Climate change and environmental protection have moved from the periphery of international relations and geopolitics to the centre stage, as they are increasingly recognized as threatening economic stability and societal well-being.
The European Union is a unique economic and political union between 27 EU countries that together cover much of the continent. EU covers such policy areas as climate, environment, health, external relations and security, justice and migration.
More and more, we see the results of biodiversity loss, the effects of our food system on the rest of the world and the way climate change influences the world we live in. At the same time, we know that responsible decision-makers – be it on a local, national, continental or global level – do not seem to act sufficiently on the urgent issues threatening our generation. In order to demand change and make them change, we need to understand their system and the ways we can change it.
How does this work?
To make use of the political rights and to get engaged within political processes, it is essential to understand how decision making in Europe works. In the past few years, we have seen the voice of the crowd getting much louder. It seems more common again to hit the streets and demand change from stakeholders within the EU institutions. But, protesting is not the only way to create change and that’s why this fall SFYN is taking a group of political leaders on a journey throughout the European decision making, teaching them how to make an impact on both a local as well as a continental level.
What does it entail?
From September until December, SFYN will be organizing a four-session training with regard to political activism. In these sessions, EU activists will be learning from people within and outside of the European political system and create a common strategy to demand change. Three of the sessions will be organized online and last two hours, while the last will take place in person. This to truly see and feel how we can and need to make a change while at the same time create a strong team of European political leaders.
Who can apply?
Youth (18-32) from EU member states.
How to apply?
Fill in this form before Monday, September 13th, entailing information about yourself as well as a short motivation and copy of your CV. Shortly after, the team of political leaders will be defined in collaboration with the Slow Food Europe office in Brussels. Towards the end of September, the training will start.Â
For any questions, remarks or considerations, please contact Jorrit via jorrit@slowfoodyouthnetwork.org or DM us via our social media channels.
