The journey of piecing together the futures of youth work began with individual diligence and developed into a collective search. Each member of the research team, working with horizon scans, started on a meticulous examination of trends, potential impacts, and the thematic threads by analysing them. The process wasn’t just about connecting the dots; it was a deep dive into understanding the subtleties of each signal and its implications for the field of youth work. In December 2023, the research team gathered in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to expand their insights through a mind-mapping exercise. This collaborative process illuminated the connections between diverse signals, revealing larger patterns and paving the way for more nuanced scenario development.
Yet, to – as much as possible – transcend personal biases and tap into a wider knowledge pool, the research embraced external voices, which occurred through the seven expert interviews and an important workshop – Resonance Workshop – held on 7th and 8th February 2024. The workshop gathered sixteen signal spotters, four members of the Advisory Board and Steering Group of the European Academy on Youth Work, the research team and the project coordinator. This inclusive forum was not merely a presentation of potential futures; it became a melting pot of ideas, a place where some of the crafted scenarios were not only shared but also challenged and enriched. With their varied backgrounds, the participants shared their horizon-scanning experiences, providing a practical context to the academic exercise and adding depth to the discussions on future thinking.
These vibrant discussions did more than refine scenarios; they sparked intense debates on the desirable paths forward and the key role of youth work in navigating towards them. As participants reflected on various futures – some inviting, others daunting – the collective focus sharpened on the capacity of youth work to act. During the Resonance Workshop, the conversation frequently circled back to the question of agency: How can youth work influence the tides of change, steer away from unwanted outcomes, and shape a future that echoes the core values of the youth work community? This comprehensive approach ensured that the scenario-building stage wasn’t just about predicting the future; it was a profound exploration of how to engage with it actively and ethically.