Rural Youth Europe
Rural Youth Europe (RYEurope) is a European Non-Governmental Organisation for rural youth.[1] Founded in 1957, it is an umbrella for European youth organisations working in rural areas.[2] It was established as “European Committee for Young Farmers and 4H Clubs” in Rendsburg, Germany in 1957; the name “Rural Youth Europe” was adopted in 2003.[3]
Abbreviation | RYEurope |
---|---|
Formation | 1957 |
Headquarters | Karjalankatu 2 A, 00520 Helsinki, Finland |
Official language | English |
Website | http://www.ruralyoutheurope.com |
Aims
Rural Youth Europe aims to educate and train young people and create an awareness of rural and social issues. It also encourages rural populations and industry and supports the development of new rural youth organisations.[4]
In addition, Rural Youth Europe wants to take a role in the development of environmental and agricultural issues and policies as well as network with other European NGOs. It lobbies and highlights the problems and needs of rural youth to focus the attention of international and national bodies, as well as the general public.[4]
Government
The Board consists of representatives of the regions (United Kingdom and Ireland, Central Europe, the Nordic countries and Eastern Europe), a board member for special interests, a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of 2 years. The office is located in Helsinki, Finland.[3]
Leadership
The Chairs of the organisation have been [5]
Sebastian Laßnig | Austria | 2018- |
Russell Carington | England | 2016-2018 |
Lukas Helfenstein | Switzerland | 2014-2016 |
Kadri Toomingas | Estonia | 2012-2014 |
Michael Schwab | Germany | 2010-2012 |
Robin Swann | Northern Ireland | 2008–2010 |
Delme Harries | Wales | 2006–2008 |
Franz Frensl | Austria | 2004–2006 |
Linda Steele | Northern Ireland | 2002–2004 |
Dace Gigele | Latvia | 2000–2002 |
Neil Sands | Scotland | 1998–2000 |
Erling Mathiasen | Denmark | 1996–1998 |
The Secretary Generals have been:[5]
Eelin Hoffström-Çağıran (Interim) | Finland | 2018- |
Jenni Heinonen | Finland | 2015- |
Pia Nurmio-Perälä | Finland | 2012- |
Amanda Hajnal | Finland | 2008-2012 |
Eija Kauniskangas | Finland | 2006–2008 |
Sabine Klocker | Austria | 2003–2006 |
Kaspar Poter | Germany | 2001–2003 |
Claudia Merk | Germany | 1997–2001 |
Membership
The group has 20 member organisations in 17 countries and over 500,000 youth participants who are members of Rural Youth Associations, Young Farmers' Clubs and 4H. It is divided into 4 regional groups:
Regional Group I [6]
National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC),[7] England
Macra na Feirme, Ireland
Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), Northern Ireland
Scottish Association of Young Farmers' Clubs (SAYFC), Scotland
Wales YFC / CFFI Cymru, Wales
Regional Group II [8]
Landjugend Österreich (ÖLJ), Austria
Bund der Deutschen Landjugend (BDL), Germany
Agricultural and Rural Youth Association (AGRYA), Hungary
Slovenian Rural Youth (ZSPM) Slovenia
Schweizerische Landjugendvereinigung (SLJV), Switzerland
Regional Group III [9]
Danmarks Landboungdom + Danish 4H, Denmark
Suomen 4H-liitto, Finland
Finlands Svenska 4H, Finland
Norske 4H, Norway
Norges Bygdeungdomslag, Norway
Sveriges 4H, Sweden
Regional Group IV [10]
Activities
Rural Youth Europe arranges yearly seminars, educational courses and a rally to discuss and share knowledge on topics such as rural development, youth participation, intercultural dialogue, leadership and human rights.
