About this Call
For the purpose of this Youth Board, we define “children” as 0 to 17 years old following the UNCRC definition and “young people” as 18 to 24 years old.
Missing Children Europe (MCE) is the European federation for missing and sexually exploited children, representing 32 organizations from 27 European countries. Our mission is to protect children and young people from all forms of violence or abuse which can lead to them going missing or leaving their home.
We believe that children and young people have valuable experiences and knowledge that should be listened to and that their participation can increase the value of our work. Therefore, we would like to involve children and young people in our projects and day-to-day activities by putting together a Youth Board who will advise on matters, issues and decision-making across all of the organization’s activities.
We are looking for 5 to 7 members aged between 15 and 24 years old who have experience of running away from the place they live in or being forced to leave, of being in migration and/or being an unaccompanied minor, and of being abducted and/or trafficked. Children and young people who have experience of being at risk of these issues may also apply.
If this topic is close to you and if you are passionate about making a positive difference for children in the world while learning more about communications, policy, fundraising, projects and much more, we encourage you to read the full document below .
About the Youth Board
The Youth Board’s mandate will be two years. After two years, members of the Youth Board will change.
The specific tasks and objectives of the Youth Board will be decided together at the start of their assignment, however the Board will be expected to:
a. contribute to meetings with the team and with MCE’s member organisations across Europe;
b. offer feedback on different core activities such as project proposals, event planning, campaigns, and much more;
c. participate in MCE’s annual events such as the General Assembly, European conference, and fundraising activities.
Youth Board Meetings
In 2024, the Youth Board is expected to meet twice in-person. Once in September 2024 to kick-off the Board in Brussels, and once in November or December 2024 to plan the responsibilities and tasks for the coming year.
The Youth Board will also be invited to attend MCE’s conference in Greece in October 2024.
All of the travel, food, and hotel costs will be paid by MCE.
Who can join the Youth Board?
MCE will be inclusive of children and young people of mixed gender identity, ethnicity, background, and will aim to be accessible to all irrespective of their capabilities.
Children and young people interested in applying must:
• be between 15 and 24 years old at the time of the application;
• have a good knowledge of the English language;
• be part of an organization who can support them locally or have an element of support close to them;
• have experience of running away from the place they live in or being forced to leave, of being in migration and/or being an unaccompanied minor, and of being abducted and/or trafficked. Children and young people who have experience of being at risk of these issues may also apply.
• be available for travel;
How to apply?
Members of the Youth Board will be selected through an application process consisting of a short questionnaire.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, this means that the call may close before the deadline if we find members for the Youth Board before then.
To apply, please visit this https://forms.gle/SjXKVrk9qD6kVmSp8
Questions & Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Eugenia Miyashita at eugenia.miyashita@missingchildreneurope.eu.