Preamble
The European Charter for Youth Spaces is addressed to all the “actors” who interact
with youth spaces, including young people, youth workers and volunteers. Furthermore,
It is intended for all entities that have a role in the promotion and development
of youth spaces in Europe. This includes institutions, universities, research centres and
other public, private and non-profit organizations, as well as informal groups.
The Charter aims to promote youth spaces as inclusive and dynamic environments
which are centers for active participation, community engagement and innovation
social, supporting the development and empowerment of young people across the continent.
The Charter recognises the multiplicity of youth spaces in Europe, admitting that
there is not and cannot be a single type of youth space. Consequently, the
The Charter is not a legislative text, but instead offers a comprehensive set of principles and
values ​​derived from real-life experiences, analyzed through data collection and
field research conducted within the project Youth sPEACEs.

Youth Activism as a Condition for Democracy
The European Union, a complex institutional and political structure, has always aimed
to promote the social and economic development of its members and to ensure peace
lasting. This ambitious goal is based mainly on treaties between States
sovereigns, which reflect shared visions and are the result of dialogue and negotiation.
At the heart of the Union's prosperity is the so-called “democratic spirit”, an ethic
that pervades our way of life as a community. This spirit manifests itself through
participation in public life and experimentation with new ideas and solutions, with
the freedom to learn from mistakes. It is this spirit that makes an open, rich society
of diversity of ideas, tolerance and rights. But the democratic spirit can prosper and grow only if it is felt and lived by the new generations.

If young people do not embrace this spirit, the system risks being reduced to mere compliance with rules and regulations. It is therefore essential to encourage youth activism, especially considering that the average age in the European Union is currently around forty-five and rising. Youth activism refers to efforts and initiatives organised by young people (on average between 15 and 29, with different national age groups) to support political, social, educational, environmental and economic development. This activism encompasses a range of activities, including community projects, digital and physical campaigns, protests, policy advocacy, empowerment, mutual and peer support, etc., on issues such as climate change, social justice, human rights and
democratic participation within the EU. It uses modern communication technologies and social media to mobilise support, build networks and amplify the voices of young Europeans.

The risks and opportunities

Any social, cultural or recreational space is always at risk of segregation, of creating a division between those who are “in” and those who are “out”. Those who are inside are recognized and have a say, those who are outside remain vulnerable.

It is therefore essential to build “porous and permeable” spaces, in constant interaction with the surrounding social ecosystem and strengthened by this interaction:

• Porous spaces allow the free flow of ideas, people and activities between the inside and the outside. These spaces are characterized by openings that encourage interaction and prevent isolation.
• Permeable spaces are those that can be influenced by external factors and, in turn, can influence the surrounding environment. They are not closed, but on the contrary are engaged in a two-way exchange with the surrounding environment.

 

Towards a long-term vision

The Charter we propose is not just a work plan, but a vision that can be adopted by a wide range of policies. It aims to combine democratic practices with the design and animation of democratic spaces. In this context, all the spaces that will be inhabited and all the common spaces that will be opened will not be considered as simple neutral containers, but as fundamental components in the construction of the future plural spaces of the Union.

 

The Charter of European Youth Spaces

Article 1: Youth participation and empowerment through youth spaces 

1. Youth spaces in Europe are platforms for promoting the active participation of young people through the use of different tools such as working groups, self-governing structures and community projects. The spaces must be officially recognised by institutions as promoters of youth empowerment and as centres of social innovation, where young people can develop creative solutions to local and global problems. This recognition must necessarily pass through involvement in decision-making processes and initiatives related to issues relevant to the youth community. Institutional support should also include funding, resources and visibility to ensure the sustainability and impact of these youth spaces. It must be clear, therefore, that youth spaces should not replace, but can complement, public services.
2. Youth spaces promote co-planning and co-design of interventions involving urban spaces, territories and communities. Increasing the involvement of young people in these spaces from the early stages of designing policies related to territorial and community development is essential to further increase the sense of belonging and responsibility of young people in the population, as well as to increase the effectiveness of the interventions themselves.
3. Active participation in youth spaces contributes significantly to the emergence and development of motivated and competent young leaders, deeply committed to building the well-being of their communities. Through continuous participation in activities and projects, young leaders consolidate important skills and knowledge that generate positive changes and impacts within the spaces and, more generally, in communities. These skills must be recognized and valued by the bodies responsible for validating skills at local and European level.
4. The practical involvement of young people in the creation and definition of environments and spaces is a valuable opportunity to develop soft skills such as problem solving, entrepreneurship, teamwork, etc. This experiential learning process, especially if adequately supported by educational and training institutions, improves the understanding of cooperation dynamics and the development of projects related to territorial and community development.

