TIPS - Tips for Inclusion from Portugal and Spain

<< Background >>We applied for this project because it responded to the pressing needs of organizations working with youth on both local and international levels. The participating organizations, DOTS and B-Live, shared similar objectives and had a strong need to exchange experiences and best practices. By implementing the project, we aimed to strengthen organizational capacity, enhance the quality of youth work, and establish a common framework for cooperation.The project also addressed the needs of one of our main target groups—youngsters with fewer opportunities from Spain and Portugal. It enabled them to develop personal and professional skills.Additionally, local organizations in Spain and Portugal benefited from increased capacity through volunteer involvement, cultural exchange, and new networking opportunities. The project helped raise their visibility and encouraged them to move towards a more European dimension, overcoming common challenges such as limited resources, lack of knowledge, and insufficient tools for inclusion.Overall, the project was designed to empower both young people and the organizations that support them, especially by addressing issues like unemployment, rural isolation, and the needs of NEETs. << Objectives >>By implementing the project, we wanted to promote the social inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities and strengthen the capacity of youth organizations in Spain and Portugal. Our goal was to equip youth workers with the tools and skills needed to support marginalized youth effectively and to foster active and responsible citizenship among young participants.We also aimed to build a strong network of organizations engaged in international volunteering and inclusion, especially those new to the field. Through collaboration, training, and the development of practical resources, we intended to improve the quality of youth work and encourage more organizations to take part in European initiatives.Ultimately, we wanted to empower young people, increase their participation in society, and support the development of inclusive practices that would have a lasting impact on both local and European levels.<< Implementation >>We implemented a variety of activities throughout the project to achieve our goals. We started with a transnational partners' meeting as a kick-off to align objectives and ensure effective collaboration. An online focus group was conducted to gather insights and foster dialogue among youth and professionals.We developed two key toolkits: “TIPS for Supporting Youth Participation” and “TIPS for Hosting Young Participants”, both aimed at improving inclusion practices and supporting youth workers and organizations.In addition, we carried out two training courses—one focused on supporting youth participation and another on hosting young participants with fewer opportunities. These sessions helped build the capacity of youth workers in both Spain and Portugal.Finally, we organized a multiplier event to disseminate the results of the project, share the developed tools, and engage a wider audience in discussions about youth inclusion and participation.<< Results >>The project produced several concrete outputs and impactful results. One of the main achievements was the creation of two educational toolkits: “TIPS for Supporting Youth Participation” for sending organizations, and “TIPS for Hosting Young Participants” for hosting organizations. These guides offered practical tools and strategies for including young people with fewer opportunities and ensuring their meaningful engagement throughout the project.The project also developed a pool of trained youth workers from Spain and Portugal who became experts in inclusion. These professionals played a key role in supporting marginalized youth and promoting inclusive practices within their organizations.Additionally, we successfully included young people with fewer opportunities in all activities, ensuring their access to information, training, and participation despite socioeconomic or health-related barriers. The project further involved local organizations in Spain and Portugal that were interested in or new to international volunteering. This led to the expansion of a European network focused on youth inclusion and volunteering. Many of these organizations were encouraged to pursue the Quality Label and develop European Solidarity Corps.