Sempre a Frente Foundation is one of the founders of the National Coalition for Youth Work in Poland - nonformal body gathering over 40 NGOs, institutions, legal entities, and public administration cooperating since 2023, united by the mission to support young people based on the values of partnership, agency, and youth autonomy. See us on the map.

We believe that together we can effectively realize a vision in which a young person is an active agent, rather than the object of discussion and action by non-governmental organizations, local governments, and state institutions. By treating young people as partners, these entities support their well-being, development, and participation in social and civic life according to their needs. We believe that a key tool for achieving this vision is the systemic organization of youth work at all levels of public administration in cooperation with the NGO sector. By “youth work,” we mean work based on treating young people with agency and as partners, supporting them in their social and civic development, and helping them strive to fulfill their full potential.

Our goal is to establish a system of youth work and regulate it within the framework of a nationwide youth policy at all levels of public administration.

Together, we have developed the Standards for Youth Work based on the European Charter on Local Youth Work, and we have successfully advocated for legislative changes in the amendment to the Act on Public Benefit Activity, which formally incorporates youth work.

And even more work lies ahead of us, because every young person in Poland deserves:

• a space for development,

• genuine listening to their voice and dialogue,

• support in building their own path—without imposing ready-made solutions.

Voluntariness, agency, and partnership are the three pillars upon which everything is built. It is not about “programs for youth,” but about actions with youth and for them, based on their needs, interests, dreams, and potential.

Youth work is happening in Poland. Now it is time for it to be officially recognized and regulated!