We are already recruiting for our 2027 Work with your MEP edition.
This is a volunteer role, requiring an average commitment of 5-10 hours per month from November 2026 to December 2027, including online meetings and 2/3 in-person events (covered). A total compensation of approximately €500 is provided for this role.
MEPs participating in the 2027 edition will be revealed promptly.
About the program
Work With Your MEP (WWYMEP) is #DiasporaVote!’s flagship initiative empowering youth to collaborate directly with MEPs on EU legislation. The program started in 2021 and resumed in 2026. It has covered key policy areas among which Anti-Racism, Pay Transparency, GSP+ trade, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, the Common Agricultural Policy, EU migration policy, anti-racism strategies, and the EU Youth Strategy.
“Work with your MEP” connects a group of marginalized youth with EU decision-makers to make policy more inclusive, accessible, and shaped by those too often left out.
It aims to:
- Elevate BIPOC, disabled, and marginalized youth voices in EU policymaking
- Build real collaboration between young people and MEPs
- Co-create a shared action plan with clear goals and timelines
- Bring youth closer to the EU — and the EU closer to them
How the Program Works
Once selected, Work with your MEP participants will attend capacity-building sessions to strengthen their understanding of EU policymaking and advocacy. Over the course of several months, through online meetings, participants will refine their analysis of the topic they work on and understand how to build recommendations. MEPs and their team provide feedback and have the opportunity to integrate these inputs into their ongoing political work.
Role of the Mentor
As a mentor you’ll play a pivotal role in empowering young participants and helping their ideas shape EU policy. Groups are made up of 10 minority background youth between 16 and 30, with one group allocated for each MEP, supported by 2 co-mentors.
Your individual responsibility involve:
- Participate in the recruitment process of the youth
- Guide and support youth throughout the entire program
- Facilitate communication between participants, their MEP and Work with your MEP staff
- Help develop actionable, evidence-based policy recommendations
- Ensure balanced, inclusive teamwork within each group
In cooperation with another co-mentor, you will support:
- Understanding of EU policymaking and the role of MEPs
- Identification of policy priorities and craft strong recommendations
- Coordination of meetings with the group’s assigned MEP and staff
- Keeping on track with deadlines and program milestones
Time Commitment & Availability: 5–10 hours per month + In person events
Schedule flexibility is required as coordination with other volunteers may take place during standard working hours, lunch breaks, or outside regular hours based on team availability.
The mentors are required to attend:
- Mentors’ onboarding meeting: 16 October 2026 (2h) TBC
- [Optional] Welcoming in person event in Brussels (covered): 4-5 November 2026
- Participants’ selection interviews: from 9 November 2026 to 22 January 2027
- Participants’ onboarding meeting: 1 February 2027 (2h) TBD
- [Mandatory] Welcoming in person event in Strasbourg or Brussels (covered) : May 2027, dates TBD
- Regular online meeting with the participants
- 3 days in person event in November/December 2027 (Date TBD)
We Are Looking For
We’re looking for 8 mentors:
- 4 Mentors based in France (French and English Speaking)
- 2 Mentors based in Belgium (French and English Speaking)
- 2 Mentors based in the Netherlands (Dutch and English speaking)
Mentors are instrumental in bringing structure, encouragement, and inclusive leadership. They must be dedicated to empowering marginalized youth and strengthening inclusive democracy by helping them navigate complex policy topics.
Core Competencies
- Strong sense of responsibility and ethical leadership
- Expertise in EU institutions, public policy, advocacy, or related fields
- Awareness of intersectionality, inclusion, accessibility, diversity, and (anti-)racism
- Ability to set goals and provide structured monitoring and feedback
- Fluency in: English and French for the French and Belgian Team;
- English for Dutch for the Netherland team;
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience
- Experience in policy, or advocacy
- Familiarity with mentoring, facilitation, participatory and capacity-building initiatives
- Previous collaboration with civil society organisations and/or EU institutions
- Any expertise in relevant topics linked to MEPs’ work is welcome
- Knowledge of International Sign Language is a plus
What We Offer
- Travel and accommodation are covered for in-person meetings
- Deepen your skills while contributing to the program development
- Comprehensive training on EU policymaking, advocacy, co-creation with policymakers
- Continuous support from the Consortium Team
- Networking and visibility opportunities with MEPs, activists, experts, NGOs, and CSOs from across Europe
- Collaboration with and empowerment of minority youth voices
- A fun, flexible, and supportive working environment
- Contribute to influence and to develop policies
- Strengthen democracy by rebuilding youth trust and engagement in EU institutions and policies
How to Apply
Submit your application by filling in this questionnaire
Deadline 28/09/2026 at 23.59 CET
Questions?
- Contact the #DiasporaVote! team at wwymep@diasporavote.org
- Attend the Q&A session: Monday, September 21 · 6:00 – 7:00pm CET. You can register hereor save the video call link: https://meet.google.com/rcf-kfjm-qgw.
Recruitment process
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We suggest applying as soon as possible.
- Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
- The selection process will also consider gender balance, geographical balance and the overall diversity of the cohort, ensuring an inclusive group composition.
- Previous mentors (2026 or 2021 edition) are allowed to apply; however, preference will be given to candidates who have not previously participated in the program.
- The outcome of the selection will be communicated by the 15 October 2026
Read the entirety of the call here (PDF).
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