• The European LEADER Partnership for Rural Development (ELARD) has created the first LEADER Youth Community.
• The new community aims to attract young people under 30 to be ambassadors of the project and those over 30 who wish to be mentors of the above.

The European CAP Network ( EU CAP Network ) and the CAP Network have rural development as one of their two fundamental pillars (pillar 1, agriculture; and pillar 2, rural development), based on the provisions of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Within the latter, generational renewal is presented as one of the fundamental aspects to guarantee the future of rural areas. Furthermore, it is essential to help young people find spaces for expression in which they can share their ideas and projects about their own territories.

In line with the second pillar, the European LEADER Partnership for Rural Development ( ELARD ) has created a new project to create shared spaces for rural youth. The group represents 29 countries and more than 2,500 Local Action Groups ( LAGs ) in rural, coastal, urban, and peri-urban settings and focuses its actions on rural development through the LEADER approach .

This is how the 'LEADER Youth Community' was launched , an initiative that aims to "empower young people to take an active role in shaping the future of their rural areas." The goal is to create environments where ideas can be shared, collaborative projects formed, and skills developed to bring about positive change.

Bringing young people together to form a community

The youth community offers these:

1. Shared knowledge: Through workshops, virtual and in-person seminars, where experts will teach participants about rural development topics typically addressed by LEADER projects; and where young people will share their own stories and proposals.
2. Support and resources: Young people often feel they lack the financial resources and visibility to pursue their ideas. ELARD will provide participants with resources, funding, and support for their proposed and viable projects.
3. Visibility: Support in project communication is essential, and this resource will help demonstrate the success of your ideas and inspire you with other stories of social innovation and positive change.

Furthermore, ELARD believes there are four key reasons why young people are already a part of their territories and why they should be interested in participating in the LEADER Youth Community:

1. “Make your voice heard”: by participating in debates and decision-making processes that impact your communities.
2. “Develop new skills”: Training in project management, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development can give you that differential.
3. “Network”: Communal spaces will allow like-minded young people to meet, create synergies, and meet mentors who can help them achieve their goals.
4. “Create change”: Participation in projects will create tangible results that foster change in local communities and a sustainable future.

Who can be part of rural youth?

The project is explicitly aimed at:

• People under 30 : These can adapt their role based on what they're looking for from these experiences. They can:
  • Be part of the community's steering group , if your experience and interests so suggest.
  • Becoming ambassadors , gathering feedback for their countries. This is the core of the project.
  • Perform administrative tasks, thus assisting in technical work at meetings and gatherings.
  • Be communicators who create content and design campaigns.
  • Position themselves as group leaders to establish group strengthening activities.
  • Be a member of the group, to share information with the rest.
• People over 30 years old : to carry out mentoring and support work.

Whatever the role you're interested in, ELARD has posted a form where you can provide all the details about the profile you're interested in. This way, you can initiate communication with the association to find the best fit for the "LEADER Youth Community." You can also contact them by email at contactyouthunleader@gmail.com .

A virtual project launch party will take place on September 2nd (from 5:00 PM to 6:15 PM, Spanish time) to socialize, network, and establish the group's future goals. Finally, a second meeting is planned at the LEADER European Congress on October 2nd and 3rd, which is open to those under 25 at reduced prices.