Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme 2024 for Young Leaders (up to €8,000) Deadline: 21 July, 2024

Applications are open for the Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) Programme 2024. Dive into the world of transformative action with the Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) programme! This call is all about empowering young leaders to make a tangible impact on their communities.

Through MYA, young transformative leaders from both shores of the Euro-Mediterranean region are invited to take the reins and implement grassroots initiatives addressing local needs and promoting inclusion. It is about hands-on involvement and real change. Moreover, these initiatives at the local community level will serve as exemplary models, showcasing the relevance and effectiveness of community action at the broader Euro-Mediterranean scope. This call is a dynamic opportunity for young leaders to unleash their innovation and drive lasting, positive change in society. So, if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and be part of something truly meaningful, MYA is calling your name. Join us, and let’s turn vision into action!

About the Programme

The Mediterranean Youth in Action (MYA) programme embodies a dynamic approach toward fostering positive change in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Grounded in the principle of experiencing through action, MYA empowers young pioneers to become catalysts for transformation and advocates for societal progress. With a steadfast commitment to peer sharing and learning, MYA cultivates a vibrant community where young leaders collaborate, exchange ideas, and harness their collective potential. Embracing a Euro-med vision, the programme bridges cultural divides and promotes dialogue, understanding, and cooperation across borders. Through initiatives aimed at empowering young people to shape public policy and promoting active citizenship, MYA positions youth as the true agents of change, envisioning a future where they play pivotal roles in shaping the societal landscape of the Mediterranean region.

Benefits

• Skills enhancement (50 pre-selected young community leaders): Elevate project management, communication, and transformative leadership skills through an online training programme. Receive a certification endorsed by the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Secretariat.
• Face-to-face kick-off meeting (25 selected young community leaders): Join a kick-off meeting in person in one of the Euro-Mediterranean countries for peer review and discussions. Refine methodologies, build connections, and prepare for the initiative’s implementation phase.
• Financial support (25 selected young community leaders): Receive up to 8,000 Euro for implementing community-level initiatives. Foster alliances, contribute to sustainable change and explore potential additional funding sources.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with leaders, stakeholders, and civil society representatives. Build a robust network for potential collaborations and future endeavours.
• Evaluation and learning support: Receive continuous accompaniment and support. Engage in online intermediate sessions, ensuring timely and collaborative problem-solving. The ALF Secretariat is committed to supporting participants at every stage.
• Communication contribution: Young leaders will actively contribute to communication initiatives, creating diverse content to share their insights. These will include direct testimonies from the young community leaders about their experiences and knowledge gained during their participation in the MYA programme. Financial compensation will be provided for these contributions.
• Additional benefits: participation in Euro-Mediterranean dialogues and MYA forum: As a selected young community leader, your journey with “Transformative Youth in Action” offers an exclusive opportunity to actively engage in participatory and policy dialogues within the Euro-Mediterranean region. This includes participation in events such as:
  • ALF youth dialogues: The top-performing young leaders will have the opportunity to actively participate in dynamic events and dialogues organised at the Euro-Mediterranean scale, amplifying youth voices and perspectives, fostering dialogue, and connecting with stakeholders and peers across the region. Participating in these events not only enhances your visibility and network but also provides a unique platform to contribute to meaningful dialogues shaping the Euro-Mediterranean narrative.

Eligibility

• Young Transformative Leaders of age between 18 and 35, who have the nationality of one of the 43 countries of the UFM, affiliated with youth-led or youth-oriented organizations active at the community level.
• The initiatives should be locally transformative, addressing community needs and promoting inclusion. They can tackle various issues, such as social, economic, public policy, or other issues, as long as there is a clear demonstration that these concerns align with the needs of the community. The implementation should be in one of the 43 countries of the UFM.

Selection criteria

The selection process is designed to ensure fairness, diversity, and relevance. ALF considers the following criteria to identify local transformative initiatives that will contribute meaningfully to the Euro-Mediterranean discourse:

• Alignment with Local Community Needs (25%): Demonstrated understanding of local community needs and a clear articulation of how the proposed initiative addresses these needs at the grassroots level. This includes analysis of the context (15%), and the targeted beneficiaries (10%).
• Background and Experience (15%): Diverse background and experiences showcasing the applicant’s ability to contribute unique perspectives and approaches to the initiative, and that they have community engagement experience.
• Feasibility and Clear Implementation Plan (25%): A feasible and well-detailed implementation plan, including a clear description of activities, appropriate indicators for outputs and outcomes, and an understanding of potential challenges and mitigation strategies and feasible in terms of the maximum financial support offered (up to 8,000 euro). This includes main objectives (10%), and activities outline (15%).
• Innovation of the Transformative Initiative (25%): Explain what your innovative approaches are to address the main objective. What is its added value?
• Usefulness at the Euro-med scale (10%): Demonstrates how the proposed initiative is relevant to and aligned with the broader Euro-Mediterranean context, taking into account the unique socio-cultural, economic, and political factors of the region.

Application

Initiate your involvement by submitting your online application via the available online form only before July 21, 2024.

Ensure alignment with the criteria, demonstrating your commitment to driving positive change in your local community. Craft a concise initiative outline, limited to 500 words, focusing on local transformative initiatives that address community needs and promote inclusion.

Only complete applications, meeting the criteria and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

For more information, visit MYA Programme.