 

Article 2: Governance of youth spaces

 

1. The different governance models tested in Youth Spaces in Europe aim to promote inclusion and active participation, while respecting the diversity of participants. The use of participatory mechanisms ensures that the voices of all young people, regardless of their socio-economic, cultural or ethnic background, are heard and taken into account in the decision-making processes of the Youth Space, thus testing the principles of democracy, inclusion and citizenship.
2. The function of youth spaces as “gyms” for democratic participation is of fundamental importance for the active involvement of young people in society. To foster a real sense of responsibility among young people, youth spaces should adopt bottom-up management, allowing young people to create and manage their own environment. Rather than youth workers directing these efforts, they should act as consultants, providing guidance and support. This approach ensures that youth spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of their users, promoting ownership, responsibility and ongoing engagement.
3. In peripheral areas, it is often youth workers or other operators who bring the voice of young people to the institutions through various activities and dynamics that they implement, such as meetings, gatherings and collection of ideas and opinions. It is therefore essential that national institutions recognize and enhance this role and promote actions aimed at broadening the participation of young people, in line with the European Youth Strategy.

 

 

Article 3: Cooperation between youth spaces, institutions and organisations

 

1. Youth spaces play a key role in bringing together different people and realities and collaborate with schools, universities and educational institutions, non-profit organizations, businesses and local institutions to increase the effectiveness of the impact of their actions.
2. Platforms for exchanging knowledge, research and good practices are important for the development of effective youth policies, as well as sharing organizational structures, participatory financing and support networks. It is important to disseminate these tools at local and national level to increase the effectiveness of actions by using the different expertise of the organizations involved.
3. Schools, in collaboration with youth centres, play a key role in promoting youth development. It is important to promote dialogue, interaction and mutual support between formal education systems and youth spaces. By extending their support beyond regular hours, these institutions can work together to bridge the gap between formal education, non-formal and informal education, extracurricular activities and ensure a continuous and coherent learning experience. This collaboration fosters a greater sense of community and belonging among young people, enhances their educational and personal growth and allows for more comprehensive support systems. In addition, joint projects and shared resources between schools and youth centres can provide diverse learning opportunities, encourage civic engagement and develop essential life skills, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of young people.

4. A change of mindset is needed that involves the whole civil society in a more comprehensive approach to youth policies. Cooperation between youth spaces, public authorities, non-profit organizations and businesses is essential to optimize resources and share expertise.
5. This collaborative approach helps create an innovative and networked environment for young people, where diversity is valued, intergenerational relationships are fostered and strong support networks are created that increase opportunities for young people and promote cultural exchange between organizations, both nationally and internationally.
6. Collaborations that focus on young people and are truly driven by the intent to foster their growth and social development, rather than by economic dynamics related to the search for funding, should be highly appreciated. There should be more funding available to support networking activities, as these efforts require continued professionalization to ensure quality.

 

Article 4: Values-based approach

 

1. Youth Spaces embrace and contribute to the promotion and dissemination of the fundamental values ​​of the European Union: respect for human dignity and rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law. Within Youth Spaces, by promoting an environment conducive to dialogue and critical thinking, young people cultivate a daily understanding of the principles of equality and the dignity of every individual.
2. It is essential to incorporate value-based education and dialogue into youth spaces to promote understanding, tolerance and respect for diversity. For example, guided discussions could be organised on topics such as diversity, discrimination and social justice, using techniques such as role-play and storytelling to encourage open discussion of opinions.
3. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity as a guiding value, youth spaces welcome people from different backgrounds and with different values, promoting social cohesion.

If recognised and valued, this role can help prevent social conflicts and create safer communities that embrace common European values.

