Croatian Youth Network is an alliance consisting of 77 youth and youth-related organizations across Croatia. The mission of Croatian Youth Network is to represent the largest number of youth organizations and organizations working for young people, acting as a strong voice that advocates for the needs and interests of young people through networking, advocacy, information dissemination, non-formal education, research, and cooperation with public authorities, educational and scientific institutions, civil society actors, socially responsible businesses, and the media – bringing these issues to the forefront of social discussions.
Croatian Youth Network’s vision is to be the most representative in a society that responds to young people’s needs, affirms their potential, and makes decisions in equal partnership.
The main objectives of Croatian Youth Network include:
- Development of methods and institutions for working with youth:
- Improving institutional frameworks for youth workers and supporting the implementation of the Bonn Process in Croatia;
- Developing the work of youth clubs, centres, and info-centres;
- Cooperation with organizations from Southeast Europe and the EU on the exchange of best practices in involving youth in social processes.
- Advocating for social rights and democratic inclusion of youth in decision-making processes:
- Improving the social rights of young people, with a particular focus on their inclusion in all forms and processes of decision-making at all levels;
- Advocating for the interests and needs of young people in the processes of public policy and legal regulation creation;
- Monitoring youth involvement in decision-making processes.
- The network develops a base of active youth and encourages (self)organization:
- Enabling young people to take direct action and collaborate with the Network, thus strengthening the capacity of young individuals;
- Organizing training, workshops, and educational activities with the goal of working more purposefully and intensively with young people;
- Strengthening training skills, advocacy, communication, and direct cooperation through voluntary and/or paid activities.
Why is Sunce interested in being a member of Croatian Youth Network:
- Influence on public policies
Since 2023, Sunce has been a member of the Croatian Youth Network. As a member, Sunce has the opportunity to actively participate in the creation and advocacy of public policies related to youth. Through joint initiatives, Croatian Youth Network helps ensure that the voice of young people is heard in decision-making processes at both the national and local levels.
- Access to education and training
Sunce, as a member of Croatian Youth Network, has access to numerous training sessions and educational opportunities offered by the organization, as well as possibilities for funding their projects through public tenders, international funds, and cooperation with other organizations. This enables Croatian Youth Network to support the better development and strengthening of organizations, as well as the improvement of their capacity to implement successful youth programs.
- Networking and cooperation with other organizations
Membership in Croatian Youth Network opens doors for Sunce to network with other youth organizations both nationally and internationally. This allows for the exchange of ideas, joint projects, and the expansion of support networks and cooperation, which can be crucial for successful community work.
- Participation in international initiatives
As Croatian Youth Network is a member of international networks and organizations, it provides its members, including Sunce, the opportunity to participate in international projects and initiatives. This offers greater opportunities for youth mobility, exchange of experiences, and the acquisition of new knowledge that can be applied in local communities.
- Increased visibility and reputation
Croatian Youth Network supports Sunce in promoting its activities (for example: Swap fair) through its communication channels, website, and social media. This support can help Sunce enhance its reputation and attract new members or partners.