Associations, Networks and Support Organisations for Youth Workers in Europe. Expert Group meeting – 9/10 April 2019
Rationale Further examine and consider the role that associations, networks and support organisations for youth workers can play in promoting youth work as a professional practice, supporting the development of youth workers and providing a platform for their interests, concerns and aspirations the capacity and sustainability of such associations, networks and support organisations and their relationship with other stakeholders, and the particular value, or potential value, that they can bring to the youth work field. .
Associations, Networks and Support Organisations Associations of youth workers The most common form of organisation among youth workers. Focus in particular on training and development, promoting professional practice, recognition of youth work, and ethics and professional standards. Overlap with related professional associations such as social work. In a number of instances, associations are effectively trade unions. The role and forms of association tend to reflect the particular nature, role and status of youth work in the relevant country. Networks and umbrella organisations Not associations of youth workers per se. Provide information, training, education, support and advice to organisations, NGOs, youth centres, youth clubs, holiday camps and municipalities that provide a wide range of youth work activities and services for young people.
Associations, Networks and Support Organisations Primary function and focus is on supporting and promoting youth work Tend to have a particular focus and purpose whether relating to the training and development for youth workers in supporting vulnerable young people, promoting good professional practice, providing information, recognising the values of youth work and through advocacy and lobbying. Associations and networks of youth workers at pan-European initiatives Seek, through different methods and contexts, to promote both youth work and the interests and concerns of youth workers .
Five case studies Rationale Maltese Association of Youth Workers (MAY) A reasonably representative sample of the associations, networks and support organisations in the respondent countries. They reflect some of the salient issues common to all: aims and purpose, capacity and sustainability, values and their relationship with other stakeholders in the youth field. The responses to the questionnaire and related links provided appropriate and relevant data. Maltese Association of Youth Workers (MAY) National Association of Youth Workers in Serbia (NAPOR) Youth and Sports Experts Association (NUOLI) in Finland Youth Network MaMa in Slovenia De Ambrassade in Belgium
Conclusions Associations or networks of youth workers tend to be a feature of those countries where youth work is either well embedded or at least in countries where youth work is being developed. Membership can vary widely in size and their provision of training for their members tends to be patchy and uneven. All play a role in advocating and promoting youth work as a profession and seeking to improve the working conditions and career prospects of their members. Reflect the statues and role of youth work in the relevant country. Can play a significant role in promoting youth work. In some countries (Belgium, Finland and Malta) they appear more focused and tailored in relation to issues concerning youth work and youth workers. In others (Serbia and Slovenia) they appear to be looser, more fragmented and at the same time broader and more comprehensive in relation to issues concerning youth work and youth workers. In the absence of other active stakeholders ( the state, European support programmes) they can carry a disproportionate burden of responsibility and face problems of both capacity and sustainability. Values and vision: advocating and promoting the values and role of youth work, peer-to-peer learning and support, professional ethics and instilling self-esteem and pride in youth workers and the contribution they can make to young people’s development.