Youth Council of Slovakia 1990 - 2005

1. Study visit June 2006 Bratislava Youth Council of Slovakia1990 - 2005

2. Youth Council of Slovakia • we associate more than 30 children and youth organizations (over 70,000 young people) • we are a national youth council • we defend the interests of young people • we are the official partner of the Ministry of Education of the Slovak Republic in the field of youth policy • we represent Slovakia in the European Youth Forum and various international institutions Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

3. Program goals • we shape the legislative and political environment • we form the financial environment in support of working with children and youth • we advocate the interests of youth • we help organizations develop themselves • we appeal at the international level Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

4. Program goals We shape the legislative and political environment • we take part in creating legislation related to children, youth and the third sector • we support volunteer work as a means for young people to learn • we initiate cooperation between young people and the local government in the area of public life Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

5. Program goals We form the financial environment in support of working with children and youth • we participate in improving the financial conditions in the area of youth related free time activities • we bring attention to the importance of educating children in their free time and in supporting education • we dedicate ourselves to third-sector financing issues, fundraising, philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

6. Program goals We advocate the interests of youth • we furnish up-to-date information through our public information portal www.youth.sk • we communicate critical topics about youth to the public • we point out good practice examples of communication between local government, the private sector and youth organizations Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

7. Program goals We help organizations develop themselves • we offer children and youth organizations expert consulting and advisory services • we provide children and youth organizations with internet support, web hosting and e-mail setup • we inform and enable people to get involved in activities with our member organizations Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

8. Program goals We appeal at the international level • we are involved in youth politics at the European and international level • we participate in European Youth Forum meetings and activities • we work with a variety of partners abroad Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

9. Activities • Roundtables and discussion groups, conferences on current topics in youth politics • “Most“ ( The Bridge) - an RMS award recognizing the work that aims at supporting children and youth • Public information portal “www.youth.sk“ with daily updates on youth related activities • “Zoom-m, focused on youth“ – a periodical on current events in the youth sector • “@mladez.sk“ – a project aimed at helping children and youth organizations with internet communication • Educating in the area of youth policy and working with children and youth • Publication of expert and methodical guide books Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

10. Members & observers Members: AMAVET DOMKA – Association of Salesian Youth Dúha eRko Inex Slovakia KDMS – Christian – Democratic Youth of Slovakia Laura Young Social Democrats ODM – Civic – Democratic Youth Scouting Slovakia SEM – Association of Lutheran Youth Hungarian Youth Community Strom života (Tree of Life) Úsmev ako dar (Smile as a Gift) YMCA Slovakia ZKSM –Association of Christian Youth Communities ZMM – Association of Marian Youth Hungarian Scouts Association in Slovakia Regional Youth Council of Trnava Region Regional Youth Council of Bratislava Region Regional Youth Council of Prešov Region Regional Youth Council of Žilina Region Regional Youth Council of Trenčín Region Regional Youth Council of Nitra Region Observers: Aiesec Slovakia Ozvena – The Girls Choir Young Christian Workers Štúdio zážitku Nodam Montessori center Samaritan Youth of Slovak National Party Young Roma Association Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

11. We believe in • the potential of young people to grow and be self-sufficient and responsible • the individuality of young people as future leaders in society • the ability of young people to solve problems, find solutions and make responsible decisions • the value of relationships where a young person is an equal partner Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

12. Youth Council of Slovakia • we are an umbrella organization associating children and youth civic organizations • RMS has been operating in Slovakia for more than 15 years, serving organizations without regard to political, national or ethnic background • we comprise the most significant part of the non-governmental non-profit sector representing children and young people in the Slovak Republic Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava

13. Youth Council of Slovakia Youth Council of Slovakia Pražská 11, 811 04 Bratislava Tel.: +421-2 -5720 6200 Fax: +421-2 -5249 3301 www.mladez.sk rms@rms.mladez.sk Study visit, June 2006, Bratislava