As mentioned already, youth work is a diverse practice around Europe, but there are institutions and organisations which provide a common understanding of youth work, in the form of definitions. In this Module you will be introduced with the main European Institutions and their connection with Youth field and Youth Work.

The European Confederation of Youth Clubs included in one of their policy papers from 2014 a common understanding of youth work:

ECYC believes that the purpose of Open Youth Work is to offer young people, on the basis of their voluntary involvement, developmental and educational experiences which will equip them to play an active part in our democratic society as well as meet their own developmental needs. Open Youth Work takes place in youth clubs, youth projects, youth centres, youth houses as well as on the street through detached youth work. Open Youth Work offers, to those who participate important lifelong learning experiences within the transitional period between childhood and adulthood. The lifelong learning cycle then continues as young people attain leadership and volunteering roles within their organisations.