Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Council of Europe calls for applications for yung people to take part in the 2020 edition of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities' “Rejuvenating politics” initiative (38th and 39th sessions and project preparation). 

As part of its “Rejuvenating politics” initiative the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe will invite one young person per member State to: come to Strasbourg (France) to take an active part, as a youth delegate, in its 38th (17-19 March) and 39th (27-29 October) sessions develop their own grass-roots project back home (under the Congress’ aegis). Since October 2014, the Congress has invited young people from different backgrounds – youth activists, youth workers, students to take part in its sessions, to have their say in the debates and to exchange with Congress members on the issues on the agenda.   

Since 2016, as an integral part of their participation, youth delegates have been required to develop their own projects at local and regional level in between the sessions. 

Being a youth delegate for a year is a unique opportunity to gain international experience, become a part of a diverse group of young activists, network and make an impact by stimulating the debates from a youth perspective thereby highlighting and strengthening the Congress’ commitment to youth empowerment. The youth delegates will sit in the hemicycle alongside the Congress members for both sessions. 

A one-day preparatory session will be held prior to each session.  This day is not intended as a training day, its purpose is to familiarise youth delegates with the Congress and its proceedings; delegates should already have the necessary public speaking skills, be able to prepare short speeches and capable of analysing policy documents.

A  welcome evening will be organised prior to each session, an optional farewell evening will be organised on 19 March and 29 October. Furthermore, between March and October, youth delegates will remain involved in the work of the Congress. They will be required to develop a local or regional project related to the Congress’ priorities or to the session themes for 2020. Those wishing to apply to take part in the 38th and 39th Congress sessions must do so by means of the online application form . Participation in only one session is not possible.  

Applicants must also submit a short video, via YouTube, of no more than 30 seconds, to support their application. The link to the video (title should contain only the applicant’s name and country) should be sent together with the application. Please note that candidates should not present themselves on the video but answer the question that has been put.  This is an integral part of the application. 

The deadline for submitting completed applications is 3 January 2020.

The youth delegates will be selected by a selection panel which includes the Congress’ Spokespersons on Youth, the youth trainers and two members of the Council of Europe’s Advisory Council on Youth. The panel will ensure that the selected applicants represent a balanced group with regard to gender, cultural background and experience.

All youth delegates should: 

• be open, committed and motivated to develop and strengthen dialogue between young people and elected representatives at local/regional level;
• be between 18 and 30 years old;
• hold the passport of, and live in, the country they will represent;
• be active in youth work at local and regional levels;
• be available to engage in the whole of the activity including the preparation of grass-roots projects;
• have an interest in actively participating in policy making at local and/or regional levels but not be an elected representative;
• be able to multiply the information obtained during the session on their return home
• have good writing and public speaking skills
• be committed to working in an intercultural team;
• not have participated in the initiative previously;
• speak English fluently;

Applicants will be informed of the results of the selection procedure by 31 January 2020. More here.