YES project: pathways to the heart of youth influence

Over the course of two years, young people will have opportunities to make social changes! Caritas Finland is participating in the Youth Empowerment for a Stronger Europe (YES) project, which aims to increase young people’s opportunities to have an impact on social issues at both the local and European levels. 

We offer young people  

• Tools, skills and opportunities to influence social issues, develop social innovations and promote their implementation.
• Concrete pathways to participate, influence and make a change – together and in a sustainable way. 
• The project is based on EU’s core values: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and human rights, which Caritas organizations also subscribe to. The project particularly raises the voice of young people and encourages them to build a fairer and more inclusive Europe. 

What’s happened in the project 

• In autumn 2025, a training was organized in Prague. The training developed tools to support young people’s social influence
• In spring 2026, training was organized for young people in Berlin. In addition, a network of young influencers has been built.
• The youth ambassadors published their influence campaign “Light Together”. The mental health-themed campaign will continue throughout the project. 

Upcoming events in the project 

• The youth-led campaign “Light Together” will continue throughout the summer and will be featured at Meilahti Day 2026
• Roundtable discussions with decision-makers and young people will be held in early autumn 2026. 
• Welcome to participate in the discussions and build bridges between young people, youth work professionals and decision-makers!
• More information about the schedules and decision-makers will be published during the summer and early autumn.
• Trip to the European Parliament in autumn 2026. As part of the visits, bridges will be built between young people and decision-makers, and young people will be given an overview of the innerworkings of the Parliament. 

The YES project is coordinated by Caritas Czech Republic and joined by Caritas Europa, Caritas Slovenia, Caritas Finland and YES Forum. The project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and will be implemented in 2025–2027. As part of the project, three youth ambassadors are operating in Caritas Finland. They will participate in the project’s training and implement local campaigns. 

You are welcome to join the project or to follow the progress of the project and support the voice of young people for a more just Europe! For any inquiries regarding participation and project details, please contact project coordinator Lauri Leinonen. 

Contact details 

Project Coordinator: Lauri Leinonen, lauri.leinonen@caritas.fi 
+358443530587