Local Programs (Vienna-Austria)
With over 40 active members and a growing network of 170+ peers, we organize a diverse range of activities at the local level in Vienna. Our members take the lead in planning and hosting these initiatives, while also inviting their peers to join the network and contribute to a vibrant, supportive community. Our Alumni network of 60+ remains actively involved, offering mentorship, facilitating workshops, and enriching the community with their ongoing support. We communicate and collaborate through a dynamic WhatsApp Community, featuring dedicated interest groups such as: 🎯 Speed Networking | ♻️ Clothes Swap | 🚀 Opportunities | 🏃 Sport | 💼 Career | 🍽️ Feasts
Empowerment Lab
A series of multi-day immersive hands-on trainings and learning events designed to help youth amplify their voice and influence. Through interactive workshops, participants explore leadership, community-building, and local activism to initiate impactful peer-support projects in Vienna.
Entrepreneurship Lab
This lab empowers participants to explore social entrepreneurship by identifying pressing social issues and collaborating in teams to co-create innovative project ideas that drive meaningful change within their communities. They gain essential skills in ideation, business modeling, and pitching, while learning how to develop sustainable and socially responsible initiatives. The lab culminates in a showcase where teams present their solutions to peers, mentors, and local stakeholders.
Policy Negotiation Lab
After mastering negotiation techniques and public speaking, youth take part in a simulated democratic process. Representing countries or stakeholder groups, they engage in structured debate and co-create Draft Resolutions that reflect real-world policy dialogue. This hands-on experience builds political literacy and empathy by challenging participants to consider multiple perspectives on global issues. The process enhances their understanding of how advocacy, diplomacy, and collaboration shape public policy.
Digital Citizenship Lab
Participants use digital tools to explore the evolving role of citizenship in the digital age. Through collaborative projects, they address current societal issues and co-develop Digital Action Sheets that reflect principles of good digital governance and civic responsibility. They also learn to identify digital misinformation, evaluate online content critically, and contribute responsibly to online discussions. The lab encourages ethical digital engagement and empowers youth to become informed and active digital citizens.
Action Lab
Where ideas meet implementation. Following capacity-building sessions and design workshops, participants transform their concepts into real-life local actions—from hosting school workshops on taxation and media literacy to promoting youth participation in democracy. Each action is implemented in collaboration with external stakeholders such as schools, NGOs, or local clubs to ensure relevance and community reach. The lab enables participants to put their learning into practice and witness tangible social impact.
Gamification Lab
Through the lens of game-based learning, young people explore how gamification can serve as a powerful tool for social innovation. Participants co-create interactive games that raise awareness, educate peers, and inspire civic engagement in fun, inclusive, and creative ways. Together with our members, we co-design these games through workshops that blend storytelling, mechanics, and educational content. Once developed, the games are tested and implemented in real-life settings—schools, youth centers, and community events—turning learning into an engaging, transformative experience for all involved.
Synergies Lab
We facilitate study visits and exchanges between youth workers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Participants visit organisations such as Social Impact Award, Impact Hub, POLEDU, Die Berater, SINDBAD Social Business, and WU Entrepreneurship Club to learn, network, and explore future collaborations. These visits provide practical insights into social innovation and professional development opportunities in Austria. Participants often develop follow-up ideas or collaborations with the visited organisations, creating long-term connections.
Socialising & Networking
Community is built not only through learning but also through shared experiences. Our events include cultural evenings, group outings, intercultural dinners, and game nights—all designed to foster connection, dialogue, and lasting friendships. These informal gatherings break down barriers, create a sense of belonging, and promote intercultural exchange. Every activity is designed to spark spontaneous conversations and strengthen community bonds.
Volunteering
We offer flexible short-term volunteering experiences within our organization and with local partners. With seven thematic areas and the option to tailor roles to personal interests, youth can develop practical skills, gain work experience, and grow both personally and professionally. Volunteers can get involved in areas like communications, event planning, community outreach, or educational support. Each volunteer is supported by a mentor and encouraged to reflect on their personal growth throughout the experience.
Members Local Initiatives
We encourage and support young leaders to take the initiative. With coaching and resources from our team, members propose and implement projects that address topics they care about—bringing peer-to-peer learning and community innovation to life. These initiatives are grassroots in nature and supported through our incubation process, including idea refinement, team support, and pilot implementation. Members not only develop leadership skills but also contribute to a vibrant culture of self-initiated action.