Rural Youth Europe (RYEurope) is a European Non-Governmental Organisation for rural youth.[1] Founded in 1957, it is an umbrella for European youth organisations working in rural areas.[2] It was established as “European Committee for Young Farmers and 4H Clubs” in Rendsburg, Germany in 1957; the name “Rural Youth Europe” was adopted in 2004.
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the group has 26 member organisations in 23 countries and over 500,000 youth participants who are members of Rural Youth Associations, Young Farmers’ Clubs and 4H organisations.
Rural Youth Europe aims to educate and train young and create an awareness of rural and social issues. It also actively encourages rural populations and industry and supports the development of new rural youth organizations.
In addition, Rural Youth Europe wants to take an active role in the development of environmental and agricultural issues and policies and network with other European NGOs. It lobbies and highlights the problems and needs of rural youth to focus the attention of international and national bodies, as well as the general public.[3]
The Board consists of representatives of the regions, (United Kingdom and Ireland, Central Europe, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe), a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of 2 years. The Secretariat is located in Helsinki, Finland.[4]
The Chairs of the organisation have been [5]
| Michael Schwab | Germany | 2010- |
| Robin Swann | Northern Ireland | 2008–2010 |
| Delme Harries | Wales | 2006–2008 |
| Franz Frensl | Austria | 2004–2006 |
| Linda Steele | Northern Ireland | 2002–2004 |
| Dace Gigele | Latvia | 2000–2002 |
| Neil Sands | Scotland | 1998–2000 |
| Erling Mathiasen | Denmark | 1996–1998 |
The Secretary Generals have been:[5]
| Amanda Hajnal | Finland | 2008- |
| Eija Kauniskangas | Finland | 2006–2008 |
| Sabine Klocker | Austria | 2003–2006 |
| Kaspar Poter | Germany | 2001–2003 |
| Claudia Merk | Germany | 1997–2001 |
Rural Youth Europe arranges yearly seminars, educational courses and a rally to discuss and share knowledge on topics such as rural development, youth participation, intercultural dialogue, leadership and human rights.
| Year | Venue | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1960 | Zuidlaren, Netherlands | 1st Rally |
| 1961 | Ulster, Northern Ireland | |
| 1962 | Vestfold, Norway | |
| 1963 | Rendsburg, Germany | |
| 1964 | Aberystwyth, Wales | |
| 1965 | Barmeveld, Netherlands | |
| 1966 | Edinburgh, Scotland | |
| 1967 | Bergamo, Italy | |
| 1968 | Gormonston, Ireland | |
| 1969 | Wien/Klagenfurt, Austria | |
| 1970 | Päivölä/Sääksmäki, Finland | |
| 1971 | Münsingen, Switzerland | |
| 1972 | Odense, Denmark | |
| 1973 | Germany | |
| 1974 | Maidenhead, England | |
| 1975 | Amot, Norway | |
| 1976 | Santiago de Compostela, Spain | |
| 1977 | Trento, Italy | |
| 1978 | Satila, Sweden | |
| 1979 | Greenmount, Ulster, Northern Ireland | |
| 1980 | Netherlands | |
| 1981 | Scotland | |
| 1982 | Barau, Bern, Switzerland | Nutrition and conservation of nations food supplies |
| 1983 | Horsens, Denmark | Local Community Prospects- Young Peoples Function in Rural Districts |
| 1984 | Termonfecking, Co. Louth, Ireland | Self Help |
| 1985 | Aberystwyth, Wales | |
| 1986 | Quern, Schleswig Holstein, Germany | Women and Girls in Society: Yesterday- Today- Tomorrow |
| 1987 | Turku, Finland | Learning and Earning trough Nature |
| 1988 | Hampshire, England | |
| 1989 | Greenmount, Antrim, Northern Ireland | A Celebration Of Rural Skills and Traditions |
| 1990 | Gothenburg, Sweden | Nature and Human Being |
| 1991 | Edelhof, Austria | Protecting Environment and nature it to protect ourselves |
| 1992 | De Glind, Netherlands | Europe 1992- It’s just a beginning |
| 1993 | Melsom, Norway | Rural development and cultural identity |
| 1994 | Drogheda, Ireland | Emigration and Migration |
| 1995 | Edinburgh, Scotland | Qualities of Life |
| 1996 | Zollikofen, Switzerland | Limits-Encounters |
| 1997 | Triesdorf, Germany | Keeping Diversity – Forming Europe |
| 1998 | Horsens, Denmark | Give and take from your youth organisation in Europe |
| 1999 | Warsaw, Poland | Youth unites Europe – chances, opportunities, perspectives |
| 2000 | Llanfairpwll, Wales | Back to the future |
| 2001 | Nurmes, Finland | Nature – Source of creativity |
| 2002 | Salzburg, Austria | Water – Source of life |
| 2003 | Flekke, Norway | Ocean of Opportunities. Coastal, cultural and social value |
| 2004 | Antrim, Northern Ireland | Conquering Conflict Across Cultural Divides |
| 2005 | Perth, Scotland | Expanding Horizons: One Europe – Many Cultures |
| 2006 | Druva, Latvia | Pearls in Contrast – Multicultural Aspects of Rural Youth |
| 2007 | Bad Sassendorf, Germany | Future under construction – Youth at work in Europe |
| 2008 | Landquart, Switzerland | Nature and technology - the challenge for youth in Europe to find the balance |
| 2009 | Jäneda, Estonia | Beware - Active Youth! |
| 2010 | Halmstad, Sweden | DIY in the countryside: think global, act local, be vocal![6] |
| 2011 | Ruše, Slovenia | Be active – get better opportunities in life![7] |