This is a proposal for a long term development project that includes a youth conference that will promote and share best practise for supporting the development of youth participation and activism within LGBT youth work. It will provide a platform for countries that experience equality on different levels to come together and explore the potential for development through innovative and creative ways. The project aims to promote the mutual understanding of issues affecting LGBT young people across the globe while promoting and demonstrating models for participation in political processes. Objectives to be achieved are: • awareness of positive outcomes from youth participation • More countries trained to develop a model of participation for LGBT young people within their cultures • Youth workers/Young people with more confidence to work with professionals and statutory agencies within their countries to bring about change The project will reach out to a diverse range of young people from 5 different countries and begin to break down (actual and perceived) barriers to youth participation and democracy by establishing common ground while respecting difference and valuing the diversity and interplay of identities. Activities will include, consultation with young people in all respective countries; Preparation activities, including young people researching political models within their own countries. The conference and training event will take place over 1 week and will use non-formal education techniques to model good practise. This will include a visit to the Scottish Youth Parliament as well as other agencies. Follow up activities will include implementation of youth activism in respective countries. The outcomes of this project are life changing – for some of the countries taking part, they are the first step towards planned active citizenship and youth democracy of LGBT young people. For other countries taking part, this is the chance to share achievements and use peer education to see equality for LGBT young people stretch beyond country borders. Ultimately this project will enhance the quality of life for LGBT young people, not only those that take part, but those that feel the effects from the work undertaken in each country. LGBT Youth Scotland have excellent links with Legebrita (Slovenian LGBT youth organisation), LLH (Norweigian LGBT youth organisation) and Arus Pelangi (Indonesian LGBT youth organisation). Financial Breakdown: P/T Project Worker (based in Scotland) (12months) £17,000 IT/Resources £ 1,700 Travel Costs to conference £ 7,700 Accommodation and catering £ 5,000 Vis and insurance £ 1,450 Venue and facilities £ 2,300 Follow up train the trainer meeting £ 6,500 Activities £ 4,500 Total £46,150