European Rallies[5]
Year | Venue | Theme |
---|---|---|
1960 | Zuidlaren, Netherlands | 1st Rally |
1961 | Ulster, Northern Ireland | |
1962 | Vestfold, Norway | |
1963 | Rendsburg, Germany | |
1964 | Aberystwyth, Wales | |
1965 | Barmeveld, Netherlands | |
1966 | Edinburgh, Scotland | |
1967 | Bergamo, Italy | |
1968 | Gormonston, Ireland | |
1969 | Wien/Klagenfurt, Austria | |
1970 | Päivölä/Sääksmäki, Finland | |
1971 | Münsingen, Switzerland | |
1972 | Odense, Denmark | |
1973 | Germany | |
1974 | Maidenhead, England | |
1975 | Amot, Norway | |
1976 | Santiago de Compostela, Spain | |
1977 | Trento, Italy | |
1978 | Satila, Sweden | |
1979 | Greenmount, Ulster, Northern Ireland | |
1980 | Netherlands | |
1981 | Scotland | |
1982 | Barau, Bern, Switzerland | Nutrition and conservation of nations food supplies |
1983 | Horsens, Denmark | Local Community Prospects- Young Peoples Function in Rural Districts |
1984 | Termonfecking, Co. Louth, Ireland | Self Help |
1985 | Aberystwyth, Wales | |
1986 | Quern, Schleswig Holstein, Germany | Women and Girls in Society: Yesterday- Today- Tomorrow |
1987 | Turku, Finland | Learning and Earning through Nature |
1988 | Hampshire, England | |
1989 | Greenmount, Antrim, Northern Ireland | A Celebration Of Rural Skills and Traditions |
1990 | Gothenburg, Sweden | Nature and Human Being |
1991 | Edelhof, Austria | Protecting Environment and nature it to protect ourselves |
1992 | De Glind, Netherlands | Europe 1992- It’s just a beginning |
1993 | Melsom, Norway | Rural development and cultural identity |
1994 | Drogheda, Ireland | Emigration and Migration |
1995 | Edinburgh, Scotland | Qualities of Life |
1996 | Zollikofen, Switzerland | Limits-Encounters |
1997 | Triesdorf, Germany | Keeping Diversity – Forming Europe |
1998 | Horsens, Denmark | Give and take from your youth organisation in Europe |
1999 | Warsaw, Poland | Youth unites Europe – chances, opportunities, perspectives |
2000 | Llanfairpwll, Wales | Back to the future |
2001 | Nurmes, Finland | Nature – Source of creativity |
2002 | Salzburg, Austria | Water – Source of life |
2003 | Flekke, Norway | Ocean of Opportunities. Coastal, cultural and social value |
2004 | Antrim, Northern Ireland | Conquering Conflict Across Cultural Divides |
2005 | Perth, Scotland | Expanding Horizons: One Europe – Many Cultures |
2006 | Druva, Latvia | Pearls in Contrast – Multicultural Aspects of Rural Youth |
2007 | Bad Sassendorf, Germany | Future under construction – Youth at work in Europe |
2008 | Landquart, Switzerland | Nature and technology - the challenge for youth in Europe to find the balance |
2009 | Jäneda, Estonia | Beware - Active Youth! |
2010 | Halmstad, Sweden | DIY in the countryside: think global, act local, be vocal! |
2011 | Ruše, Slovenia | Be active – get better opportunities in life! |
2012 | Żerków, Poland | Reach Your Potential! Developing Youth Leadership in Rural Communities |
2013 | Gurteen, Ireland | Get Involved, Be the Change: Mobilising Rural Communities to Active Citizenship. |
2014 | Port Talbot, Wales | Tomorrow's World: Creating a sustainable future for you, your organisation and your rural community. |
2015 | Lambach, Austria | Work hand in hand - create your land |
2016 | Greenmount, Antrim, Northern Ireland | Bridging Diversity, Growing Together |
2017 | Ratnieki, Ligatne, Latvia | Active.Inspired.Rural |
2018 (rally to be) | Scotland |
References
- "International Rural Youth Organisations". SALTO-YOUTH. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- "Rural Youth Europe". Rural Youth Europe.
- European Youth Forum
- Youth Employment Action
- "History". Rural Youth Europe. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
- Regional Group I
- http://www.nfyfc.org.uk
- Regional Grourp II
- Regional Group III
- Regional Group IV