Rural Youth Europe (RYEurope) is a European Non-Governmental Organisation for rural youth. Established in 1957, it is an umbrella for youth organisations working to promote and activate young people in the countryside. It provides international training possibilities and works as an intermediary between national organisations and youth organisations and pubic institutions at the European level. Rural Youth Europe is a member-led organisation: democratically constituted, the organisation is led by young people for young people.

WHY?

Rural Youth Europe unites rural youth organisations across Europe to promote rural development and the environment, strengthen rural youth participation and raise awareness on human rights and intercultural diversity. It aims to lobby and highlight the needs of rural youth to focus the attention of international and national bodies, as well as the general public. RYEurope actively encourages rural populations and industry and supports the development of new rural youth organisations.

HOW?

Rural Youth Europe arranges yearly seminars and a rally to discuss and share knowledge on topics such as rural development, youth participation, intercultural dialogue and human rights. It encourages members to take part in other European youth events as well. The ongoing, recent and upcoming activities can be followed on RYEurope’s website which is continuously updated with reports and calls. The Calendar of events, monthly e-newsletter and the RURAL YOUTH INFO magazine provide more insight on current activities.

WHO?

Rural Youth Europe has 26 member organisations in 23 countries and over 500,000 youth participants. These young participants are members of rural youth organisations, young farmers’ organisations or 4H organisations and consist mainly of young people who live in rural areas or have an interest in rural life.

The RYEurope daily affairs are run by the Secretary General, currently stationing at the RYEurope office in Helsinki. She works in co-operation with the Board, national and European contacts as well as preparation teams of the upcoming events. The Board consists of representatives of RYEurope’s regions (United Kingdom and Ireland, Central Europe, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe), a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The preparation teams of activities consist of experienced RYEurope members who prepare the content of the events. The activities are mostly hosted by national member organisations. National contact persons in the national offices distribute information and calls at the local and regional levels.