Question 1

Democracy Education and Promotion

Answer

Children's and youth work plays a central role in democracy education and promotion, as well as in democratic coexistence. It provides young people with opportunities to experience, try out and help shape democratic processes, thereby fostering their political judgement and decision-making skills. This thematic focus examines various dimensions of democracy education and promotion within children’s and youth work. It looks, for example, at the framework conditions necessary for programs to realise their potential to promote democracy, the expectations that children’s and youth work can fulfil in these contexts, and how such programs can make a difference to political socialisation, civil society or the democratic community.

At the same time, it examines changing expectations regarding participation – for instance, driven by social media, which offers new opportunities for transparency and engagement – as well as threats to social cohesion posed by propaganda, disinformation and polarisation. This thematic focus invites reflection on these challenges and encourages the development of perspectives for future-oriented democracy education and promotion within and through the fieldof children's and youth work.

Question 2

Digital Worlds

Answer

Ongoing digitalisation and rapid advances in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) are opening up new possibilities for children's and youth work – both in direct work with children and young people and in administrative and organisational processes. At the same time, challenges are emerging that require a targeted transformation: technological developments must be aligned with the values and structures of children's and youth work.

This thematic focus examines the technical possibilities as well as the ethical and moral boundaries of digitalisation and AI in the field of children's and youth work. It addresses the digital lives of young people, as well as developments in digitalisation in the design of programs and the resulting changes to the working environment of professionals. Furthermore, issues relating to media literacy, the protection of young people in the media (such as bans on social media) and the feasibility of applying professional guiding principles in digital contexts will be discussed, for example with regard to the recommendations for action put forward by the independent expert commission on ‘Protection of Children and Young People in the Digital World’. The program will also explore how the increasing use of AI is transforming democratic public spheres and open societies.

The events aim to highlight ways of actively shaping the digital future of children's and youth work.

Question 3

Professionals and Volunteers

Answer

This thematic area centres on the people who shape children’s and youth work – (future) professionals as well as those involved on a voluntary basis. Key topics include initial training, continuing professional development and further education; the training of volunteers (e.g. via the Youth Leader Card/Juleica); professionalisation; and collaboration between paid and voluntary staff. These are complemented by professional practice, international mobility of professionals and innovative training pathways.

Current challenges are also addressed: anti-democratic attitudes in the workplace, the excessive demands placed on and exploitation of voluntary work, as well as issues of social inequality and classism in professional practice. It also focuses on prevention and confidence in dealing with (sexualised) violence, for example through training programmes, protection strategies and clear lines of responsibility.

Furthermore, structural developments are addressed. Alongside issues of mental health, the shortage of skilled workers and its consequences play a significant role, as do precarious employment conditions amid increasingly stringent funding requirements, and the protection of professionals from hostility in their professional practice.

Question 4

Non-formal and informal Education

Answer

Children's and youth work is a field within social pedagogical education; it constitutes an independent, voluntary and real-life-oriented educational space for young people, and a key setting for non-formal education. This thematic area explores the diverse links between formal, non-formal and informal education and learning processes in the everyday lives of children and young people. The focus is on the skills that young people acquire through children's and youth work, as well as on making these skills visible and ensuring they are recognised. Furthermore, the section addresses issues relating to educational trajectories, as well as new challenges and opportunities arising from digitalisation, hybrid learning spaces and changes in the everyday and leisure lives of children and young people.

Furthermore, the relationships between children’s and youth work and other educational settings – in particular schools, but also the family, vocational training, cultural and sports facilities, and digital spaces – are examined. In this context, the focus is on issues of cooperation, the clarification of roles among stakeholders, and the design of joint educational programmes. Current developments, such as the continued expansion of all-day education and the implementation of the statutory right to all-day support for primary school-age children, are of particular significance. Linked to this is the question of what role children’s and youth work plays within multi-professional educational landscapes – not least against the backdrop of all-day structures that have developed differently across regions. And throughout all this, children and young people, as the intended beneficiaries of (all-day) educational settings, remain the central focus of consideration.

Question 5

Practice between Innovation and Everyday Life

Answer

The lives of children, teenagers and young adults are changing rapidly, presenting children's and youth work with the challenge of responding to these changes in order to do justice to the new realities of life. This thematic area centres on the flexibility and further development of children's and youth work required in these contexts. This includes, for example, new concepts, approaches and perspectives on spaces for learning, experience and development in children's and youth work – in both the analogue and digital spheres – as well as on addressing societal challenges in the context of the polycrisis and the role of children's and youth work. Equally, the focus is on the day-to-day practice of children's and youth work. This highlights the conditions under which children's and youth work takes place, the approaches that have proven effective and define the distinctive quality of children's and youth work, and how these approaches can be further developed.

This thematic area provides a forum for discussing methods, practical experiences and concrete real-world examples – ranging from challenges and learning-oriented ‘fail-forward’ stories to examples of good practice. It also addresses issues of transferability, the structural framework for good practice, and organisational and project development. Looking beyond one’s own horizons – for example, through insights from other European countries and international contexts – is intended to open up new perspectives and contribute to the further development of children's and youth work.

