Gain skills whilst doing something you feel passionate about, writes John Vrushi

Our generation has seldom been praised as active and independent thinking. We are often referred to as the Facebook, YouTube or video game generation, or as some would say, the post-ideological generation. To what extent do we really deserve this?

While some may believe this, the fact is that networks of thousands of young people get involved in bigger things than updating Facebook statuses or playing the new Call of Duty.

There are hundreds of youth organisations out there involving thousands of youngsters in different fields of life every day. One of these organisations is the European Youth Parliament (EYP).

The EYP is an international organisation with over 35 branches all over Europe, from Iceland to the recently joined Azerbaijan. It promotes awareness on European issues among youngsters while involving them in resolution writing and debating.

Over 100 events are organised throughout Europe, involving more than 20,000 youngsters in the process. The EYP encourages independent thinking and socio-political initiative in young people and facilitates the learning of crucial social and professional skills.

Since its inauguration, many tens of thousands of young people have taken part in regional, national and international sessions, formed friendships and made international contacts across and beyond borders

In the UK, the European Youth Parliament works with around 2,000 youngsters every year. There are 14 Regional Sessions where schools tackle European issues in the format of a debating competition. A school is chosen from each region to represent their region at the National Session, which has been held in Durham since 2005.

In this process, the members of the EYP go through a plethora of different experiences. They learn more about Europe and the hot issues that concern us all in the European Union. They put their minds and hearts to the debates and speak their minds with passion and zeal. They acquire communication, leadership and social skills.

The EYP has thus made a vital contribution towards uniting Europe. Today, the EYP is one of the largest European platforms for political debate, intercultural encounters, political educational work and the exchange of ideas among young people in Europe.

The opportunities that EYP gives to its members are immense. Not only on a formal and academic level but also as a life experience. It’s a place where national stereotypes and old national hatreds are barred.

Georgians drink vodka with the Russians just as their country had been militarily attacked by their neighbour. Greek and Turkish Cypriots forget all the hatred and tensions that exist in their island and tell jokes teasing the narrow-minded nature of their own communities. The EYP gives one the chance to feel part of something bigger and stronger.The bitter truth is that, not too far from now, some of us may find ourselves stuck in an office, working 12 hours a day, being too exhausted to think about what is happening around us, let alone make a change. Before that happens, make sure you take advantage of the opportunities on offer now.

What is important is to enjoy what you do and put your heart, as well as your mind, into it.