YECN launch gathering

The first public Young European Cooperators Network (YECN) online launch meeting took place on 13 February.

Cooperatives Europe supports the relaunch of the YECN network. The launch meeting provided a platform to give a new impulse to the youth movement. Together we built on the discussions of the Cardiff conference and the first explorative meeting that was held at the end of last year.

In this meeting, it was concluded that young cooperators would work in subgroups to address issues and concretise ideas in the area of communication, institutional issues and projects toward a new work plan for the coming years.

If you want to join the network or contribute these activities you find more info here.

Why join the YECN?

For those participants most engaged in the network the long-term engagement has its perks. The YECN can create opportunities at the European and international levels. 

• Have a tangible impact on decision-making about cooperatives
• Learn from other young cooperators, exchange experiences
• Build on the development of the cooperative community and create opportunities for others
• Get invited to attend seminars, EU activities, workshops, and networking events
• Put your organisation (and yourself) in the spotlight, showcase your work

This can open the pathway to the global movement for you and your organisation.

What is the YECN?

Young people around the world are set to inherit an array of complex challenges and their socio-economic opportunities are increasingly limited. The YECN brings together cooperators under 40 years old from all over Europe to exchange information, advance the interests of young cooperators on the policy agenda, and foster new opportunities. Cooperatives Europe has supported the European Young Cooperators Network since 2015 and helped the organisation of numerous youth events over the past years. While the pandemic temporarily slowed down its activities, the Network is ready to resume those in full force! Cooperatives Europe wants to support the entrepreneurial aspirations of young people, advance democratic cooperative practices that centre the interests of young people, and strengthen intergenerational collaboration.  

Don’t miss out on this chance to be a part of the future of cooperative development.