EYP Ireland Brochure

As the citizens of the future, the EYP experience encourages young people to be aware of the thoughts and characteristics of other nations, respect their differences, and learn to work together for a common good.

The European Youth Parliament offers young people a platform on which to exchange their visions, express their own opinions, without any political connotations and without reverting to role play. Students are encouraged to take an interest in current affairs and the democratic process, practice independent thinking and take personal initiative.

If you are interested in sponsoring EYP Ireland or becoming involved and supporting our organisation, feel free to contact our Treasurer, Patrick Lavelle, for more details.

Aims & Goals EYP offers young people between 16 and 22 years of age the opportunity to express their opinion concerning European political topics.

Our non-profit, non-partisan and independent organisation unites the citizens of tomorrow. We give them the possibility to exchange their ideas concerning the present and the future of their continent.

The aims of the European Youth Parliament are to:​ • Raise awareness of European issues, encourage active European citizenship and motivate students to get engaged in European politics.

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Promote international understanding, intercultural dialogue and diversity of ideas and practices.

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Contribute to the personal skills development of European youth.

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Provide a forum in which young people of Europe can express their own opinions.

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For more information regarding EYP Ireland, please visit www.eyp.ie

Patrick Lavelle treasurer@eyp.ie | +353858432690 Feel free to visit our website, www.eyp.ie, for the latest updates on our upcoming sessions.

General Questions info@eyp.ie Social Media http://www.facebook.com/EYPIreland | Facebook https://twitter.com/EYP_Ireland | Twitter

European Youth Parliament Ireland, 8 Fitzwilliam St. Lower, Dublin 2.

www.eyp.ie 2014 © European Youth Parliament Ireland David Corish | public.relations@eyp.ie

What is EYP?

Teambuilding focuses on developing communication and group dynamics among the delegates in each committee, most of whom are meeting for the first time. Under the direction of an experienced and trained young chairperson, the delegates in each committee engage in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Some are physical, while others demand creativity, communication and problem-solving skills.

European Youth Parliament International The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is a non-partisan and independent educational project run by the Schwarzkopf Foundation which is tailored specifically to the needs of young European citizens.

EYP encourages independent thinking and socio-political initiative in young people and facilitates the learning of crucial social and professional skills. Since its inauguration, many tens of thousands of young people have taken part in regional, national and international sessions, formed friendships and made international contacts across and beyond borders.

Over the past twenty-five years the organisation has become one of Europe’s largest platforms for political debate, intercultural encounters, political educational work and the exchange of ideas among young Europeans. EYP consists of a network of nearly 40 European associations and organisations in which thousands of young people are active in a voluntary capacity. The entire network organises about 200 events every year, reaching out to and engaging over 20,000 new participants.

European Youth Parliament Ireland EYP Ireland, the Irish national branch of the EYP, was established in 1997 as a non-for-profit youth organisation which actively engages young Irish people in discussion of Europe and the European Union. Since our foundation, we have organised dozens of weekend-long conferences for secondary school students across Ireland.

On an annual basis the EYP Ireland organises 4 Regional Conferences and a National Conference, consisting of 3 and 4 days respectively. Over the next two years we will also expand and hold two international conferences; Cork 2014, the 1st International Forum of the European Youth Parliament Ireland and the 81st International Session of European Youth Parliament Dublin-Belfast 2016.

Our session officials, alumni and national governing body work on an entirely volunteer basis.

www.eyp.ie

Committee Work is the main working part of our sessions, where each committee concerns themselves with their assigned topic. The delegates brainstorm and debate their issue, eventually coming to compromises and forming a joint opinion and vision to deal with the problem put in front of them.

This is a chance for delegates to raise their own concerns and voice their opinions while they compile a resolution, containing the facts, aims and solutions of the entire committee, which they will present to the other participants at General Assembly. Delegates will be encouraged to think critically and creatively in order to create individually distinct visions, ideas and concepts.

General Assembly marks the highlight of each session and aims to simulate the workings of the European Parliament. All the committees gather together, and following the procedures of the European Parliament, each presents their resolution to the Assembly Over the course of the day delegates have the ability to put forward convincing arguments, defend their own opinions and develop public speaking skills.

Each resolution is attacked, defended and debated before being put to a vote. The resolutions that are passed by the Assembly are submitted to a number of significant local and national public figures.