“Mapping of Barriers to Social Inclusion of Young People in Vulnerable Situations” Experts Seminar Hosted by Youth Partnership EU – CoE 30th -2nd October, Strasbourg 2014 Dr. Theo Gavrielides, IARS “Erasmus+ Civil Society Cooperation”

Presentation from IARS How are we; why are we here? Rethinking about “Social Inclusion” – positive thinking “Young People” vs “Young people in vulnerable situations” Rethinking about “barriers” and “enablers” The “youth-led model”

Social Inclusion The EU defines social inclusion as ‘a process which ensures that those at risk of poverty and social exclusion gain the opportunities and resources necessary to participate fully in the economic, social and cultural life and to enjoy a standard of living and well-being that is considered normal in the society in which they live. Social inclusion also ensures that vulnerable groups and persons have greater participation in decision making which affects their lives and that they can access their fundamental rights’

Disadvantage Thinking Social youth policies and legislation fail to address young people’s needs and realities because Addressing youth problems instead of nurturing youth talents Eg. Users of the youth justice system = criminals Set measurements and targets that tailored to these “labels/problems” Eg. Youth justice policies are measured against targets such as recidivism To eradicate disadvantage thinking young people should be enabled to truly participate in the civic life by influencing policies that affect them.

Youth Participation – the IARS way IARS youth –led programmes aim to enable young people to actively engage in society and challenge policies and practices that affect them by building young people’s capacity; knowledge - skills and confidence by: Empowering and enabling young people, particularly those with fewer opportunities, to influence, shape and inform policy and practices that affect them, the media and other stakeholders Providing youth-led policy development, research and voice to the youth-led sector and young people at local, national and European levels. Working with governments and statutory bodies (nationally & European) to ensure that youth issues and the views of the youth-led sector are heard and disseminated.

The IARS delivery model

IARS Strategic Aims Acting as a European network that enables young people and the youth-led sector to communicate with each other, work together and share best practice Piloting new ideas in order to demonstrate new models, opportunities and emerging good practice for the benefit of young people and the youth-led sector. Building bridges between young people from different communities and countries, and encourage them to find out what unites rather than divides them. Promoting inter-cultural learning and understanding and encourage youth exchanges and voluntary services. Engaging young people at risk of exclusion into educational and skills development through non-formal education, tailored training and support programmes, provide accreditation options, internships

Case study 1: Youth Advisory Board A team of young volunteers aged 15 – 25 from diverse backgrounds who are aware of the problems facing young people in the society and who are interested in an opportunity to do something positive about these issues. YAB members are directly involved in IARS projects, by attending workshops, assisting with how the projects are managed etc The work of the YAB aims to directly influence and improve services run by IARS, other organisations and branches of Government. All YAB members are awarded with a certificate for their active participation at the end of the project and they are provided with bespoke and tailored training that will allow them to genuinely get involved in projects and our governance. The YAB has proved to be an excellent opportunity for young people to get their voices heard and to address issues that are important for them.  

Case Study 2: Youth Voice Journal The Youth Voice Journal (YVJ) is an international, multidisciplinary, peer reviewed journal that publishes theoretical contributions and empirical studies on issues affecting young people worldwide It aims to; create knowledge and contribute to the academic literature by publishing high quality research on issues affecting young people; to provide a platform for the intellectual exchange of ideas around the globe with the aim of influencing policies and practices; to actively encourage and aid those young people whose voice is rarely heard by policy makers to contribute to the journal; to enable young people to have their work published alongside experts; and challenge issues impacting excluded young people on a European level.

Case study 3: 99% Campaign Youth led campaign and co-designed with young people, the project gives young people a voice, enabling them to take ownership over defining the root cause of these problems – and optimal future solution. How the 99% campaign blog which is focused on the voice and thought projection of young people. This served as a platform in which young people from around the country could submit their blogs and articles which were then selected by a youth editorial team; Bringing together young people with policy makers in constructive debates The 99% campaign magazine which is entirely designed edited and filled with content by young people. It aims to get the voices of young people out there and to connect them with the young people which it targeted with next to no interference from outside influence.

Case Study 4: Annual Research and Youth Leadership Awards Youth-led event that aims to celebrate, recognise and reward remarkable young people who have made significant contributions to their community. Attended every year by 100 people Showcases inspirational youth projects and their impact in the community Creates peer role models and inspires young people to become involved through the achievements of others.

Thank you! This programme is funded by the EU under the 2014-0445/001-001 agreement Dr. Theo Gavrielides Founder & Director, IARS 14 Dock Offices, Surrey Quays Road Canada Water London SE16 2XU, UK T.Gavrielides@iars.org.uk +44 (0) 20 706 44380 www.iars.org.uk Dr. Gavrielides is also an Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University (Canada), and a Visiting Professor at Buckinghamshire New University (UK)