The meeting was a follow-up to the study visit of PAFF Leaders to the US as part of the International Visitor Leadership Program in 2025.

The aim of the meeting was to deepen the competencies of leaders working with young people, exchange experiences, and learn about proven international practices that support the development of young people in the areas of responsibility, cooperation, and self-awareness.

The guest of the event was Andrew Blickle from the American organization Life Pieces to Masterpieces in Washington, D.C., which has been working with boys and young men for three decades, combining mentoring, values-based work, and artistic activities. The model presented showed that young people’s agency does not develop in isolation – it is based on relationships, community, and a clear framework for work.

During the meeting, specific tools used in working with young people were presented, including exercises to help identify one’s own resources and values, as well as practices supporting conscious management of emotions and energy in a group. As Andrew Blickle emphasized: “Agency begins when young people experience that they have an impact – on themselves, on relationships, and on the community in which they function.”

An important element of the workshop was also reflection on the role of adult leaders in this process. Participants pointed out that building agency requires consistency, mindfulness, and the creation of a safe space for learning from mistakes. “Our role is not to do things for young people, but to create conditions in which they can try, make mistakes, and learn from them. Agency comes from experiencing responsibility,” emphasized Marta Modzelewska from the Program Team.

The workshop confirmed that strengthening young people’s agency is a long-term process based on relationships, values, and conscious leadership. For PAFF Leaders, it was another meeting developing the competencies needed to have a real impact on local communities.