CALL FOR FORUM TEAM MEMBERS 2026

Are you passionate about youth empowerment and ready to put your event experience to work on an international stage?

We're assembling a skilled organising team to bring 50 youth workers from across Europe together in Germany next autumn – exploring what it means to lead in an increasingly hybrid world. If you've got a track record in project coordination, facilitation, or event production and want to be part of something meaningful, we want to hear from you.

JOIN US

The Value-driven Leadership Forum is an ambitious international gathering organised by The VALE Team in partnership with Youth For Understanding organisations across Europe. Taking place in Germany (city TBD) in November 2026, this Forum will bring together 50 youth workers from more than 13 countries for an intensive, participant-driven leadership experience exploring hybrid (digital and in-person) leadership in the non-profit sector. To make this vision a reality, we're building our core organising team – maybe you are the one we're looking for?

Everything at a glance

Event

The VALE Leadership Forum 2026

Role

Co-organiser

Project Start Date

January 2026

Event date

~ November 2026

Application deadline

January 4th 2026

So, what's the Forum all about?

A Unique Format

The Forum spans 3 full days and 2 half days, combining two distinct but interconnected components: the Leadership Lab (a closed, intensive peer-learning environment for 50 participants) and the Leadership Symposium (a public event bringing Lab participants together with local German youth work practitioners).

This dual format creates space for both deep learning and broad professional exchange.

Participant-Driven Learning

Unlike traditional conferences, our Forum is built on co-creation. Participants don't just attend – they become peer facilitators, leading workshops, shaping discussions, and teaching each other.

Through "learning by teaching," they deepen their own understanding while building their capacity as multipliers in their home organisations.

Theme: Hybrid Leadership

In an increasingly digital and decentralised world, youth work happens both online and offline. This Forum explores what it means to lead across these spaces – motivating teams remotely, cultivating connection in hybrid environments, and building value-driven leadership that transcends physical boundaries.

Together, we'll create practical tools and strategies grounded in the real challenges youth workers face.

Are you our missing puzzle piece?

You might be, if you...

Have these core competencies:

Can dazzle people with your fluent English
Are enthusiastic about the topic of hybrid leadership and value-driven youth work
Have experience working in project teams, ideally for bigger events (30+ people)
Work well independently and take initiative
Are a collaborative team player who thrives in co-creative environments
Can work effectively in digital settings (we'll be coordinating across countries!)
Are reliable, proactive, and follow through on commitments

Fit this general profile:

Excited about The VALE mission and believe in empowering youth workers as leaders and changemakers
Open, responsive, and bring positive energy to everything you do
Located in Europe, or can travel independently to Europe from where your cost of travel will be covered
Bonus: A prior connection to The VALE's projects
Bonus: Experience with youth work, volunteering, or leadership in non-profit contexts

And especially, if you will be...

Available for the full scope of the project (starting January 2026, concluding ~January-February 2027)
Physically available for the Forum dates in Germany in autumn 2026 (specific dates decided within the team)
Able to commit to approximately 3-5 hours per week on average (some weeks less, some more; workload increases closer to the Forum)
Able to attend an in-person preparatory meeting in Germany in March (dates TBD)

Areas where we especially need expertise

We're not looking for someone who can do everything – we're building a team! If you have strengths in any of these areas, we want to hear from you. Many team members will naturally fit multiple profiles.

Areas:

Partnership & Outreach
Event Programming & Stage Design
Educational Design & Facilitation
Communication & Visual Storytelling
Logistics & On-Site Coordination
Budget & Financial Management

Here's the thing though: while we're assembling an experienced team where all these competencies are present, we highly value growth-oriented people who are eager to take on new challenges. The right attitude beats skills every day of the week. If you're excited to stretch yourself, learn new things, and step into areas where you might not yet be an expert – that enthusiasm and willingness to grow is exactly what we're looking for.

Responsibilities

Planning & Preparation (~70%)

Participate in in-person preparatory meetings with the organising team
Co-create the Forum's structure, flow, and logistics based on The VALE's values and educational principles
Collaborate on your specific area(s) of responsibility (partnerships, programme design, communications, logistics, finance, etc.)
Support participant selection and communication
Contribute to planning for inclusion, accessibility, and environmental sustainability
Attend regular online team check-ins (weekly during intensive phases)

Delivery & On-Site Facilitation (~20%)

Be present for the entire Forum (3 full days + 2 half days, plus arrivals/departures)
Take ownership of your area(s) of responsibility during the Forum
Support the overall flow and atmosphere of both the Leadership Lab and public Symposium
Troubleshoot challenges as they arise (because they always do!)
Work collaboratively with the team to ensure everything runs smoothly
Create a welcoming, inclusive, and energising atmosphere

Follow-up & Evaluation (~10%)

Contribute to the final project report and evaluation
Support participant follow-up activities and alumni network establishment
Process and share documentation (photos, insights, learnings)
Participate in team debriefs and reflection meetings
Help disseminate results through The VALE's channels
Celebrate what we've built together!

What's in it for you?

What we offer

Financial support: Please note that this is a volunteer-based position. However, travel to venue, accommodation and meals are covered by the project.
Professional growth: Hands-on experience organising an international event with real impact, strengthening competencies in project management, team coordination, and leadership
A values-driven environment: Immerse yourself in a leadership-focused project where you'll be challenged to bring your best ideas and supported to grow. We're building something meaningful together
An extraordinary team: Join our ambitious, competent, and genuinely fun international organising team with deep experience in youth work, education, and leadership development. You'll be inspired, supported, and pushed to grow
Meaningful impact: Give your time and skills toward something you believe in – empowering youth workers across Europe to become better leaders who create transformative experiences for young people
Networking: Build lasting connections with youth work professionals, partner organisations, and Germany's vibrant youth sector
Personal development: Develop skills you can't learn in a classroom – navigating complexity, working across cultures, making things happen under pressure
A standout CV addition: This is a unique experience that sets you apart. And yes, we'll write an amazing letter of recommendation if you need one

If you're ready to take on this exciting challenge and help us create an unforgettable experience for 50 youth workers and beyond, we want to hear from you! Apply now and join The VALE team in making a lasting impact.

Apply by Jan 4 2026 23:59 CEST!

If you've read this call all the way to here, that's a great sign you should consider applying to the team.

If you're interested in the project, don't hesitate to ask us about it – we'd be delighted to tell you more. Either shoot us an email, or if you'd rather speak to someone directly, leave us your phone number, and we'll gladly take a call!

QUESTIONS? Do not hesitate to ask Erik Sundberg (erik@thevale.eu ) or Louisa Richter (louisa@thevale.eu) via email, Messenger, or WhatsApp.

To the application form