International Young Naturefriends is a youth-led organisation rooted in the Naturefriends movement and committed to social justice, sustainability, and international solidarity. Our work is built on cooperation across borders and organisations that share common values and a long-term vision for a just and sustainable future. Through our members and partners, IYNF creates spaces for non-formal education, political engagement, and international exchange. We value collaboration that is based on shared principles, mutual responsibility, and continuity, and we see strong networks as essential for meaningful youth participation and lasting impact. The following sections provide an overview of our membership structure and our approach to partnerships, reflecting how we work together within the IYNF network and beyond. 

Members 

IYNF is a membership-based youth organisation bringing together young people and youth organisations committed to social justice, sustainability, and international solidarity. 

Our members are primarily young Naturefriends organisations based in European countries. Organisations outside Europe may also become members, provided they are affiliated with the Naturefriends movement and share its core values and principles. 

Membership in IYNF means active participation in a values-driven network, contributing to common political positions, educational work, and international cooperation. Members shape the organisation through democratic structures, joint projects, and shared responsibility for its strategic development. 

Partners 

IYNF works with a broad range of partner organisations, networks, and institutions at the European and international level. Partnerships are built on shared values, mutual trust, and long-term cooperation. 

While many partnerships develop through joint projects, IYNF seeks to go beyond purely project-based collaboration. We prioritise partners who share our commitment to youth participation, non-formal education, sustainability, and social responsibility, and who are interested in developing lasting and meaningful cooperation. 

We are always open to exploring serious and value-based partnerships with organisations that align with IYNF’s mission and ways of working. Expressions of partnership interest are welcome and encouraged. However, we aim to ensure that any cooperation is purposeful, balanced, and based on a genuine shared vision (rather than driven solely by funding opportunities). 

Becoming a Partner 

Partnership is intended for organisations that seek long-term engagement within the Naturefriends movement and are willing to actively contribute to its values, structures, and activities. 

Organisations applying for membership are expected to: 

• be a youth organisation or youth structure with a clear commitment to non-formal education and youth participation, 

• share the core values and principles of the Naturefriends movement, including sustainability, social justice, and international solidarity, 

• be based in Europe, or, if based outside Europe, be formally affiliated with the Naturefriends movement, 

• demonstrate an interest in ongoing involvement in IYNF’s democratic structures, activities, and strategic development. 

Partnership applications are assessed based on alignment with IYNF’s mission and values, as well as the applicant organisation’s capacity and motivation to contribute meaningfully to the network. IYNF does not consider applications that are solely project-driven or limited to short-term cooperation interests. 

Organisations that consider applying for partnership are encouraged to familiarise themselves thoroughly with IYNF’s statutes, political positions, and working methods prior to submitting an application. A long-term partnership is required before applying for membership.