Alliance of Youth Workers Associations - AYWA

17/05/2026

✨The future of youth work is built collectively ✨
The 2nd AYWA General Assembly has just concluded at the European Youth Centre Budapest!
Two days of important decisions, meaningful conversations, shared vision and connection among youth worker”s associations.
Thank you to everyone who brought energy, ideas and commitment!

12/05/2026

AYWA in the EAYW
The 4th European Academy on Youth Work in Kranjska Gora reminded us once again why spaces like this matter.
At a time of uncertainty, rapid change, and increasing complexity, youth work needs more than adaptation. It needs reflection, dialogue, collective positioning, and the courage to shape its own futures.
AYWA was proud to be present in this important European space for exchange, learning, and critical reflection on the future of youth work.
From conversations on innovation, futures thinking, and the political role of youth work, to strong reminders from students and participants that youth work must remain value-driven, visible, and connected to the realities of young people, the Academy created exactly what it does best: meaningful dialogue, not easy answers.
As AYWA, we strongly believe that youth workers and their associations must be active contributors to shaping the future of the field, not simply observers of change.
Many thanks to MOVIT, facilitators, contributors, and everyone who helped create this shared learning space.
The future of youth work will not be shaped alone. It will be shaped collectively.

05/05/2026

Join the AYWA team: Administrative & Financial Officer

We are looking for a reliable and detail-oriented colleague to support our administrative and financial processes and help ensure the smooth running of AYWA’s work at European level.

If you enjoy working with systems, budgets, and organisational processes in an international environment, this role might be for you.

👉 Full job description:https://aywa.pro/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Open-call-for-the-position-of-AdministrativeFinance-Officer-AYWA.docx.pdf

📩 Apply by 18 May 2026

20/04/2026

AYWA IS HIRING
The Alliance of Youth Workers Associations is opening two positions to strengthen its work at the European level and support the implementation of its strategic priorities.

We are looking for a Project Manager to coordinate EU-funded projects, support collaboration within the network, and contribute to advocacy, partnerships, and strategic development.
In parallel, we are seeking an Administrative & Financial Officer to ensure smooth administrative and financial management, compliance, and effective organisational processes.
Both positions offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic European network and contribute to the recognition and development of youth work across Europe.
👉 Full job description available at: https://aywa.pro/we-are-hiring/

📩 Apply by sending your CV and a motivation letter to [email protected] by 18 May 2026

14/11/2025

AYWA Position Paper on Youth Work Recognition and Development!

The paper elaborates the key positions of AYWA, focusing on structural recognition of youth work as a profession, support for strong and independent youth work associations, and development and implementation of European standards for quality, competences and ethics in youth work.

The paper was created through a collaborative process that involved the national member organisations of AYWA and the youth workers they represent.

The Alliance of Youth Worker Associations (AYWA) reaffirms its commitment to shaping a strong, sustainable, and recognised youth work sector across Europe. At

24/10/2025

Here is what youth workers think about the proposal for the new Erasmus+ programme!

We are sharing the Position Paper of AYWA on the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Erasmus+ programme for the period 2028–2034. The paper was created through a consultative process that included the national member organisations of AYWA and the youth workers they represent.

Our comments and recommendations can be found here:

The Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (AYWA) welcomes the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council for establishing the Erasmus+

18/10/2025

Earlier this year, the president of AYWA was invited to speak at the Conference “Building Bridges, Creating Change”, organised as part of the Strategic National Agencies Cooperation (SNAC) on Volunteering, coordinated by SALTO European Solidarity Corps and organized by Agence Erasmus+ France Jeunesse & Sport.

🏛 “Volunteers need strong local structures to remain engaged, especially in countries where they do not exist.”
– Dragan Atanasov, Alliance of Youth Workers Associations - AYWA

🌍 For volunteering to thrive, local support systems are essential.
And to build a truly strong Europe, the EU must engage its neighbouring partner regions in this effort.

💬 Dragan Atanasov calls for investment in sustainable volunteering infrastructures, because solidarity starts at the local level, but shapes our common future.

📖 Discover more in the official magazine of the “Building Bridges, Creating Change” Conference.

📖 Read 👉 https://bit.ly/-Read-Conference-Magazine
📥 Download 👉 https://bit.ly/Download-Conference-Magazine

The conference is part of the Strategic National Agencies Cooperation (SNAC) on Volunteering, coordinated by SALTO European Solidarity Corps and organized by Agence Erasmus+ France Jeunesse & Sport.

🔎 Learn more about the conference 👉 https://www.salto-youth.net/rc/solidarity/volunteering/vol25/

10/10/2025

On the 8th and 9th of October, AYWA was part of the 10th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Youth, titled “Young People for Democracy: Youth Perspectives in Action”. Upon joint invitation by the Council of Europe and the Maltese Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation, we were represented by our president, Dragan Atanasov. This extraordinary event was a unique opportunity to discuss the state and potential of youth participation, but also to emphasise once again the essential role of youth work in enabling meaningful engagement of young people. In the words of Miriam Teuma, the Chief Executive of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ: "youth work is not luxury, it's a necessity". The conference ended with the adoption of the Resolution on the Council of Europe Reference Framework on a Youth Perspective.

22/09/2025

Montenegro did it – will your country be next?
Andjelija’s story shows what can happen when youth workers connect & rise together and form association of youth workers - UPOR CG .
📣 Join the second edition of Connect & Rise! MOOC – designed to support youth workers in building national structures where they don’t exist.
👉 Register by September 23rd!
📖 More info: https://aywa.pro/connect-rise-forming-national-youth-workers-alliances-second-edition-now-available/

19/09/2025

Participants of the first Connect & Rise! MOOC rated it:
• 5/5 for helping them progress toward forming a National Association of Youth Workers
• 5/5 for overall experience
• 5/5 for recommending it to colleagues!

Now it’s your turn! 🚀
The second edition is OPEN – register by September 23 and take the first step toward building a national alliance of youth workers in your country.
📖 More info: https://aywa.pro/connect-rise-forming-national-youth-workers-alliances-second-edition-now-available/