JOC America Extended Regional Team Meeting: Addressing Challenges and Strengthening Action Plans

JOC America successfully organized an extended regional team meeting from 10th to 24^th November 2024, utilizing a hybrid format with a physical gathering in Quito, Ecuador, and virtual participation via Zoom. The meeting brought together activists from various national movements and extension movements of JOC America, along with coordinators, adult supporters of JOC America, and a representative from the IYCW International Secretariat.

Throughout the meeting, discussions centered on the action processes of JOC in Chile, Argentina, and Peru, each focusing on action initiatives such as eco-feminism in JOC Chile, volunteer tutoring in JOC Argentina, and social and solidarity economy in JOC Peru. Evaluations of the current status of national movements and extension movements within JOC America ensued, leading to the identification of common strengths and challenges faced by the diverse movements.

Strengths identified during the meeting included: empowering young workers as the driving force behind actions bringing about change; analysis of social, political, economic, and cultural aspects of the lives of young workers within each movement; a collective focus on pressing issues such as migration, labor exploitation, gender inequalities, and precarious education as foundations for initiating impactful actions; emphasizing the importance of developing key militants through active participation for movement development; valuable support from adult and former YCW members at all levels to extend the movement, providing financial backing and leadership training; collaborative networks and alliances bolstering the effectiveness of actions and campaigns at grassroots levels and nationally.

Despite these strengths, some challenges were highlighted: ensuring continuity and sustainability of the action processes; addressing the weakening development of key militants within base groups; mitigating declining membership rates and migration issue of young people; enhancing self-financing and achieving financial autonomy.

Despite the prevailing challenges, the movements remain unwavering in their commitment to their work. Key militant leaders were encouraged to continue organizing and engaging with new generations, emphasizing the use of methodologies in developing action plans and identifying emerging leaders and protagonists of change. The national movements embraced the call to enhance solidarity efforts among themselves for the collective benefit of all young people in Latin America.

Concrete recommendations were defined to fortify ongoing actions and expand the reach of the movements. The significance of strong coordination to support the effectiveness of these actions was also highlighted.

Finally, discussions extended to the international aspects, particularly focusing on the upcoming centenary in 2025, the International Council in 2026, and mid-term elections. Discussions revolved around preparing the JOC America national movements for these significant events, underscoring that involvement in international activities not only benefits the global movement but also serves to strengthen the national movements.

By engaging in such collaborative efforts and strategic planning, JOC America continues its mission to strengthen unity, solidarity, and impactful change within its movements, both at the national, regional and international levels.