In recent years the EYO has attained an important position within EAMDA. More and more associations and leaders are beginning to realise that the future of the association lies with the youth. It is therefore important that young people are involved early, and become engaged in national and international work. Only in this way can the future of the national associations and EAMDA be safeguarded. EYO's plans for 1996 mean a year full of new activities and projects. 'EYO is fully in motion'.

Management developments

'Efficiency' is a keyword within the EYO management. Clear task assignment enables the setting up of many activities and projects. Meetings cost too much time and money. The EYO meets a maximum of twice a year (excluding the AGM) to evaluate the progress of current business and to set new activities in motion. In order to save time and money much of the work is done via the telephone, fax, e-mail and post.

Co-operation with the EAMDA Executive Committee

The EYO committee has an exceptionally good relationship with the EAMDA Executive Committee. The various management changes in the coming years will only serve to make this relationship even better. The input from young people at EAMDA management level will therefore be of even more importance.

Co-operation with the secretariat in London

In the past relations between the secretariat in London and the EYO have been somewhat strained. The EYO believes that the arrival of Zita Collier as administrator will lead to a much better understanding. Clear agreements will be made between the EYO and the secretariat regarding each others expectations.

WAMDA

The EYO has a clear example-giving function, at world level as well as in Europe. The presence of a powerful youth organisation in Europe makes many associations realise that youth cannot be passed over. This realisation must also be encouraged outside of Europe, the realisation that young people have right to a worthwhile existence, can occupy an important place in the association, and can, and want to, become involved. The EYO will have to play a leading role in setting this in motion, not by organising such things as seminars, exchange programmes, etc., but by stimulating the associations and the youth so that young people become involved in national activities. A 'statement' will be compiled regarding the future of young people at world level, and this will be offered to the members of the WAMDA management .

Newsletter

Production of the Newsletter will certainly continue in 1996. Alas the lack of articles for inclusion remains a problem. More attention will be paid to this from now on leading, hopefully, to the receipt of more articles for circulation from the various countries.

University Exchange information.

The supply of information regarding various European universities, and the possibilities for students with disabilities, will be continued in 1996 in collaboration with the newsletter. There would appear to be interest in studying abroad but very little information is available on how to go about it. It is therefore important that the EYO investigates the possibilities and publishes its findings in the Newsletter.

Video project

Following the appearance of the first film about young people with a muscular disorder in Southern Europe, a second Video is being planned for 1996. This will be about young people in Eastern Europe with neuromuscular disorders. The video will illustrate a number of real life situations concerning young people with a neuromuscular disorders in Bulgaria. Their potential for taking things on, as well as their limitations, will be shown. Some of the takes for the video will be shot during the two East European projects.

Information about various neuromuscular disorders

A number of publications about various neuromuscular disorders are being worked on at the moment in co-operation with the British association. They will contain information specifically intended for young people with such a disorder. The aim is to create a more understandable explanation about the various types of neuromuscular disorder. This will be an ongoing activity, with explanation of specific diagnoses being part of this.

EYO on the Internet

In co-operation with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, EYO information is available on the Internet: the latest developments, seminar reports, newsletters etc. It will all be seen on the Internet. This is a totally new development for EYO which will certainly be expanded in the coming years in collaboration with the EAMDA. The Internet is the future.

EAMDA Annual Conference in Austria

As in previous years the EYO will have a say in the programme by providing a speaker and/or organising a workshop session. This will of course be in line with the general theme. Full discussions on the subject will be held with the organisers. In addition to the conference, an Annual Meeting of Delegates will also be held. EYO is aiming to have a representative number of EYO delegates at the meeting. The EYO Committee will place extra emphasis on this invitation. Many member states still omit to send a EYO delegate to the annual meeting.

Pressure will need to be exerted on these member states, both from the EAMDA and the EYO. The EYO will take the lead in this matter.

Holiday Exchange Project

This project is still not running smoothly, but this does not mean that the project will have to be terminated. Luckily, there is a gradual increase in the number of requests from young people who would like to take an exchange holiday abroad. The EYO Committee will ask the national associations to pay more attention to this project.

Exchange Programme in Slovenia

The Slovenian association - 'Drustvo Misicno obolelih Slovenije' - is organising an Exchange Programme for the summer of 1996 under the flag of the EYO. A theme will be established for this programme in collaboration with the Slovenians. The EYO has laid down guidelines for the organisation of EYO Exchange Programmes. Each year an evaluation is made of these activities, together with the organising body, so that the guidelines can be adjusted where necessary and kept as up-to-date as possible. This ensures the organisation of a successful Exchange Programme every time.

Co-operation with the 'respiratory support' consortium

The European 'respiratory support' consortium has been in existence for some time. For the EYO to be able to exercise influence on the European policy regarding 'respiratory support', co-operation with and participation in the European consortium is of the utmost importance. Agreements will be arrived at in 1996 in collaboration with vice-president Ysbrand Poortman.

East European project.

Plans for the setting up of activities for young people in East European member states have been about for some time. The second half of 1996 will see the organisation of two different activities in conjunction with the Danish association Muskelsvindfonden and VSN, the Dutch association. Finance for these seminars will be applied for from the European funds whose package includes East European programmes.

Seminar: 'How to build up a national organisation'

Many East European countries have no experience in the founding of an organisation. From the many contacts built up in recent times it would seem that interest in contact between young people with a muscular disorder in Eastern Europe is exceptionally high. Many young people become isolated, their lives totally lacking in perspective. It is therefore of tremendous importance that young people suffering from a muscular illness get in contact with one another, and to see that they are not alone. Although not easy, the realisation must be generated that there is more to life than MTV. The EYO is organising a special 'organisation' seminar aimed at getting the East European youth moving. The target group of young people which can become the 'forerunner', the 'driving force' , an example. The EYO wishes to offer a helping hand to these young people in the setting up of an organisation and a national network. Questions such as 'how do we activate the youth ?' and 'what activities can be organised despite all difficulties ?' will be among those dealt with. This organisation seminar will be held in Bulgaria in close co-operation with Bulgarian association and their chairman Mr. Plamen Pintev.

English language course

A language problem will need to be solved if the EYO wishes extended its network in Europe and wishes to attract the new Eastern Europe member states. Many young people from Eastern Europe speak hardly any English, while within the EAMDA knowledge of the English language is an absolute must. This means language course is important for the continuation of international activities in Eastern Europe. The East European member states will be asked to select young people capable of carrying out (inter)national activities in the future. The EYO will ensure that these people attend a language institute in order to learn English. Of course it is impossible to learn to speak good English in a short period of time, therefore the participants will be expected to undertake pre-course and post-course studies. The EYO will not organise the course itself but will facilitate the means (finance, travel costs, school, accommodation, etc.). The course will be held on the island of Malta in collaboration with the Maltese association for muscular disorders and the University of Malta.

Finally...

Young people within EAMDA is a concept that receives serious consideration. This is once again underlined by the 1996 programme of activities and projects. 'EYO: An adult youth organisation with a young spirit'.

Dick Cochius

EYO Chairman