The OPEN group is a response to the need to network and strengthen youth organizations, youth councils, student governments, and other individuals and entities working in the field of children and youth. We aim to raise standards of cooperation between local social actors, thereby strengthening their agency, visibility, and sustainability of the results they achieve.

Our goal is to create a strong environment that is in active dialogue with one another, jointly seeking answers to challenges, and having a real impact on shaping local policies.

One of the key tasks of the OPEN group is also to strengthen the competences and organisation of people and entities operating in the field of children and youth, including primarily representatives of non-governmental organisations and youth activists – people active in youth councils and student governments.

The idea of establishing an OPEN group for children and youth emerged as a result of several years of activities carried out by us in Świdnica, aimed primarily at these target groups.

Having better and better knowledge in this area, we have come to the conclusion that We need a strong, effective local partnership that includes not only organizations and institutions working with young people, but also young people themselves. Organizations and institutions, including ours, that provide services to these groups develop programs independently of other entities. Now, as we continue to grapple with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and additionally face a new social situation, such as the war in Ukraine and the arrival of several hundred refugee families in our city, we feel even more strongly that this lack of connection between entities working with children and youth is particularly detrimental.

To create a comprehensive program that supports the development of children and youth, takes into account the perspectives of this age group, engages them, and strengthens their sense of empowerment, we must start talking to each other. We must meet as partners, explore our goals, values, and capabilities, exchange experiences, identify resources, and join forces. Not just once, but periodically, in a friendly atmosphere without a restrictive formal structure, without a sense of rivalry or competition, but with the understanding that there is room for everyone and that each initiative is important in meeting the needs of the local community.

By knowing each other and creating a community that supports and develops together, we will create a strong industry group equipped, above all, with the belief that we operate comprehensively and effectively.

Schedule of activities for 2025:

• February 27, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Breakfast on Action, Długa Street 33, ground floor room

• March 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Solutions Zone, Rynek 39/40, room 3

• April 8, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Solutions Zone, Rynek 39/40, room 11

• April 26, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Youth Training

• May 17, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Training for adults, Rynek 39/40, room no. 3

• May 31, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Seminar

• June 30, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Breakfast on the action, Rynek 39/40, room no. 11