• The document is the result of the constitution of the Thematic Group "Youth and Rural Environment"
• The Thematic Group has contributed to shaping the new activities of the NRN regarding rural youth

The document is the result of the creation of the "Youth and Rural Environment" Thematic Group, made up of 39 rural experts with diverse backgrounds (academic, institutional, scientific, associative, rural residents, etc.) and with broad representation from national territories. The group's objective is to define proposals and ideas that the RRN can implement to help meet the needs of young people who live or wish to begin a new life project in rural areas.

Proposal for activities

The upcoming actions of the RRN regarding the theme of "Youth" are articulated around three axes :

A) Entrepreneurship and employment in rural areas

Regional reports on resources (financial, informational, advisory, etc.) for rural entrepreneurship are currently being prepared, with a specific section on resources exclusively for young people. These documents will be freely and openly available on the RRN website in October.

Events :

• July 29, 2021 - National Conference on Social and Collaborative Entrepreneurship Formulas .
• October 2021 - Presentation of the rural entrepreneurship resource reports for each Autonomous Community , highlighting those available to young people.
• Between October and November 2021 - A series of regional rural entrepreneurship workshops focused on topics of particular relevance in some regions.
• February 2022 - New editions of the National Rural Network's entrepreneurship course .
• March 2022 - CULTIVA Program results dissemination day.

In parallel with the events, a specific study will be conducted to provide new ideas and knowledge on this topic.

In addition, a visual tool will be designed with useful information for young people who want to start a business in rural areas.

B) Network generation among young people in rural areas

Aim:

• Create links between rural youth at different levels (regional and national) and with the various administrations and entities working on youth-related issues.

Events :

• September 13, 2021 – “Opportunities for rural youth through European funds: EAFRD / Erasmus + / LIFE, etc.”
• September 27, 2021 - Virtual workshop on installation facilitators in rural areas.
• Between December 2021 and January 2022 - A series of 17 meetings (one per Autonomous Community) so that individuals and organizations interested in and working on youth issues can meet and exchange experiences and ideas.
• February 2022 - Exchange of Good Practices from City Councils aimed at the youth population.

In addition, the RRN's social media will encourage the participation and association of rural youth through audiovisual material .

Work will also be done to create a national rural youth network/forum , which will encompass rural associations and meet once a year.

C) Connection of the youth theme with other topics that are worked on by the RRN

In addition to the activities proposed for youth, activities related to other RRN topics have been designed:

• 16 September 2021 - Long-term vision for rural areas in the EU
• Special edition of the RRN's Rural and Sustainable Development Magazine - The December 2021 issue will feature a special feature on rural youth.

Final compilation

As a continuation of the RRN's work on youth, a major networking event is planned, featuring entrepreneurial projects, product stands from young entrepreneurs, cultural activities, and more.