The Networking Conference is an annual event that brings together representatives of members and partner organizations, volunteers, trainers and newcomers to exchange ideas, network and brainstorm on new projects within the IYNF Network.

In 2015 IYNF is reaching 40 years of existence and therefore the topic of the year is: “40 years of connecting and inspiring”. Throughout the year we will mark this special occasion with a celebration of our history and values, as well as to revisit past experiences and use them in the current work through new approaches.

At the same time IYNF is giving continuity to relevant topics from previous years, deeply connected with outdoor and environmental education. Therefore this activity will also comprise leadership, sustainability and human rights education, as well as to explore opportunities of localism, community development and especially to give a highlighting to projects that promote sustainable development and social justice.

The Networking Conference consists of 4 days full of workshops, group discussions, lectures and games provided by specialists and participants and inspired by youth work methodologies, including intercultural, experiential and non-formal learning. The core of the programme will be based on guided networking of the member organizations – mainly intended to promote cooperation and strengthen the relations among the IYNF partners and members – and it will be complemented with information of possibilities offered by the different European funding opportunities and IYNF network as well.

[Click for an insight from last year’s Networking Conference in Volterra, Italy]

Venue: The meeting will be kindly hosted by the local group of Dutch Naturefriends from NIVON at the Naturefriends House Koos Vorrinkhuis, in Lage Vuursche near Utrecht, Netherlands. Surrounded by a rural environment, this modern house was built 1962 and is currently one of 14 Naturefriends houses in the Netherlands.

Date and place: 13 – 17 May 2015, Naturefriends house Koos Vorrinkhuis, the Netherlands

The networking conference is open to: Delegates of IYNF member and partner organizations, volunteers and representatives of various youth organizations that share the values of IYNF and are willing to join the network are welcome to apply. The priority in selection procedure will be given to applicants who are currently active in the Naturefriends movement and to applicants below 30 years of age.

Costs: There is no participation fee, 70% of travel costs will be covered. (IYNF continuously encourages green mobility by offsetting CO2 of international air travels, as well as by fostering use of other means of more nature-friendly travel options. Therefore IYNF expects you to choose the most sustainable way of transportation, only 2nd class/economy class tickets can be reimbursed. For flights and travelling by car prior approval of the Secretariat will be needed)

Participation Rules: Participants are expected to be present at least 80% of the working time. If you are not able to fulfil this condition, please discuss with the Secretariat prior to your application. Violation of this rule might result in IYNF not being able to reimburse your travel costs.

How to apply: Please fill in the following online form.

Application deadline: 20th of March 2015

Eligible Countries: Europe (Council of Europe member states)

This activity is kindly supported by the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe and Youth in Action Programme of the European Union.

If you have any questions, please write to henrique@iynf.org.

We are looking forward to receive your application!