A NETWORK OPEN TO THE FUTURE

Partnership Building Activity in Lakabe, Basque region

From November 1–7. 2024, participants from multiple European countries gathered in the beautiful ecovillage of Lakabe, Spain, for a Partnership Building Activity (PBA) supported by the European Union. The event provided a dynamic space for organizations, initiatives, and individuals to collaborate, share knowledge, and ignite new projects in sustainability, social inclusion, and community building. Here’s a day-by-day account of our journey.

Saturday, November 2nd
Good morning from Lakabe! The first day of our PBA kicked off with a magical mix of mist and sunshine. Participants from various partner countries began arriving, although two members from Italy and Bulgaria were still en route, relying on pure hope and good vibes due to the remote location’s lack of signal.

Highlights of the Day:

• Ice-breaking games to energize the group.
• Fun, creative presentations on topics like Youth Exchanges, Green Competences (yes, bees were involved!), and the European Training Strategy (ETS).
• A warm welcome from Lakabe, an ecovillage known for its permaculture, off-grid living, and collective decision-making.

The day ended with a cozy evening session where we explored our fears, superpowers, and expectations, followed by group reflections to set the tone for the week.

Sunday, November 3rd
Our second day was packed with connection and learning. YTS shared the current structure and activities of the network. This was followed by introductions from all participants, where they presented the organizations or initiatives they represent and the projects they hope to collaborate on.

The day concluded with a powerful session led by Clara, who took us back to the origins of YTS, sharing the vision that has driven the network since its inception in 2017. This walk down memory lane deeply moved both new and seasoned members, inspiring us all to reflect on our role within this greater vision.

Monday, November 4th
Our group took a trip to Arterra Bizimodu, a nearby ecovillage, where we spent the day exploring inclusion and community structures.

Morning Sessions with Genny Carrero:

• A presentation on diverse groups with unique needs and perspectives. This session shifted our perspective, reminding us that privilege carries a responsibility to serve and that true inclusivity begins with preparation, not accessibility.

In the afternoon, we toured Arterra and learned about its community structure. The day wrapped up with a midterm evaluation, where we discussed what was working well and what could be improved. Back in Lakabe, the evening erupted into a spontaneous drum circle and free dance, ending the day with joy and connection.

Tuesday, November 5th
Tuesday was dedicated to final organization presentations and project inspiration. We kicked off with a brainstorming session, identifying what we think the network needs, what movements inspire us, and what resources we each have to offer.

This culminated in a meditation that connected us to our personal purpose and the greater collective vision. We spent the afternoon in small groups, sharing visions and methodologies, and laying the seeds for future projects. By evening, we celebrated with improv theater and “cuddle puddles,” leaving everyone warmed by laughter and connection.

Wednesday, November 6th
On our final day, we held an Open Space session, building on the ideas from previous days. Participants split into groups to explore topics such as storytelling for activists, intimacy, and ancient farming knowledge, with new collaborations and potential projects emerging.

The day ended with a Final Feedback session. Participants rotated around the room, jotting their thoughts on areas such as food, accommodation, content, logistics, and facilitation. We closed with a gratitude and reflection circle, sharing heartfelt words and nourishing the YTS flame one last time.

Celebration: Our final night featured a bonfire, where we came together to jam under the stars, celebrating the week’s connections, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.

In Lakabe’s remote beauty, this PBA was a transformative experience, sparking creativity, collaboration, and friendship. We are grateful to everyone who brought their passion and presence, and to the European Union for supporting this meaningful gathering. The connections formed here will carry on, igniting future projects and partnerships across Europe.

Text written by Sara Tencheni and Arianna Perry-Moore