Professional Open Youth Work in Balance – Between Mission and Identity

Professional Open Youth Work is diverse, dynamic, and professional. Few fields in social work are as closely aligned with the needs, interests, and resources of young people. Professional Open Youth Work builds bridges to other institutions, supports young people in navigating and claiming public spaces – including digital ones – and fosters strong networks within the community.

At the same time, Professional Open Youth Work operates in a delicate balance: between offering free-time activities and providing targeted support for young people facing challenging life situations. Staying true to the core principles of openness, voluntary participation, and empowerment requires a constant reflection on new expectations and institutional demands.

What is expected of Professional Open Youth Work today? How can we stay close to the realities of young people – even in the face of difficult collaborations or reporting obligations? And what does it take to ensure that Professional Open Youth Work remains impactful, youth-centered, and driven by strong values?

The 19th bOJA Annual Conference invites you to explore these questions through inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and thought-provoking discussion panels. Join us for a space of connection, reflection, and new ideas!

The working language of the event is German. Participants have to speak and understand the German language.

More info and agenda (in German): www.boja.at/fachtagung/19-fachtagung

This activity is financed by bOJA – bundesweites Netzwerk Offene Jugendarbeit and OeAD, the Austrian National Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.

Erasmus+ Youth Programme countries

German

Please contact your National Agency to inquire, whether an application fee for participants from your country applies.

Please contact your NA to inquire whether they would support your travel costs.