OPEN CALL for Mentors: Youth Movement & Campaign Accelerator

We are currently looking for mentors with experience in civil society, activism, campaigning, youth work, communications, advocacy or related fields. Mentors will support and empower participants of the Youth Movement & Campaign Accelerator (YMCA), a programme that supports young activists in developing and strengthening their campaigns.

APPLY HERE!

What is YMCA?

The Youth Movement & Campaign Accelerator (YMCA) is a programme that supports young activists in developing and strengthening their campaigns. Over the course of the programme, participants receive training, exchange ideas with peers, and work on shaping initiatives that create meaningful change in their communities.

Right now, they are entering the final phase — where ideas need to become concrete outputs. Participants work in small buddy groups of 3–4 activists, each focusing on a specific theme (such as youth participation, advocacy, communications, community mobilisation, social justice, or partnerships).

This is where you come in.

What does a mentor do?

Participants have been divided in “buddy groups” of 3-4 people, based on their topics and needs for the implementation phase of their actions. As a mentor, you will accompany one buddy group during the last stage of their work.

Your role is not to run their project — but to:

• Be a sounding board
• Ask the right questions
• Give them constructive feedback
• Share your experience
• Help them refine their strategy
• Keep them motivated and focused
• Connect them to relevant organisations
• You’ll support them in turning their work into a strong, clear and impactful final output.

What is expected?

Between March and May 2026, you will:

• Hold at least 3 online meetings with your assigned buddy group
• Provide strategic advice and constructive feedback
• Help the group clarify their goals and next steps
• Connect them with at least 2 relevant civil society organisations or civic associations
• Be available for light follow-up communication when needed
• The total time commitment is approximately 10-15 hours over three months.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for people who:

• Have experience in civil society, activism, campaigning, youth work, communications, advocacy or related fields
• Enjoy supporting and empowering young people
• Can give honest, practical and encouraging feedback
• Have some availability between March and May 2026

Each buddy group has a specific thematic focus, so mentors will be matched based on their background and skills. We especially welcome experience in:

• campaign strategy & advocacy,
• digital communication & storytelling,
• data collection and impact evaluation,
• policy research,
• fundraising & sustainability,
• community organising, and much more

You don’t need to be a “perfect expert” — but you should feel confident sharing your experience and helping others grow.

Timeline

• February 2026 – Mentor selection & matching
• March 2026 – Mentorship phase begins
• March–May 2026 – At least 3 mentoring meetings
• End of May 2026 – Final outputs completed

What we offer:

• The chance to support passionate young activists across Europe
• A connection to a vibrant transnational civic network
• An honorarium of €150 (TBC)
• A meaningful mentoring experience with tangible impact

How to apply?

To apply, please fill in our online application form until March 7, 2026. You will be asked to share:

• A short motivation statement
• Your relevant experience
• Your thematic expertise
• Your availability between March and May 2026

APPLY HERE!