Who we are
The FTR story
Forumul Tinerilor din România (FTR, the Youth Forum of Romania) is a national, non-governmental, non-partisan and non-profit federation. Our role is to represent the interests of young people at national level and to open dialogue between them and decision makers.
The federation was founded in 2014 as a common platform for youth organisations. It rests on a simple conviction: no single organisation and no single community can represent a whole generation on its own. Romania had many local organisations serving their communities, but they worked apart, and the problems young people share rarely reached the national level.
FTR was created to connect these organisations into a network, to support them where they need it and to turn local voices into a common one that can shape the decisions affecting young people. Over the years we have run consultations, debates and the national caravan of the Structured Dialogue with Young People in schools, universities and communities across the country.
Today we are redefining our role. We do not want to speak for young people only when problems appear. We want to build the infrastructure through which local organisations, communities and institutions can work together for real change.
How we work
From a local problem to change for the whole generation
Every public position FTR takes starts from young people's real experience and goes through the same five steps.
We listen
Problems come from young people and from local organisations.
We validate
We work out whether a problem is local or systemic.
We act
Locally, by supporting organisations, or nationally, through advocacy and public policy.
We support
We provide resources, know-how and operational support.
We amplify
We turn local experience into change that can reach the whole generation.
The FTR ecosystem
Building bridges between young people and the places where decisions are made
FTR does not set out to be the hero of change. It sets out to create the context in which change can happen, working with four groups at once.
Institutions
Ongoing dialogue with institutions and decision makers for better youth policy.
Youth organisations
Resources, know-how and support so they can grow their impact in their communities.
Young people
We listen, inform and involve young people in initiatives that give them a voice and open opportunities.
Local communities
Stronger communities through projects and solutions shaped by local needs.
Mission, vision and values
What we aim for and what guides us
Mission
We bring together the fragmented voices of young people, turn them into shared priorities and, together with them, build real solutions through direct work in communities, national campaigns and educational campaigns.
Vision
We want to become the reference structure that connects Romania's local youth organisations into a working network, where each stays independent on the ground but is supported centrally with resources, know-how and representation. We want to be the recognised voice of young people in dialogue with state institutions.
Representation starts with listening
Our positions start from young people's real experiences and needs and are built together with the organisations and communities we represent.
Community in action
Change does not happen alone. We create a space where every young person can contribute, learn and play an active role in their community.
A chance for everyone
Every young person deserves access to opportunities, whatever their background or resources.
Courage with responsibility
We take a stand when young people's problems call for it, and every public position comes with concrete action.
Where we work
- Youth policy
- Civic participation and the EU Youth Dialogue
- Employability and entrepreneurship
- Gender justice and non-discrimination
- Climate justice
- Volunteering