Youth exchanges offer young people the chance to broaden their horizons, discover new cultures, and develop vital life skills. However, for many vulnerable youth, barriers to participation can seem insurmountable. The newly released guide, “13 Good Practices for Inclusion,” responds to this challenge by sharing real-world strategies and adaptable solutions designed to make Erasmus+ youth exchanges more welcoming, accessible, and impactful for all.
From Inspiration to Action: The Roots of the Guide
Developed collectively during the Associazione Joint Network’s annual meeting in Galbiate, Italy (November 2023), this collection draws on the experiences and collaboration of youth workers and organizations across Europe. Building on years of inclusion-focused work, these best practices are born from real encounters with young people facing social, economic, and educational disadvantages.
Structuring Inclusion Throughout the Mobility Journey
The guide breaks down inclusion into five key stages of a youth exchange project, providing actionable advice at each point: recruitment and selection, preparation, implementation, follow-up, and local/international networking.
1. Recruitment and Selection:
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Personalized Outreach: Work with professionals who know vulnerable youth to identify and invite those who could benefit most.
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Step-by-Step Participation: Involve youth in local activities before sending them abroad, helping them build confidence.
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Inclusive Selection: Focus on strengths and talents, involve community members, and ensure interviews are welcoming for all cultural backgrounds.
2. Preparation:
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Clear Communication: Provide detailed, youth-friendly information to ease anxieties and clarify logistics.
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Acknowledge Needs: Directly ask participants about their needs and preferences to avoid assumptions.
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Hands-On Preparation: Organize residential pre-departure meetings to build trust and help youth prepare for new experiences.
3. Implementation:
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Select Group Leaders Carefully: Prioritize leaders with established relationships and experience in supporting vulnerable youth.
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Flexible Programming: Adapt activities and schedules based on daily feedback, ensuring all voices are heard and needs are met.
4. Follow Up:
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Meaningful Engagement: Hold post-exchange meetings to reflect on experiences, strengthen learning, and plan the next steps.
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Promote Outcomes Locally: Use community events to share achievements, empower youth, and inspire broader participation.
5. Local and International Networking:
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Active Stakeholder Involvement: Involve local organizations deeply embedded in the community, leveraging their support for outreach and follow-up.
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Long-Term Partnerships: Build continuous, equitable partnerships at national and international levels for sustainable, reliable mobility opportunities.
Why These Practices Matter
Each practice in the collection has been tested and refined in real projects by experienced organizations. They emphasize flexibility, respect for individual needs, and the creation of safe, encouraging environments where every young person can thrive. Incorporating these practices can break down barriers, increase diversity, and foster genuine empowerment in European youth work.
Download the Full Guide
For in-depth descriptions, case studies, and contact details of participating organizations, download the complete “13 Good Practices for Inclusion” PDF guide below:
Empowering vulnerable youth through truly inclusive mobility experiences strengthens not only individuals but the entire European youth sector. This guide lights the way for youth workers ready to champion meaningful inclusion in every step of their exchanges.
