Rural Youth Europe


Rural Youth Europe is a European Non-Governmental Organisation for rural youth. Founded in 1957, it is an umbrella for European youth organisations working in rural areas. It was established as “European Committee for Young Farmers and 4H Clubs” in Rendsburg, Germany in 1957; the name “Rural Youth Europe” was adopted in 2003.

Aims

Rural Youth Europe aims to educate and train young people and create an awareness of rural and social issues. It also encourages rural populations and industry and supports the development of new rural youth organisations.
In addition, Rural Youth Europe wants to take a role in the development of environmental and agricultural issues and policies as well as network with other European NGOs. It lobbies and highlights the problems and needs of rural youth to focus the attention of international and national bodies, as well as the general public.

Government

The Board consists of representatives of the regions, a board member for special interests, a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of 2 years.
The office is located in Helsinki, Finland.

Leadership

The Chairs of the organisation have been
Sebastian LaßnigAustria2018-
Russell CaringtonEngland2016-2018
Lukas HelfensteinSwitzerland2014-2016
Kadri ToomingasEstonia2012-2014
Michael SchwabGermany2010-2012
Robin SwannNorthern Ireland2008–2010
Delme HarriesWales2006–2008
Franz FrenslAustria2004–2006
Linda SteeleNorthern Ireland2002–2004
Dace GigeleLatvia2000–2002
Neil SandsScotland1998–2000
Erling MathiasenDenmark1996–1998

The Secretary Generals have been:
Eelin Hoffström-Çağıran Finland2018-
Jenni HeinonenFinland2015-
Pia Nurmio-PeräläFinland2012-
Amanda HajnalFinland2008-2012
Eija KauniskangasFinland2006–2008
Sabine KlockerAustria2003–2006
Kaspar PoterGermany2001–2003
Claudia MerkGermany1997–2001

Membership

The group has 20 member organisations in 17 countries and over 500,000 youth participants who are members of Rural Youth Associations, Young Farmers' Clubs and 4H. It is divided into 4 regional groups:
Regional Group I
Regional Group II
Regional Group III
Regional Group IV
Rural Youth Europe arranges yearly seminars, educational courses and a rally to discuss and share knowledge on topics such as rural development, youth participation, intercultural dialogue, leadership and human rights.

European Rallies