In 2026, the Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe is launching the work plan “Empowering Young Christian Voices: Spaces, Participation, and Advocacy” — a Europe-wide journey exploring how young people can actively shape their churches, organisations, and communities. Rooted in ecumenical dialogue, human rights, and youth participation, the project brings together young Christians from diverse backgrounds to exchange experiences, build advocacy skills, and develop practical tools for meaningful participation.
Through study visits, training courses, local initiatives, and podcasts, we will explore different models of youth participation across Europe, discuss barriers and opportunities, and collaboratively develop the Ecumenical Youth Participation Guide — a practical resource to support young people in creating change within their own contexts. And to help church leaders understand what it needs for young people to be actively engaged.
The work plan creates spaces where young voices are not only heard, but empowered to take action. Whether through advocacy, self-organisation, intercultural exchange, or community engagement, the project aims to strengthen young Christians committed to participation, justice, dialogue, and solidarity across Europe.
So what is happening in 2026? Click on the titles to get more information.
- The Struggle for Systemic Participation
Regional Study Visits on Youth Participation in Church Structures
Exploring different models of youth participation across Europe through visits, interviews, and exchanges with churches and youth organisations. - Unmuted – Youth, Faith and Participation in Europe
International Activity in Malaga, Spain 9-13 June 2026
Bringing together young people from across Europe to map participation realities, exchange experiences, and discuss challenges and opportunities for youth engagement. - Creating Change – Ecumenical Youth Advocacy and Participation
International Activity in Dortmund, Germany 1-5 September 2026
A practical training equipping participants with advocacy, facilitation, communication, and leadership skills to strengthen youth participation in their own contexts. - Testing and Applying the Ecumenical Youth Participation Guide
Local & Regional Trainings
Participant-led local initiatives and workshops testing the practical application of the Participation Guide in different countries and church contexts. - Deepening Dialogue – Ecumenical Participation and Advocacy
Podcast Series
A series of online conversations to explore youth participation through different lenses to continue the dialogue on participation and advocacy throughout the year. - The Ecumenical Youth Participation Guide
Project Output & Resource Development
A practical guide developed collaboratively throughout the activites, offering tools, case studies, and strategies to strengthen youth participation and advocacy across diverse contexts.
All our work is relying on the engagement of volunteers from all over Europe. Meet the people who are making all this happening:
This is supported as long-term youth cooperation project
by the Council of Europe
through the European Youth Foundation
