In 2014, the European Network on Independent Living – ENIL celebrated 25 years of existence. To commemorate this event and to celebrate our growing network, the ENIL Board decided to declare May 5th as the European Day on Independent Living. This day can be used as a day of celebration, for protests or any other events in the name of Independent Living. It aims to bring together disabled people and our supporters throughout Europe and raise awareness of Independent Living.
This year, ENIL has decided to dedicate the European Independent Living Day to:
YOUTH – The future of the IL Movement.
This is an important theme every year and especially this year, as 2022 is the European Year of Youth. The idea of the European Year of Youth is to “shine the light on the importance of European youth to build a better future – greener, more inclusive and digital”. It is an opportunity to emphasise the importance of engaging young people in activities around Europe.
ENIL continuously emphasises the importance of including young people in all the activities and this year we wish to celebrate Independent Living Day by giving even more visibility to the voice of young activists. We also wish young activists to use their voice to point out challenges and difficulties they are facing on a daily basis.
ENIL plans to organise activities online with the Youth Network, related to the future of the movement and the visibility of youth activities. We will, in particular, encourage young activists to participate in this year’s Independent Living Day, but we also encourage everyone else to take part and to be proud, strong and visible together.
Here are the preliminary questions we suggest you answer in preparing your activities:
- What would you like the future of the Independent Living movement to look like?
- What is the one thing you wish you knew when you were younger and what message would you give to your young self?
- What challenges are you facing as a youth activist?
We will send you more details and instructions very soon. For now, save the date, get ready for action and stay tuned.
Join us for the European Independent Living Day – May 5th 2022!
