what is eyfa ?

EYFA (European Youth For Action) developed from a tour that was initiated by Swedish/German group in 1986 to save the old forests in Europe: then named European Youth Forest Action. From these 'routes', it developed into a European platform for grassroots, collectives, organisations, projects and individuals active on environmental and social justice issues all around Europe. EYFA's environmentalist perspective is characterised by a grassroots orientation and by considering that most environmental problems are also a question of social and economic (in)justice. EYFA works to challenge the mainstream economic system and promotes socially and environmentally sound ways of living.

Our main aim is to encourage young people's initiative and autonomy and provide environmental activists, collectives and individuals from every corner of Europe with a platform for cooperation and exchange of knowledge and experience. We do this by supporting and organising actions, seminars, trainings and other events in Western, Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Developing forms of consensus decision-making and improved facilitation methods is one of eyfa's goals. EYFA also plays a role in supporting newly emerging projects as well as established ones, both financially and logistically, by giving fundraising support and organising meetings together with grassroots organisations and initiatives.

eyfa projects

It is characterisitc of eyfa that projects initiated through eyfa become independent. Some projects, however, are central to the eyfa platform and the regular activities of eyfa office. These are:

• Ecotopia annual summer gathering
• Ecorates alternative currency system used @ eyfa events
• EVS offering organisations advice on how to apply for the European Commission's EVS programme

who does eyfa support

All forms of activism...From non-violent campaigns against ecologically and socially unsustainable systemsÃ?¢ââ??¬Ã?¦ to cultural performance...to building sustainable ways of living and working. Eyfa gives activists an international perspective, but it is very important to us that we keep our focus on the grassroots of social and ecological change.

Eyfa provides a platform and practical support for new radical ideas to grow into their full potential - some have become independent sustainable long term projects.

This information is taken from www.eyfa.org.