The Young Changemakers Academy is a programme aiming to prepare young people to take an active part in their respective communities by shaping their future in given policy areas.
About the event
The Young Changemakers Academy is a programme aiming to prepare young people to take an active part in their respective communities by shaping their future in given policy areas. The first event of the Young Changemakers Academy 2026 is organised by the European Liberal Forum (ELF) with the support of LYMEC (European Liberal Youth) and the Centre for Liberal Studies – Markos Dragoumis (KEFiM). Get ready for the first in-person event of your YCA journey on advocacy communication! Times are in local time – Athens time
Friday, 20th March
Accommodation & Venue: Acropolis Hill Hotel (7, Mouson Street, Athens 117 42, Greece)
15:30 Welcome Coffee
Venue: Acropolis Hill Hotel (7, Mouson Street, Athens 117 42, Greece)
16:00 Welcome Remarks
Mariam Germisashvili, Junior Communications Officer, ELF
Even Diot, Secretary General, LYMEC
16:20 Objectives of the Academy & Agenda-setting
Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC
Lily Marie Hornstein, Project Officer, LYMEC
16:30 Introduction & Presentation of the Advocacy Projects
Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC
17:15 Creating Change Through Projects
Yiannis Korkovelos, Podcast Host of the BORO Series
18:10 Closing Remarks
19:30 Dinner & Thematic Discussion “Renewing Democracy: The role of Young Leaders in
Rebuilding Trust”
Location: Atrium Bar & Restaurant, 4 Rovertou Galli str, Acropolis, Athens, Greece
Special Guests: Stefanos Kasselakis (Founder and President of Kinima Dimokratias Party)
Saturday, 21st March
09:15 Welcome
Venue: Acropolis Hill Hotel (7, Mouson Street, Athens 117 42, Greece)
Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC
09:20 Establishing a Personal Brand as a Young Changemaker
Dimitra Papadopoulou, Political Communication Consultant
10:45 Coffee Break
11:00 From Activism to Influence: How to Approach Decision-Makers Strategically
Ms. Natalia Katifori, Communication Manager KYKLOS IDEON (Circle of Ideas) & Founder OPUS
Integrated Communication
12:15 Lunch Break
13:45 How to Plan your Project
Alona Tatarova, Executive Director at the Institute for Fiscal and Economic Studies (IFES)
15:15 Short Break
15:35 Getting your Message Across: Communications Best Practice
Mariam Germisashvili, Junior Communications Officer, ELF
16:30 Coffee Break
17:00 Feedback and milestone building
Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC
17:45 Closing Remarks and next steps
Sean Bennett, Engagement & Events Officer, LYMEC
19:30 Dinner
God’s Restaurant, Makrigianni 23-27, Athina 117 42, Greece
Sunday, 22nd March
Departure day
Optional: Tour of the Acropolis
The event is organised by the European Liberal