What Future for Youth at Risk of Exclusion? How worker and social cooperatives contribute to social inclusion of young people

Young people are the group of highest risk of poverty and social exclusion in Europe. Having a work today is not any more a guarantee for an independent and decent living. New challenges such as delayed transition from education to work, expansion of non-standard work, migration, reduction in public spending are amplifying risks and creating new forms of insecurity and exclusion. An alarmingly increasing amount of young people is losing faith in democracy and becoming attracted to populist ideologies. Equal opportunities are more rhetoric than realty for the most vulnerable categories and those facing multiplied discriminations (based on gender, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, socio-economic status, etc), being at highest risk of exclusion.

The conference organized by CECOP – CICOPA Europe will look at how worker and social cooperatives combat the exclusion of young people across Europe. How do they increase young people’s social and financial autonomy, give them control over their future and a voice in society and allow them to take care of the community? A specific focus will be made on education and training, employment and access to services.

The floor will also be given to the EU institutions and European stakeholders in order to discuss how the EU social model can adapt to a changing social and economic context and what gaps need to be addressed in order to guarantee young people’s full participation in society.