About the event

The Young Changemakers Academy is a programme aiming to prepare young people to take an active part in their respective communities by shaping their future in given policy areas. The first event of the Young Changemakers Academy 2026 is organised by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) with the support of LYMEC (European Liberal Youth) and the Centre for Liberal Studies – Markos Dragoumis (KEFiM). Get ready for the first in-person event of your YCA journey on advocacy communication!

Times are in local time - Athens time 

Friday, 20th March

16:05  Welcome by ELF! 

Mariam Germisashvili, Junior Communications Officer, ELF

16:20  Objectives of the Academy & Agenda-setting

Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC 

16:30  Introduction & Presentation of the advocacy projects

Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC 

17:15  How to plan your project

18:10  Closing Remarks

Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC 

19:30  Dinner & Thematic Discussion “Renewing Democracy: The role of Young Leaders in Rebuilding Trust”

Moderator: Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC

Saturday, 21st March

09:15  Welcome

Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC

09:20  Establishing a Personal Brand as a Young Changemaker

Dimitra Papadopoulou, Political Communication Consultant 

11:00  From Activism to Influence: How to Approach Decision-Makers Strategically

12:15  Lunch Break

13:45  Getting your message across: Communications best practice 

Mariam Germisashvili, Junior Communications Officer, ELF

15:35  Creating change through projects 

17:00 Feedback and milestone building

Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC

17:45  Closing Remarks and next steps

Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC

19:30  Dinner & Thematic Discussion “The state of Liberalism in Greece and Europe”

Moderator: Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC

Sunday, 22nd March

Departure day

Optional: Tour of the Greek Parliament 

The event is organised by the European Liberal Forum in cooperation with the European Liberal Youth LYMEC. The event received financial support from the European Parliament. The sole liability remains with the organiser. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.