The Young Rural Developers Toolkit has been developed by the ACORN team, and is designed to engage, empower, and inspire young people living in rural areas. It seeks to cultivate leadership, civic engagement, and community development among rural youth. These Toolkit resources are designed to be used individually in the learner’s own time and also by educators in an educational setting. We provide educators with direction on how to utilise the content effectively in a learning environment.
The Toolkit offers bite-sized learning modules, worksheets, activities, and games to enhance leadership, civic participation, and rural development knowledge. The Toolkit surrounds four key areas to rural youth development:
A message to young people from the ACORN team:
Within Europe's rural areas, you have the potential to drive change. The Young Rural Developers Toolkit resources equip you with the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to address challenges and make a difference. This Toolkit will guide you through rural development, helping you use technology, connect with others, and implement solutions. Europe's rural future starts with your initiative and vision. The change of rural areas in Europe needs starts with you!
In rural areas, active citizenship is essential for addressing challenges and driving positive change. Understanding one's role in the European community and how to advocate for rural development is crucial for youth engagement. This section aims to lay the foundation for active citizenship among rural youth. It recognizes that youth have a vital role to play in shaping their communities and the larger European context.
Content Highlights:
Use our resources as a youth worker/educator:
From the outside in, the rural development landscape can be complex. To make a difference, youth need to understand this landscape, from policy formation to execution, to actively participate in shaping the future of their rural communities. This section provides clarity on decision-making processes that impact rural areas. It emphasises the importance of youth involvement in these processes to ensure their voices are heard.
Content Highlights:
The European Rural Landscape: Bite-sized Visual Guide to decision-making bodies affecting rural communities covering:
Policy Puzzle: Piece together a rural development initiative from idea to execution
Worksheet: Charing my course in Rural Development
Teaching Suggestions:
Section 3: Building Vibrant Rural Communities
This section explores the potential of youth in various aspects of community building, including community health and identity, digital innovation, and networking. It aims to inspire youth to contribute positively to their communities.
Content Highlights:
Together, We Thrive: Ideas bank highlighting the key themes that youth can bring unique perspectives and solutions to:
Health and Wellbeing:
Cultural and Community Identity:
Digital Futures:
Networking and Social Connections:
Community Whisperers: Blog series featuring interviews with successful youth-led community projects.
Rural Vision Café: How a young person can set up and facilitate group discussions to brainstorm community ideas from a youth perspective.
Photo Voices: A youth photography challenge capturing the essence of community spirit.
Worksheet: My Blueprint for a Thriving Rural Community
Teaching Suggestions:
Effective leadership is essential for driving change in rural communities. By highlighting successful youth leaders and providing guidance on leadership qualities, this section empowers youth to step up and lead. We encourage young individuals to take on leadership roles by showcasing real-life examples of youth leaders who have made a difference in rural areas.
Content Highlights:
The European Young Leader: What sets the rural youth leaders of Europe apart?
Bite-sized Documentary Clips featuring:
Rural Leadership Forum: A moderated space for open dialogue about challenges and opportunities.
Worksheet: Mapping My Leadership Journey
Teaching Suggestions: