About us
We've been around for a long time...
Established in 1957, we’ve supported European rural youth for nearly seven decades.
An umbrella organisation...
We unite rural youth groups from across Europe under one strong network.
Empowering Young Europeans...
We provide international learning and training opportunities.
By Young People, For Young People
Democratically led, our network is built and run by young people.
Rural Youth Europe (RYE) is a European Non-Governmental Organisation for rural youth. Established in 1957, it functions as an umbrella for youth organisations working to promote and activate young people in rural areas.
It provides international training possibilities and works as an intermediary between national organisations, youth organisations and public institutions on a European level. Rural Youth Europe is a member-led organisation: democratically constituted and led by young people for young people.
What we do
We strive to be a leading voice for rural youth in Europe, to make sure that the hopes of the next generation are heard.
Vision
Our vision is that young people in rural communities feel part of a larger European community where human rights and equality are respected regardless of opinion, gender, sexual orientation, background and beliefs. Rural youth have equal social rights compared with their urban or suburban peers and their well-being is safeguarded and supported. Rural youth are empowered, educated and supported to be active members of society on the local and European level.
The European community has a positive image of rural areas and rural lives. Rural Youth Europe is known among European institutions as an educational organisation, and its learning outcomes are widely recognised.
Mission
Rural Youth Europe works to enhance the lives of rural young people through providing intercultural learning opportunities which encourage advocacy and respect for others, and:
Bring together and develop a network of European rural youth in order to enable the sharing and promotion of best practice in an interactive, inclusive and collaborative community. We encourage a safe and supportive environment where young leaders can be empowered to reach their full potential.
Provide the tools, skills and knowledge for rural youth to develop and be motivated to work towards a sustainable and resilient rural Europe.
Provide a voice for rural youth to be heard by European institutions and decision makers on key topics. Act as a bridge between decision makers and rural youth in both directions through disseminating information and opportunities back to rural youth.
Meet the Board
The Board of Rural Youth Europe is democratically elected by the General Assembly of the organisation, directly by the membership. The board implements the decisions and policies agreed by the General Assembly, monitors the financial situation, is responsible for employment related matters and supervising staff and prepares and evaluates the international activities of the organisation.
Meet the Secretariat
The secretariat provides support and guidance to the Board of Rural Youth Europe. These young professionals are responsible for the everyday functioning of the organisation, the implementation of the decisions of the board and the General Assembly, and in general supporting the fulfilment of the mission and the strategic plan of the organisation.
