Statement regarding activities during Coronavirus pandemic

We are facing strange and difficult times now that the Coronavirus is active worldwide. Countries, organisations, whole populations are facing challenges in finding the best way to cope with this unknown situation. And so does DBYN. We have to keep in mind a lot of measures since we are a European network. Not only national measures, but also these from E+, CoE, local governments, institutions and member organisations have an influence on our work. Therefore, we are forced to take tough but well considered decision.
 
It is still uncertain how this will influence our projects within DBYN. Therefore, we decided to postpone all DBYN projects that would take place before the 31st of August 2020.
More concrete this would mean that following activities will be postponed:

• European Summer School of Animators (ESSOA) in Lviv, Ukraine. (19-25/07/2020)
• Celebration DBYN 2020 in Benediktbeuern, Germany (22-23/08/2020)
• European Green Youth Work Deal, Benediktbeuern, Germany (18-24/08/2020)

 
These activities will be postponed to a later date (to be decided) following the rules of the E+-contracts.
For the Summer Exchange of Animators (SEA), we count on our member organisations to make their own wise decisions.
 
Activities taking place after 31st of August 2020:
DBYN will follow on the developments in the countries and on the information it gets from the member organisations. Good and clear communication is essential in these matters: therefore, we ask every member to keep us posted regarding changes within their organisations and countries. The secretariat will ask for regular updates about new developments. DBYN will also continue to follow the official communication from Erasmus+, European Commission and Council of Europe. Having gathered all necessary information, we will make a conscious and wise decision for the planned activities in consultation with the A.B. and G.E.B. The priority in this decision will be everyone’s health and wellbeing.
We want to commit ourselves into making our next decision two months before the start of a project. That means that you will receive a next update the latest on the 30th of June 2020. This gives our member organisations enough time to book flights if a project take place as planned. Until then, we kindly advise you not to book any more flights for any project within DBYN.
 
So, upon further notice following activities are still scheduled:

• Voices of youth, Strasbourg, France (27/9-04/10/2020)
• Training of Trainers, Sint-Pieters Woluwe, Belgium (2-8/11/2020)
• GEB-meeting Brussels, Belgium (tbc) (22-25/10/2020)
• YouT(h)echnology, Oswiecim, Poland (22-28/11/2020)

Statutory Meetings
To allow DBYN, the A.B. and DBYN’s secretariat to continue its work, DBYN-statutory meetings (A.B. and working group meetings) can take place offline if needed. These meetings are meant for small groups (> 7 people) and will only be organised if the local conditions can meet the required measures. The international secretariat, A.B. and president stay available for questions, advise, comments etc. Feel free to contact us.
 
Alternative activities during the period till 31st August 2020
DBYN commits itself to organise alternative activities to keep the link with members, volunteers and young people. These activities will be done through virtual meetings and will be developed by the secretariat, a group of volunteers and will, as always, focus on the education of young people. Activities can have different formats and objectives and can reach out to different target groups (member organisations, volunteers, young people, youth workers, …).
DBYN will also gather more information on the virtual activities organised by its member organisations. It will use it communication channels to share activities from members.
 
The international secretariat, A.B. and president stays available for questions, advise, comments etc.
Feel free to contact us.