The JEF Capacity Building Seminar organised from the 27th till the 29th of September at the heart of Brussels gathered representatives from a number of JEF sections across Europe. The Seminar’s aim was to learn about the varying situations of other sections and how to overcome the difficulties and challenges any organisation may face. In addition, the seminar also delved into a number of topics pertaining to volunteering, digital activism, managing of projects and finances, and organisation of events and campaigns.
The first day of the seminar consisted of a number of icebreakers for participants to get to know each other and familiarise themselves with each other. This was followed by an introductory workshop for participants to voice their expectations from the seminar as well as map out their respective sections’ priorities for the years ahead.
Participants on the second day went into more depth on a number of topics. The first workshop saw members of the JEF Europe Executive Board go into the benefits and opportunities being a part of the JEF Europe network entails. The subsequent workshops went into the importance of recruiting new members and the difficulties faced by numerous sections in doing so. This was also complimented by a detailed explanation on the origins and development of federalist movements and ideals and how they inspired a number of reforms in the European Union. The basics as well as the tools needed for project management as well as financial management were also covered in detail together with advice on how to lead and carry out an effective campaign.
The theme for the final day was mental health and how it plays a significant role in the productivity and wellbeing of members of an organisation. The final workshop went into the importance of checking in on others as well as maintaining a work-life balance so as to avoid members burning out and not discourage prospective members. A final reflection was carried out amongst participants, going into how they believe the seminar helped them and what they will take back home to their respective sections from the three-day event. Some participants, including JEF Malta’s representative, Isaac Rizzo, were also featured on JEF Europe’s newly launched podcast before the end of the seminar.