4. Youth spaces provide a sense of belonging to a larger community that shares core principles, promotes active and responsible citizenship and helps build a renewed youth community ready to face the challenges of a complex and ever-changing society.
5. Youth spaces foster an environment of continuous learning and personal growth. They provide opportunities to participate in educational programs, skill-building workshops, and learning experiences, and empower young people to pursue lifelong learning. This commitment to lifelong learning helps individuals adapt to societal changes and thrive in various aspects of their personal and professional lives, ensuring that they remain active and informed participants in the democratic process.
6. Youth spaces, designed primarily to foster social interaction, can be a great fit for youth activism and collaboration. In these environments, informal conversations and shared activities often bring to light shared interests and concerns. As trust and connections develop, young people are more willing to engage in discussions about social, political, or environmental issues that affect them. This natural progression can transform social gatherings into coordinated efforts to address these challenges.

 

Article 5: Sustainability and social responsibility

 

1. Youth spaces should prioritize sustainability practices and promote environmental awareness, instill in young people a deep respect for the planet, and promote environmentally sustainable lifestyles.
2. Spaces should encourage young people to become active stewards of our planet, to participate in evidence-based initiatives and campaigns aimed at protecting the environment and to raise community awareness of environmental issues. This approach, based on civic education, awareness-raising and citizenship, aims to involve all social actors most directly concerned by the main issues of the ecological transition (climate change, pollution, sustainable lifestyles, etc.) and to encourage institutions and governments to take greater account of young people in the design and implementation of European environmental policies.
3. When there is a disconnect between the actions of youth spaces and those of other stakeholders (including local institutions) on sustainability and environmental awareness among young people, youth spaces need to take the lead in promoting specific measures to align or actively involve all parties in these efforts. There is a significant disconnect when institutional frameworks and economic systems do not adequately integrate or support young people's initiatives and concerns on environmental sustainability. This disparity highlights the need for greater collaboration and engagement from these sectors to effectively address environmental challenges and harness the enthusiasm and dedication of young generations.

Article 6: Towards a systematic approach to youth policies and spaces

 

1. Youth spaces function as ecosystems, with the capacity to be flexible, resilient and adaptable to the needs of their participants and external challenges. Youth spaces act as a systemic approach, promoting a way of understanding society as a whole, made up of individuals, communities, living environments and productive systems, reflecting and respecting the complexity of young people's identities and promoting active and meaningful interactions between different worlds.
2. For example, implementing project-based learning initiatives within youth spaces can spark collaboration between different disciplines (e.g., science, arts, social sciences) to address community issues such as sustainable development or mental health awareness. This approach would encourage young people to explore interconnected solutions, bridging gaps between different fields of knowledge and promoting systemic thinking.
3. A systemic approach to youth policies and spaces requires the active involvement of young people in decision-making processes. Youth spaces will prioritize the inclusion of young people's voices, ensuring that they have a say in policies and programmes that affect them. By incorporating youth participation at all levels, we can improve the relevance and effectiveness of interventions and foster a sense of ownership.
4. We advocate for a paradigm shift from sectoral to systemic thinking by all civil society actors: this paradigm shift will allow us to address youth challenges with greater depth and effectiveness, understanding them in the broader framework of natural and human ecosystems, and allowing us to create spaces of contamination to generate innovative solutions to common problems.

 

Article 7: Safe and open spaces for young people

 

1. The organisation of youth spaces in the European Union countries ensures physically and emotionally safe conditions for participation, promoting inclusion, mental and physical well-being and a culture of peer support. In these environments, young participants are encouraged to take initiative and try new activities, with the aim of learning from experience in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Learning comes not only from success but also from failure, which is an opportunity for growth.
2. Activating mentoring, especially peer mentoring, becomes an essential component for personal development, skill building and youth empowerment, providing ongoing guidance also in managing generational conflicts. In particular, peer mentoring involves people of similar age or experience providing guidance and support to each other. This approach fosters mutual learning, improves skills and builds trust through shared experiences. Peer mentors offer advice and encouragement, creating a supportive environment that promotes personal growth for both parties.
3. We support the strengthening of the role of youth spaces in initiatives aimed at promoting freedom of expression and the constructive use of free time. In this context, youth centers must be recognized not only as physical places, but also and above all as real places of social and cultural aggregation. Through participatory and inclusive management, characterized by structured activities and unstructured socialization opportunities, youth spaces foster the development of relationships between people and the skills necessary for communities and territories, helping young people to become aware and active citizens in the social fabric.
4. Youth spaces should be equipped with resources and facilities that are accessible to all, including those with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for participation. This includes providing information and communications in multiple languages ​​and formats to meet different needs.
5. Collaboration with local governments, educational institutions, and community organizations is essential to improving the effectiveness of youth spaces. By fostering partnerships, these spaces can offer a broader range of programs and services, including educational workshops, cultural events, and recreational activities, tailored to the interests and needs of young people.
6. Evaluation and feedback mechanisms should be implemented to continuously evaluate and improve the quality and impact of youth spaces. Young people should be actively involved in this process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their suggestions are integrated into the development and improvement of these spaces.

 

Article 8: Relationship with the community

 

1. Youth spaces are, by their very nature, dynamic and permeable places where young people can meet and interact with the surrounding community. This capacity for contamination promotes the exchange of ideas and cultures not only among young people themselves, but also between young people and other actors in the social context. To increase the effectiveness of youth spaces, it is therefore essential to extend their impact beyond the “physical place”, actively involving the local community.
2. Institutions, NGOs and other local authorities must be fully aware of this opportunity and be ready to adopt an open and collaborative approach towards youth spaces. It is essential that they understand the importance of including young people's perspectives in decisions and activities that affect the whole community.
3. Synergistic and complementary cooperation between local actors and youth spaces promotes the development of local programs and projects that truly respond to the needs and interests of young people, thus contributing to a more inclusive, dynamic and supportive community.
4. Promoting volunteering in youth spaces can significantly improve community engagement. Encouraging young people to participate in volunteer projects is not only positive for the community, but also helps them develop important skills, gain valuable experiences and foster a sense of social responsibility.
5. Regular community events, such as festivals, open days and collaborative projects, should be organised to showcase the activities and achievements of youth spaces.

Such events can help raise awareness of the role and importance of youth spaces within the community, attract new participants, and strengthen community bonds.

 

Article 9: The digital dimension

 

1. European youth spaces recognise that technological tools for communication and collaboration have become an integral part of the daily lives of young people and other age groups. The importance of these tools for enhancing individual expression and maintaining meaningful connections with the outside world is evident. Furthermore, the ability of these tools to strengthen the collective voice in the digital context is recognised.
2. Youth spaces promote digital literacy pathways and the exploration and acquisition of knowledge related to the digital transition, in order to foster a conscious use of digital spaces and tools. To ensure digital inclusion, youth spaces must provide equal access to digital tools and resources, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes providing training and support to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all young people have the opportunity to participate fully in the digital world.
3. Digital literacy initiatives must be accompanied by digital safety, wellbeing and protection programmes to ensure full and safe digital use. Stakeholders and youth workers must focus on making digital spaces as safe, robust and usable as possible.
4. However, the long and significant experience of Youth Spaces in the European Union shows that face-to-face relationships are indispensable for the acquisition of key competences, already highlighted in several EU policy documents, including the European Youth Strategy.
5. Therefore, Youth Spaces promote a hybrid and balanced approach, which combines the responsible use of digital tools with attention to real human interaction and the promotion of social and emotional skills, which are fundamental for individual and collective well-being.

 

Article 10: Feedback and continuous improvement approach

 

1. To strengthen their role and impact on the community, youth spaces are committed to valuing feedback from young people to identify strengths and areas for improvement and to give young people an active voice in the re-planning of activities. The concept of continuous improvement is at the heart of the management of a space, a group or a community. This improvement must be a continuous effort that involves everyone, both young people and those who work with them. Improvement must be pursued both at a human level and in terms of professional skills through adequate support and services.
2. To further increase the effectiveness of feedback and continuous improvement, youth spaces should implement a structured system to regularly collect, analyze and act on feedback. This system should include clear channels for submitting feedback, regular feedback sessions and transparent mechanisms for communicating how the feedback has been used.
3. Success stories and improvements resulting from youth feedback should be regularly documented and shared with the community. This not only highlights the impact of youth contributions, but also encourages ongoing engagement and demonstrates the value of a feedback-led approach.
4. This process, facilitated by peer review activities, not only holds young people accountable but also ensures that youth spaces continue to respond to their needs at all times.
5. Other key community actors (institutions, associations, etc.) can contribute to the commitment of youth spaces to use and value feedback from young people. This could include participation in joint working tables, sharing resources and expertise, and promoting synergies between youth spaces and other existing youth services and programs in the community.
6. Furthermore, local institutions should commit to seeking and valuing youth feedback to improve youth services and programs. This could lead to policies and guidelines that actively encourage organizations and institutions to involve young people in decision-making and evaluation processes.