Question 6

Diversity as a Resource

Answer

Increasing social heterogeneity is shaping children’s and youth work in many different ways and opening up new perspectives, not only for professionals but also for the interactions between children and young people themselves. This thematic area examines theoretical, conceptual and practical approaches to diversity, as well as its significance for educational practice and the design of programs. The focus is on the diverse participants in children’s and youth work – their different life circumstances, opportunities for participation and needs within national, European and international contexts. Various aspects of diversity, such as age, gender (identity), sexual orientation, background (e.g. nationality, ethnicity or culture), religion or worldview, are taken into account. Aspects of physical, cognitive and psychological or mental health also play a role. It will be discussed how children's and youth work addresses diversity and social inequalities and contributes to social justice. In doing so, intersectionality and overlapping lines of difference across the dimensions of diversity will be examined in such a way that neither differences are entrenched nor forms of exclusion are reproduced.

This thematic area invites discussion of (transnational) strategies and approaches that promote inclusive, non-discriminatory and participatory work with children and young people, and which view the diversity of the target groups as a resource for shared experiences and social cohesion.

Question 7

Civic Engagement

Answer

Work with children and young people is a diverse and multifaceted field of activity situated between civil society and state action. It is characterised by partnership-based cooperation between public and voluntary organisations in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. It is rooted at local, regional, national, European and international levels and embedded within various socio-political frameworks. Civic engagement and cooperation extend beyond national borders. Children's and youth work takes place in various contexts – such as in urban and rural areas – and is closely intertwined with societal developments.

This thematic area highlights the importance of children's and youth work within a shared responsibility framework involving the state, local authorities and civil society, serving as a space for encounter, participation and engagement. Children's and youth work opens up opportunities for young people to find their bearings, supports them in dealing with uncertainties and experiences of crisis, and strengthens solidarity, civic engagement and democratic participation. However, children's and youth work is increasingly facing attacks that are hostile to democracy and human rights, which can also lead to concrete threats at the local level. This challenges not only the attitudes of professionals and practitioners in the field, but also interpersonal relationships and educational partnerships. The scope for action within civil society is being restricted (‘Shrinking Spaces for Civil Society’) – in Germany as well as at European and international levels.

Question 8

Expert Forum (90 minutes)

Answer

An expert forum is a 90-minute format with a moderator, which brings together up to three thematically linked presentations on a common topic and facilitates an in-depth expert discussion. The presentations draw on different perspectives, experiences or approaches and are thematically related to one another.

The aim of the format is to bring together different viewpoints, discuss key issues and provide impetus for practice, research and policy debates. The audience is actively involved in the discussion.

Question 10

Workshop (90 minutes)

Answer

A workshop is a 90-minute format designed to encourage active participation from attendees. The focus is on collectively exploring a topic, a question, a project or a methodological approach drawn from practice, academia or politics. In addition to providing input on the subject matter (e.g. short presentation), sufficient space should be allowed for participants to contribute their experiences, perspectives and questions, or to work together interactively to develop ideas during the session.

The aim of this format is to share experiences, reflect on different perspectives, learn from one another and develop new ideas or approaches to action.

Question 11

Short presentation (20 minutes)

Answer

The short presentation is a compact 20-minute format held on the so-called ‘flash stage’ (Blitzlichtbühne), which is located in a central spot on campus. The setting is open-plan and is also aimed at passers-by. The time allocated covers both the presentation itself and the transition between presentations, including set-up and dismantling. During the short presentation, participants can, for example, present new approaches, methods, (pilot) projects or innovative ideas from the field of children's and youth work, or aimed at this sector.

The aim of the format is to provide brief and concise insights into current developments, projects or new ideas, and to spark interest in further discussion.

Please note: At the federal conference, projects can also be presented as part of the market of opportunities, for example in the ‘exhibition’ format. To do so, please click HERE to go to the market of opportunities.

Question 12

Open Space (60 minutes)

Answer

The open space is a 60-minute format that deliberately avoids fixed formal structures. It opens up space for new, experimental and exploratory ways of engaging with topics relating to child and youth work. The format invites participants to try out new ways of exchanging ideas and engaging with the subject matter. Possible approaches include, for example, dialogical, creative, interactive or performative methods that enable active participation by those taking part.

The aim of the format is to facilitate different ways of thinking, discussing and working together, thereby opening up new perspectives on professional issues.

Call For Participation: Conference Program

Theamtic Areas

Democracy Education and Promotion

Digital Worlds

Professionals and Volunteers

Non-formal and informal Education

Practice between Innovation and Everyday Life

Diversity as a Resource

Civic Engagement

Other Topics

Formats

Expert Forum (90 minutes)

Workshop (90 minutes)

Short presentation (20 minutes)

Open Space (60 minutes)

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Conference Program:

Market of Opportunities: