Young Agents of Change

Young Agents of Change (https://yac.org.ua/en/) is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political Ukrainian youth organisation established in 2017. The organisation operates nationwide to empower young people as drivers of democratic transformation, social cohesion, and community resilience. Its mission is to to shape an active and responsible community of young people for their personal fulfillment, networking and promotion of civil society. The vision is of a progressive and responsible generation of young Ukrainians actively participating in the social and political life of Ukraine and Europe. The main objectives of the organisation include: 1. Providing training, expert, and resource support to youth projects and initiatives. 2. Engaging young people in decision-making processes and strengthening mechanisms of local democracy. 3. Organising and implementing international and national exchanges, seminars, training courses, and forums. 4. Developing partnerships and networks with civil society organisations, public authorities, and businesses. 5. Promoting active citizenship and European values among young people. Since its establishment, YAC has coordinated and implemented more than 35 national and international projects in the fields of youth participation, civic engagement, non-formal education, and community development. Through its annual microgrant programme, financial support has been provided to over 40 local youth initiatives, leading to the establishment of youth councils, debate clubs, forums, training academies, and skills-development courses. Moreover, the organisation was involved as a partner in more than 70 exchange projects, with over 500 young Ukrainians participating in international Erasmus+ exchanges and training activities. In addition, YAC produces educational and methodological materials on youth participation, civic engagement, youth NGO development, youth work practice, inclusion of disadvantaged and displaced young people, preparing and implementing Erasmus+ projects. Recent materials also cover inclusive youth work in post-conflict contexts and ethical storytelling about formerly incarcerated people, along with online courses and analytical reports on relevant themes.