OUR MISSION The European Youth Parliament is a peer-to-peer educational programme that brings together young people from across Europe to debate the pressing issues of our time. Our mission is to inspire and empower a young generation of informed, open-minded, responsible, and active citizens that shape society and drive impact.
WHO ARE WE? The European Youth Parliament is a unique educational platform that empowers young people from across Europe to be open-minded, active citizens. It provides participants with a forum to develop and express their opinions on a wide range of topics. By bringing young people from different backgrounds closer together, it also promotes intercultural dialogue and exchange. Through our activities, our EYP participants and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to positively shape the world around them. The EYP network has an open, safe and welcoming environment - run by young people, for young people. Each year EYP Ireland runs a range of non-formal and peer-led educational activities, and provides young people with the space to grow, learn various skills, as well as to take responsibility for themselves and for others.
EYP IRELAND As EYP Ireland enters its 25th year, we are continuing to grow as an organisation and are facilitating more and more intercultural dialogue. This year, along with running out four regional sessions in Dublin, Leinster, Connacht-Ulster and Munster and our National Session, we are continuing to branch out and are running out second Digital Outreach Session, as well as our inaugural Irish Language Session. Each of these sessions gather approximately 120 students from 4th, 5th and 6th year and are organised and facilitated by EYP alumni selected from across Ireland and Europe. From our National Session individuals are selected to represent Ireland at the International Sessions of the European Youth Parliament abroad.
WHAT WE DO TEAM BUILDING
This activity stems from the importance that the EYP allocates to mutual trust, motivation and personal development. It involves facing various challenges based on problem-solving. This will help participants build a strong team with a particular set of rules, which will ensure an optimal working dynamic.
COMMITTEE WORK
Participants are allocated a specific topic that includes a variety of current problems and challenges faced by Europe. Participants gather in committees and debate possible solutions to tackle the issue. This will be achieved by the peer-to-peer methodology, adapted to every team, that fosters a professional result as well as personal development. Part of it involves being able to compromise in order to reach an agreement between the whole committee.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Culminating the work of the session, this event will be the opportunity for committees to present to the rest of participants their resolution, which will then be debated. This activity strengthens dialogue and critical thinking. Mimicking a true parliamentary debate, this invites delegates to take a stance, express their opinions and vote to decide which resolutions are approved.
CULTURAL PROGRAMME
In order to promote the feeling of European belonging within diversity, all sessions include a variety of cultural events. From Eurovillage, where each international delegation brings its own typical food and costumes, to Euroconcert, which brings participants together to perform in front of a numerous audience.
OUR IMPACT
SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
We present young people across Europe with diverse opportunities for personal growth and skills development through non-formal and peer-led educational activities.
INTER CULTURAL DIALOGUE We support intercultural understanding and peacebuilding by bringing young Europeans with different backgrounds closer together to share ideas, opinions and practices.
NETWORK OF CHANGEMAKERS
We create a network of the next generation of diverse, young changemakers, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to positively shape the world around them.
SUPPORT EYP EYP Ireland is an entirely volunteer run organisation. In order to continue our work we rely on the generosity of our partners. Our recent partners have included Bord Bia, Communicating Europe, Arthur Cox and many more. If you are interested in sponsoring EYP Ireland or becoming involved and supporting our organisation, feel free to contact our Public Relations and Fundraising Officer, for more details. Claire O’Dowd Public Relations and Fundraising Officer public.relations@eyp.ie