ECHOES: Bridging Youth Engagement and Climate Advocacy in Europe
ABOUT THE PROJECT
ECHOES (Youth Voices for Climate Action in European Elections) is an Erasmus+ KA220-YOU – Cooperation partnership in youth project, whose priority is to enable young people to make their voices and demands more heard by decision-makers and to support them to take a more active role in the climate & environment challenge.
SUMMARY
The European Youth Workers 4 Climate Change and Green Deal project highlights that many youth workers lack awareness of climate policy and communication, while young people feel excluded from climate decisions, with over half anxious about climate change and over 80% doubting government action (UN Stockholm +50 Survey, 2022). Low participation in climate initiatives, competing policy priorities, and increasing climate denial in public discourse further hinder effective youth involvement and climate action in Europe. ECHOES aims to express the youth’s voices and make them heard by the decision-makers. The project will equip youth workers and young people with skills in advocacy, communication, and leadership.
OBJECTIVES
-Youth Engagement and Empowerment
Encourage active involvement of young people in climate and environmental policy.
Empower youth for active citizenship by building advocacy, communication, and leadership skills.
Expand and strengthen the youth4climaction network to ensure ongoing collaboration on climate advocacy across the EU.
-Awareness and Education
Increase knowledge and awareness among young people about climate change causes, impacts, and urgency.
Combat misinformation and populist narratives by using evidence-based education and counter-messaging.
-Political and Policy Influence
Advocate for climate change in election campaigns across different countries and levels.
Integrate climate change issues into political discourse and campaigns to prioritize environmental concerns in policymaking.
PARTNERS
-Belgium, Climate and Environment Association Europe (CERA) – Coordinator
-Greece, Entrepreneurship and Social Economy Group (EKO) – Partner
-Turkey, Egitim ve Gelecek Teknolojileri Dernegi (EFTA) – Partner
-Belgium, Coordination CRH (CRH) – Partner
-Portugal, Associação Inspira! – Intervenção juvenil e ambiental (INSPIRA) – Partner
-Spain, VIAJE A LA SOSTENIBILIDAD S.Coop Pequeña (VS) – Partner
-Germany, Green Muse (GM) – Partner
-Netherlands, Stichting yEUth (yEUth) – Partner
OUTPUTS & RESULTS
-Youth Voices on Climate Change (YOU-VOICE):
A comprehensive report that captures young people’s insights, skills, and concerns about climate change, providing a foundation for project planning and policy advocacy.
-Climate Awareness and Advocacy Toolkit (CADPRO):
A non-formal training program designed to equip young people with knowledge and skills for effective climate action, including resources to enhance awareness and advocacy.
-Best Practices Guide on Climate and Election Campaigns (CLI-MATE):
A guide offering strategies to help young people advocate for the inclusion of climate issues in political campaigns.
-Digital Platform:
An online space that enables communication, collaboration, and resource sharing among participants, fostering engagement and outreach.
-Policy Briefs and Recommendations Booklet (CPB):
A collection of insights and recommendations based on project findings to inform policymakers about addressing climate and environmental issues.
-Co-Creation Activity for Planning Outputs and LTT Activities:
A collaborative planning session where representatives from each partner contribute to creating project outputs and finalizing agendas.
-Short-Term International Exchanges:
A two-week study visit program in which youth workers from each partner country engage in cross-cultural learning experiences in partner countries.
-Local Capacity-Building Workshops:
Workshops that held in each partner country to strengthen local skills and gather outcomes for further evaluation.
-Dissemination and Communication Plan:
A strategic plan for reaching target audiences and effectively sharing project results.
-Creating Visual Identities:
Design of the project’s visual identity, including logo, posters, and templates, aligned with the communication strategy.
-Development of the Campaign Plan and Materials:
Establishment of the campaign’s visual and content strategy, with agreed-upon design elements and objectives.
-Organizing Local Climate-Focused Events:
Community events such as debates, conferences, or summits focused on climate issues.
-Online Campaigning Process:
A structured online campaign including strategy, content creation, posting schedules, interaction with the audience, youth engagement, and performance analysis.
-Visiting Decision-Makers and Politicians:
Meetings with policymakers to advocate for climate-related actions and discuss youth perspectives on climate issues.