Our end goal was to help European youth be more successful in leading their sustainability initiatives. To get there, we set three clear objectives: first, to create and validate a long-lasting coaching programme; second, to make sure our organisations are fully ready to run this programme in our own contexts; and third, to give our youth workers the specific skills they need to coach young people effectively. We wanted to produce a tested coaching programme divided into modules that cover the specific skills changemakers need most. A key result we aimed for was a detailed manual filled with practical methods and tips for coaches. We also wanted to secure commitment from local stakeholders (e.g. funding and expertise) so the programme could continue long after the project ends. Ultimately, we wanted our youth workers to feel truly confident and equipped to provide support. It wasn't just about making a product; it was about transforming our organisations into professional coaching organisations where youth workers feel ready to use these tools as their primary guide to help young people grow as leaders.
Across Europe, many youth are starting sustainability initiatives but face huge barriers like financial instability, lack of connections, and mental health challenges. Research shows they see coaching as a high priority to make their projects successful, but existing programs are often too rigid or don’t allow for cross-discipline coaching. We, the partner organisations, wanted to offer these coaching services to help youth combat climate change. However, we realized we didn't have the specific competences or the right tools to do this professionally. We needed to train ourselves and design a program that isn't "one-size-fits-all" but can be tailored to the individual. Our innovation is a modular approach that allows us to tailor to the different needs of different changemakers and which satisfies their need to inspire each other. Without this project, we wouldn't have the capability to adequately respond to these needs. By developing our own coaching skills and a ready-to-use program, we ensure that our organisations as well as important partners in our networks can now provide a high-quality, professional response to the climate crisis by empowering the changemakers themselves.