As a major conclusion of the 10 years of YEPP, it was decided to continue the work at local level in the communities, to develop a new structure at transnational level and to bring the YEPP approach and methodology to a wider audience.

In early 2009, a broad and participative consultation process was initiated with YEPP stakeholders at local and transnational levels in order to develop a plan for the future of YEPP post-2011, when YEPP as a foundation-led programme would come to an end. The results of the consultation process were assessed by the YEPP Post-2011 Working Group, which was set up in November 2009 and included representatives of YEPP stakeholder groups.

The consultation process identified the clear wish of the majority of the local teams to continue the work in the Local Programme Sites based on the YEPP approach and methodology, as well as to continue the work at transnational level. The main issue was to identify the best structure for the work at transnational level so as to further support and promote youth and community empowerment, partnership and advocacy.

The Working Group proposed to establish the YEPP International Resource Centre (YEPP IRC) at the INAgGmbH at the Free University of Berlin, in order to support the work in accordance with the YEPP approach and methodology at local, regional, national and international levels. This proposed new structure was approved by the Local Teams at the 5th YEPP Community Conference and Youth Meeting in Görlitz-Zgorzelec (Germany-Poland) in November 2011.

The YEPP IRC was opened on 1 January 2012 at the Institute for Community Education of the International Academy.

The YEPP IRC is designed to function as:

• • an international agency to support local communities involved in YEPP in achieving youth and community empowerment

• • a research-based youth and community development centre to enhance and strengthen the YEPP approach and to make an impact in the field

• • an advocate for youth and community empowerment at political level in order to influence youth and community related policies.

The YEPP IRC mission

The mission of the YEPP IRC is to bring about sustainable change in local communities with fewer opportunities, across Europe and beyond, in order to build an active civil society involving local stakeholders – in particular, young people.