Workshop Karolina Kosowska tion Services - where to begin? 4 Filipe Alves VER - Youth regenerative employment incubator Workshop 15.05, 14.30 - 16.00 - 2nd Round of Practice and Reflection Forums Rethinking Learning: New Perspectives for Impactful Change 1 Presentations and Transforming Youth Work: A Breakthrough in Quality Laimonas Ragauskas Competencies Training Ivona Šimunović discussion and Tech! The “Politics” of Evidence: Knowledge to Action Uzo Anucha with the Youth Research & Evaluation eXchange 2 (YouthREX) Presentations and discussion Tine Bergiers The power of networking and broad policy influence around play Pulse of the City: Social Space Analysis focusing on 3 Martin Hussa adolescents in urban areas to facilitate systemic Workshop change. 4 Fergal Barr Humour is Serious Business - The Power of Humour to Transform Workshop 16.05, 9.30 - 11.00 - 3rd Round of Practice and Reflection Forums Rethinking “spaces” of participation 1 Urška Česnik Quality Label for Badge Recognition Presentations and Dragan Atanasov National Quality Label for Youth Centres discussion 2 Harika Kalman Shift Presentations and Berina Bulatovic discussion Vijećko - board game about youth organizing 3 Vid Tratnik Climate Creatorship Workshop 4 Vladas Polevičius, Where does youth motivation come from and where Workshop Aistė Rutkauskienė does it disappear? 55 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 17.05, 9.30 - 11.00 - 4th Round of Practice and Reflection Forums Looking towards the future 1 Andreja Korsic Yurish Presentations and Immersive Audio-Unlearning - Democracy? / Radical discussion Sérgio Xavier education Tiina Toivola and Springboard to the Event Industry - an innovative 2 approach to promote youth employment Presentations and Eveliina Inkinen discussion Nedeljka Ivosevic The Melting Pot 3 Mirko Migliarino Re-envisioning the Future Together Workshop 4 Maja Drobne System thinking through Lego serious play Workshop 56 Annex 2: Links to other Resources from the EAYW Event: 1. Forum descriptions The Forums represented presentations and discussions, or workshops of a diversity of practices from the field youth work. They were selected by a team of evaluators based on a public call, in view of their innovative potential and relevance for the EAYW event. 2. Window to the Future The game was played in the plenary setting during the opening session involving all 200 participants. Participants were divided into groups of five with the game already set up for them along with the written instructions. The tool is a board game, which was created by Anita Silva for the EAYW. It was devel-oped as a way to explore the futures of youth work. It is designed as a reflection tool to encourage interesting and balanced conversations around what the future might hold for our communities and what we can do to co-create a better future. It can be used with groups when you want to practise future-thinking skills, such as imagination, empathy, critical thinking and strategic thinking. More information about Window to the Future, and a printable version of the game for download can be found on the EAYW website. 3. Key note presentations Links to the presentation slides and videos of all key note presentations are available on the page of the third EAYW on the EAYW website. Key note speeches: • Creating New Futures Adanna Shallowe, International Affairs Analyst, Network Weaver, Facilitator Video Presentation slides • Futures of Youth Work: Research Outcomes Aleksandra Szymczyk, Manchester Metropolitan University | UK and Özgehan Şenyuva, RAY Network - Research-based Analysis of European Youth programmes Video Presentation slides • Strategies for Getting Future-ready Gisele Evrard: Trainer, Coach, Facilitator Video Presentation slides Students’ presentation slides 57 Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Final Report 2024 EAYW Event Team Event facilitation: Anita Silva and Darko Marković Digital facilitation: Sabrina Apitz Coordination of Forum facilitators: Federica Demichelli Forum facilitators: Barnabas Gulyas, Simona Muršec, Konstantinos Spatiotis, Ira Topalli Coordination and support of student research: Karsten König, Geert Boutsen, Hilary Tierney, Tadej Košmerl Communication, social media: Domagoj Morić Video, broadcasting, photography: Izvan Fokusa, Zagreb Blog writer: Ana Pecarski Rapporteur: Nik Paddison EAYW Coordination: Sonja Mitter Škulj Event support: Maya Petkovšek, Sonja Čandek Logistic support: Alberto Baroncelli, Marketa Burilova, Ester Prat Aliberch, Blaž Kavčič Ljubo&Draga: Ksenja Perko, Maja Mojskerc, Mateo Hočuršćak (Mladi zmaji, Ljubljana) Many thanks to everyone who contributed to this edition of the EAYW – the EAYW team as well as all participants, contributors and speakers. Special thanks to the mem-bers of the EAYW Steering Group and Advisory Board for their guidance and support. 58 MOVIT has been the Slovenian National Agency for EU programmes in the field of youth, currently Erasmus+, youth field, and the European Solidarity Corps, since May 1999. In this role, MOVIT manages indirectly centralised EU budget funds and sup-ports different forms of learning mobility activities in youth work. It also runs activi-ties to promote the development of (European) youth work, solidarity, and non-for-mal education. MOVIT also serves as an office of Eurodesk (www.eurodesk.si) and the SALTO South East Europe Resource Centre (SALTO SEE). SALTO SEE belongs to the network of SALTO-YOUTH Resource Centres (www.salto-youth.net). Since 2018, MOVIT has been coordinating the European Academy on Youth Work partnership, which in 2024 includes the Youth National Agencies of Austria, Belgium- FL, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia and Sweden and SALTO-YOUTH Resource Centres. Future Developments and their Impact on Youth Work Erasmus+ Enriching lives, opening minds. This publication was made with the support of the European Commission and the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth. The information and views set out in this publi- cation are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission or the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth. The European Commis- sion, the Office of the Republic of Slovenia for Youth or the National Agency cannot be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein. MOVIT National Agency of the EU Programmes Erasmus+: Youth and European Solidarity Corps Dunajska cesta 5 1000 Ljubljana Phone: +386 (0) 1 430 47 47 Web: www.movit.si E-mail: info@movit.si