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    Roadmap

    Month 1

    Kick-off & Coordination

    Launch of the annual work programme, internal coordination with network members, role distribution and communication setup.

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    What is the Young European Shapers (YES) project?

    Young European Shapers (YES) is a youth network project coordinated by ILKSENOL Youth Movement, bringing together 17 member organizations from 13 countries. It aims to strengthen youth participation in democratic life, build the capacity of youth organizations, and create structured policy dialogue between young people and decision-makers across Europe. The project is supported under the Erasmus+ Operating Grant programme (Ref. Ares(2025)11227784 – 16/12/2025).

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    Who can participate in YES activities?

    YES activities are open to young people aged 18-30, youth workers, volunteers, and youth organizations. We especially prioritize young people with fewer opportunities, including NEET youth, migrants, refugees, and those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds or rural areas.

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    Which countries are part of the YES network?

    The YES network currently includes member organizations from 13 countries: Turkey, Serbia, Bulgaria, Poland, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Romania, Ukraine, Croatia, Greece, and Palestine.

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    What activities does YES organize?

    YES organizes a wide range of activities throughout the year, including Youth Policy Labs where young people develop concrete policy proposals, a Brussels Youth Mission where participants meet EU institutions directly, multi-stakeholder roundtable meetings with local decision-makers, the Facilitator Academy for youth workers, online capacity-building workshops, and Youth Council meetings at the local level.

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    How can my organization join the YES network?

    Organizations interested in joining the YES network can apply through the official membership application form on the European Shapers website. Applications are reviewed by the ILKSENOL coordination team, followed by an online meeting. Accepted organizations go through an orientation process and are announced as new members across the network’s communication channels.

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    What is the mission of YES?

    The mission of Young European Shapers is to create a space where young people’s voices are heard, a culture of volunteering is strengthened, and youth organizations can access European quality standards. YES works to empower young people as active shapers of European democracy — not just participants, but real decision-makers.