Description

The webinar aims to inspire and connect LEADER LAGs by showcasing successful projects, sharing real-life experiences, and providing networking opportunities. Through presentations and interviews with organizations that have successfully implemented Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps projects, participants will gain insights into the impact of these programs on rural youth, community engagement, and cross-border cooperation (aim no.1). Additionally, the webinar will serve as a networking platform, allowing participants to exchange experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations (aim no.2). With the support of the CAP Network, this initiative also highlights the importance of youth participation in LEADER and CLLD (Community-Led Local Development) strategies.

The seminar will not introduce the LEADER programme, as participants are expected to be aware of it.

Further, the participants will be invited to join the online platform Howspace, where space will be provided for continued discussions and knowledge-sharing beyond the event itself, ensuring that the connections and ideas sparked during the webinars lead to long-term cooperation. Neither Erasmus+ nor the European Solidarity Corps programme will be presented in detail at the seminar, but participants will be offered access to programme related materials on the Howspace environment.

A similar seminar was already held on 02.May 2025. This seminar (vol.2) has a similar structure, but new project examples will be introduced and new participants will present their experiences.

The webinar is designed for the following target groups of participants:

- LEADER LAG Representatives – Project managers, coordinators, and board members looking for inspiration and practical guidance on using E+ and ESC for youth engagement.

- Rural Development Practitioners – Individuals working in local or regional development who want to integrate youth-focused European projects into their activities.

- Youth Workers & Community Leaders – Those who collaborate with young people in rural areas and seek new funding possibilities for youth participation and volunteering projects.

- Municipality & Regional Government Representatives – Policymakers and public sector professionals responsible for youth policies, community-led local development (CLLD), and cross-sector cooperation.

Program of the Webinar:

13:00 Welcome & Opening Remarks

13:15 Inspiration Session: Best Practices from LEADER LAGs and Q&A.

14:15 Where to find information about Erasmus+ & ESC Funding, short introduction Howspace platform

14:30 BREAK (and opportunity to explore Howspace)

15:00 Networking in small groups: Finding partners for future projects, brainstorming potential E+ or ESC project ideas for LAGs, Exchange of resources and collaboration opportunities.

16:00 Wrap-up & Next Steps, future opportunities

16:30 End of the webinar.