Selection and Non-Discrimination Procedure

I. INTRODUCTION

Asociația Convey wants every young person and youth worker to have a fair chance to take part in our youth exchanges (YEs) and training courses (TCs), whatever their background. This procedure explains the principles behind our selection process and the concrete steps we take to keep it open, fair and accessible.

II. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

II.1. Non-Discrimination

Every applicant and participant is treated fairly and with respect. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, or social and economic background.

II.2. Equality

Everyone has the same opportunity to apply to, take part in and benefit from our activities, whatever their personal situation.

II.3. Accessibility

We design our activities, application process and communication to be accessible to everyone, and we make reasonable adjustments so that participants with disabilities or specific needs can take part fully.

II.4. Inclusion

We actively welcome people from different cultural, linguistic and social backgrounds, and we build groups where diversity is valued and people learn from one another.

II.5. Equity

Some people face obstacles that others do not. We look for these obstacles and work to remove them, so that access is fair in practice and not only on paper.

II.6. Transparency

We explain our selection criteria, process and timeline clearly to every applicant.

III. HOW WE PUT THESE PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE

III.1. Promoting Our Calls

- We share our calls for participants through several channels, including our website, social media, partner networks, schools and local community groups, so they reach a wide range of young people.

- We use inclusive, gender-neutral language and images that reflect diversity.

- We write in clear, simple language and follow web accessibility good practice (WCAG) wherever we can.

- We work with partners who support young people with fewer opportunities, to reach those who might not otherwise hear about our projects.

III.2. The Application

Applying should be simple. Our application form asks for basic contact details, a short motivation and, for training courses, relevant experience. Anyone who needs help filling it in can contact us and we will help.

III.3. Selection Criteria

- Motivation and commitment: we look for applicants who are genuinely interested in the topic and ready to take part in every phase of the project, from preparation to follow-up and sharing the results.

- Potential, not perfection: we value willingness to learn and contribute more than previous experience or achievements.

- No exclusion on personal grounds: no personal characteristic, such as gender, religion, nationality, education level or social background, is ever a reason to reject someone.

- Choosing between equal candidates: when two applicants are equally motivated, we may give priority to the one facing fewer opportunities, or choose in a way that keeps the group gender-balanced.

III.4. Youth Exchanges and Training Courses

- Youth exchanges: no previous skills or experience are needed. We select on motivation, curiosity and openness, because these activities are about personal growth.

- Training courses: youth workers, educators, trainers and volunteers are selected on their motivation, the relevance of the course to their work, and the impact it can have on their organisation and community.

III.5. Motivation

Applicants are asked why the topic matters to them, what they hope to gain and how they will share what they learn once they are home. Motivation is our most important selection criterion.

III.6. Communicating the Results

- Every applicant hears back from us by email, in good time and respectfully, whether or not they are selected.

- Applicants who are not selected can ask for feedback on their application.

- We encourage everyone who was not selected this time to apply again for future projects.

IV. SUPPORT FOR PARTICIPANTS WITH FEWER OPPORTUNITIES

IV.1. Who We Mean

Following the Erasmus+ Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, people with fewer opportunities are those who face obstacles to education, mobility or international learning. These obstacles may include:

- Disability: physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments.

- Health problems: long-term illness or other health conditions.

- Educational difficulties: early school leaving, low qualifications or learning difficulties.

- Cultural differences: a migrant background, a language barrier or belonging to a minority.

- Social barriers: discrimination, isolation or a limited social network.

- Economic barriers: low income, unemployment or financial hardship.

- Geographical barriers: living in a rural or remote area with limited access to services.

IV.2. What We Offer

- Reasonable adjustments, such as accessible spaces, translation or a mentor, so everyone can take part fully.

- Help with the application form for anyone who needs it.

- Group leaders and trainers who are prepared to offer one-to-one support and adapt to individual needs.

- Clear messages that our projects are open to everyone and are learning experiences, not competitions.

- Strict confidentiality: information about personal circumstances or specific needs is shared only with the people who need it to provide support.

- Regular training for our team and partners on inclusion, anti-discrimination and intercultural skills.

- Space for participants with fewer opportunities to share their experiences and perspectives, which enriches the whole group.

V. MONITORING AND ACCOUNTABILITY

- After each activity, we ask participants how inclusive and accessible it was.

- We monitor the diversity of our participants using anonymised data only.

- Any complaint about discrimination, harassment or exclusion is handled quickly and confidentially, and participants can raise concerns anonymously if they prefer.

- If we find that this procedure was not followed, we take corrective action straight away.

VI. REVIEW

We review this procedure once a year to keep it effective and in line with participants' needs, the Erasmus+ inclusion priorities and EU law.

VII. LEGAL FRAMEWORK

This procedure is based on the European Union's rules on equality and non-discrimination, including:

- Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC): equal treatment regardless of racial or ethnic origin.

- Employment Equality Directive (2000/78/EC): protection against discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

- Gender Equality Directive (2006/54/EC): equal treatment of women and men.

- Gender Goods and Services Directive (2004/113/EC): equal treatment of women and men in access to goods and services.

- European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882): accessibility of products and services for persons with disabilities.

- General Data Protection Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/679): protection of personal data, including sensitive information shared in applications.

At national level, we also follow Romanian anti-discrimination law, in particular Government Ordinance No. 137/2000 on preventing and sanctioning all forms of discrimination.

Last updated: October 2026