EYFA (European Youth For Action) developed from a tour that was initiated by a Swedish/German group in 1986 to save the old forests in Europe: then named European Youth Forest Action. From these 'routes', it developed into a platform for grassroots movements working to transform local and international communities in their approach to environment and social, political and economical positions.

The international office located in Amsterdam coordinates EYFA's activities through administrative and communication functions and being the network's contact point for sharing local information. We further support and encourage grassroots projects and initiatives in the following ways:

• Giving advice, knowledge and support in the activities and assist with fund raising and application writing, putting together projects and networking.
• Dissemination of call outs and information on environmental and social justice issues
• Organizing exchanges, seminars, trainings, network gatherings, projects & actions

Our main aim is to encourage people's initiative and autonomy; people feeling empowered to act and to raise their voices in decision making processes that effect their lives. We promote and use consensus decision-making processes, whereby information is openly shared and decisions are only made when everyone can agree. As a social and information network we share information, resources and skills to achieve better solutions while building community based on trust. Socially sustainable and just communities go hand in hand with environmentally sound ways of living. Our environmentalist perspective is based on the understanding that most environmental problems are also a question of social and economic injustice. EYFA works to challenge the current dominant social and economic system, while creating new methods based on social and environmental sustainability.

EYFA provides a platform and practical support for new radical ideas to grow into their full potential.

It is characteristic of EYFA that projects initiated by EYFA become independent sustainable long term projects. Some projects, however, are central to the EYFA platform and the regular activities of EYFA office. These are:

> East-West European networking and collaboration

> Ecotopia annual summer gathering. See ecotopia

> Ecorates alternative currency system used @ eyfa events. See ecorates

> Linking art and technology with activism

Grassroots groups, organizations, and campaigns that combat environmental degradation, xenophobia, homo- and queerphobia, racism, fascism and sexism, and all forms of exploitation and injustice.

Grassroots groups, organizations, and campaigns that promote cultural and biological diversity, and the rights of women, LGBTIQ, indigenous, migrants, animals and workers.

EYFA gives activists an international perspective, but it is very important to us that we keep our focus on the grassroots of social and ecological change.

EYFA, as an environmentally responsible network, has certain principles applicable to its projects.

This list will continue to grow.

- Because of negative environmental effects of air travel(air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, damage of the ozone layer, etc.), generally EYFA doesn't reimburse flights!!.

See our WIKI for more info on travel reimbursement rules for projects.

- During our meetings and projects only vegetarian and vegan food will be provided.