We are organising a series of workshops to provide Youth workers across Scotland with information and training relating to the current European Union Youth in Action 2007 - 2013 Programme.

Youth in Action is an EU Programme for young people aged 15-28 (in some cases 13-30). It aims to inspire a sense of active citizenship, solidarity and tolerance among young Europeans and to involve them in shaping the Union's future.

It promotes mobility within and beyond the EU borders, non-formal learning and intercultural dialogue, and encourages the inclusion of all young people, regardless of their educational, social and cultural background.

The planned workshop sessions will cover the funding opportunities that exist for both individuals and youth organisations, guidance on the different ‘Action’ criteria that make up the programme, identifying the factors that contribute to the design of a good quality youth project, and giving advice on the application process. The workshops will run from 12 – 15 May. The Youth in Action programme is the European Union’s mobility and non-formal education programme targeting young people. Its general objectives are:

			Promote young people’s active citizenship in general and their European citizenship in particular
			Develop solidarity and promote tolerance among young people, in particular in order to foster social cohesion in the European Union
			Foster mutual understanding between young people in different countries
			Contribute to developing the quality of support systems for youth activities and the capabilities of civil society organisations in the youth field
			Promote European cooperation in the youth field.

This is the first time that such an event has been organised in Scotland and a total of 300 places have been made available during the week for both public sector and voluntary sector Youth Workers. The workshops will be run by Connect Youth and members of our Youth Committee.

If you are interested in attending any of the workshops listed below please e-mail geoff.wooldridge@britishcouncil.org.

The workshops will take place on:

Monday - 12 May 2008 6pm - 9pm at:
Mastrick Young Persons Project
Lang Stracht
Aberdeen AB15 6JA

Tuesday 13 May 2008
Mastrick Young Persons Project
Lang Stracht
Aberdeen AB15 6JA

Tuesday 13 May 2008 6pm - 9pm
Dundee Contemporary Arts
152 Nethergate
Dundee DD1 4DY

Wednesday 14 May 2008
Stirling Youth Partnership
Dunblane Centre
Stirling Road
Dunblane KK15 9EY

Thursday 15th May 2008 2pm - 5pm and 6pm - 9pm
Lord Todd Conference Room
Lord Todd Centre
University of Strathclyde
Cathedral Road
Glasgow G1 1XP