You Act - the European Youth Network on Sexual and Reproductive Rights - had their first Annual General Meeting from 13 to 15 August in Kopaonik, Serbia. About 16 members and friends, aged 19 - 28, different sex (and orientation), coming from various countries - UK, Russia, Portugal, Sweden, Poland, Germany, Romania, Cyprus, Finland, Georgia, Serbia, Denmark, Bulgaria and the Netherlands,and organisations - including a representative of the Internet Rights Bulgaria Foundation, were present at the event. Everybody was actively engaged in discussions, analysis, strategic planning, New Steering Committee elections, drinking, partying hard, enjoying Serbian hospitality and the excellent organisation of JAZAS.

Mission

You Act’s mission is to empower young people in their Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) by joining forces in Europe to make their voices heard.

Vision

Their vision is that the European Youth Network contributes to a world where the SRHR of young people are realised: young people have access to correct information and youth friendly services and can decide freely and responsibly about all aspects of their sexuality. Active and meaningful participation is essential to reach their goals.

Objectives:

 To advocate for SRHR of young people at the national, European and international level.

 To increase youth participation in this field.

To organise active young people, to enable them to collaborate more effectively and be heard.

 To promote and support awareness raising activities on SRHR of young people.

Membership

Members are individuals that are supportive of the charter of YouAct, which states that sexual and reproductive rights are universal human rights and essential for better health and well-being. They must be actively working in the field. The network is open to new members as long as the variety of represented regions, ages, sex, gender is kept.

The General Meeting was preceded by the International Summer School Stop Aids(7 - 16 August), attended by lots of energetic and cheerful young people.

YouAct are ready to act and we hope we will be seeing a lot from them in the future!