Abbreviation RYEurope Official language English | Formation 1957 | |
Headquarters Karjalankatu 2 A, 00520 Helsinki, Finland Website | ||
Rural Youth Europe (RYEurope) 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.
Contents
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, (United Kingdom and Ireland, Central Europe, the Nordic countries and Eastern Europe), 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
The Secretary Generals have been:
Membership
The group has 22 member organisations in 18 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
Activities
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.