Resources for mission on young people in Europe
A survey of some helpful resources for mission in Europe amongst young people.
Publications
Written from a UK perspective, Teenagers: Why do they do that? by Nick Pollard explores how culture affects young people’s behaviour today.
The 2010 book, The faith of Generation Y, written by Syliva Mayo-Collins, Bob Mayo and Sally Nash provides sociological and theologically based insights into attitudes of British teenagers towards faith and the Church. An earlier companion book Making Sense of Generation Y, the World View of 15-25 year olds (published in 2006) explores how the media and arts affect how young people make sense of the world, and the implications for the Church. Both books are published by Church House Publishing.
Websites
The Alpha course is also available for young people as Youth Alpha. The Alpha course content has been adapted for teenagers, and runs over ten sessions plus a weekend or day away. According to their website, Youth Alpha is being used around the world by a wide variety of churches, as well as teenagers in schools. More information at youthalpha.org
The Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe (EYCE) is a network of young Christians, with member organisations in 26 European countries. These include national ecumenical youth councils and denominational youth councils which organise conferences, seminars and camps. The EYCE also hosts seminars, study sessions, consultations and training events on themes such as ‘modern technology and Christianity, perspectives on overcoming violence and human rights education. You can find out more at www.eyce.org
Both the European Union and Council of Europe have departments focusing on youth and young people. You can find out about all of the Council of Europe’s activities at http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/youth/default_en.asp. In particular, their European Youth Foundation offers grants and financial support to non-governmental youth organisations. There are several categories, each with funding priorities – visit http://www.eyf.coe.int/fej/ to find out more.
The European Union’s Youth for Europe is a “platform based on the expected evolution of the European Youth policy with regards on young people's own European experience and the "Youth in action" programme (2007-2013).” Its main aim is to help you network – you can register an email address and profile your organisation on their website, and find out about other organisations and projects happening in your area. There are also funding opportunites – see http://www.youthforeurope.eu for more information.