From October 31 to November 2, JEF Belgium proudly took part in JEF Europe’s Capacity-Building Seminar in Bratislava, where our International Officer, Marta Grosso, represented the section among a diverse group of young leaders from across the continent. The seminar, designed specifically to empower current and future section leaders, was a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, build organisational skills, and forge stronger connections within JEF’s international network.
A weekend dedicated to team building and leadership growth
More than just a training event, the seminar served as a true team-building experience at the European level. Participants were invited to share their challenges, reflect on their local realities, and openly exchange ideas on how sections can grow, strengthen their membership base, and better support volunteers. This collaborative atmosphere helped create a sense of collective purpose, reminding everyone that each section, small or large, new or established, contributes to the broader JEF mission.
The training was built around a clear objective: to equip participants with actionable tools and concrete, ready-to-use practices that they can bring back to their sections. Rather than theoretical lessons, sessions focused on practical leadership skills, including:
- Effective volunteer management and retention strategies;
- Strengthening internal communication, team dynamics, and motivation;
- Project and financial management to support sustainable growth;
- Understanding JEF’s federal history and identity;
- Strategies for reaching new and untapped audiences;
- Developing impactful advocacy as citizen lobbyists.
Throughout the weekend, experienced trainers guided discussions, encouraged peer-to-peer learning, and helped participants refine concrete ideas that can be implemented at home. Marta’s participation allowed JEF Belgium not only to benefit from these insights but also to contribute its own perspective and experience to the collective learning process.
Bringing the experience back to Belgium
Marta returned with a rich set of insights, and a comprehensive written summary, to support the continuous development of our section. Her involvement highlights JEF Belgium’s active role in the European network and our commitment to constantly improving how we engage, organise, and advocate.
Next steps for our section
To make sure this knowledge translates into impact at the local level, several follow-up actions are being considered:
- Hosting topical sessions for the Brussels community on member engagement, team dynamics, or advocacy techniques;
- Introducing a short “capacity corner” during one of our upcoming meetings to regularly share practical tips;
- Organising an internal brainstorming session to identify which tools and methods can be implemented within JEF Belgium’s upcoming activities.
Our participation in Bratislava was not only a valuable learning moment but also a testament to our section’s dedication to staying dynamic, engaged, and connected at the European level. We look forward to implementing the ideas gathered abroad and continuing to strengthen our community in the months ahead together with our fellow colleagues around the EU.
