Keeping everyone safe at AYI activities
We want everyone who joins an AYI activity to have a positive experience. Your physical and emotional safety matter to us just as much as what you learn.
Below you'll find the ground rules for AYI activities, along with a form for reporting an incident if something didn't feel right.
How we treat each other
Nothing complicated. These are the promises we make to one another at every AYI activity, whether we're in a training room, on an international mobility or online.
We respect one another
Whatever someone's age, gender, background, religion, sexual orientation or anything else. Everyone belongs here.
We speak kindly
It's fine to disagree – in fact, it's useful. But no insults, no jokes at someone else's expense, and no discriminatory or sexual language.
We don't intimidate anyone
Bullying, harassment, leaving people out — none of it has a place here. Not in the room, and not in the WhatsApp group.
We respect personal boundaries
We respect other people's physical boundaries and avoid unwanted contact of any kind.
No alcohol or illegal drugs
Minors don't drink alcohol during activities. Adults drink only in moderation and never during working sessions. Illegal drugs: nowhere, ever.
Adults are never alone with a minor
No conversations behind closed doors. If a one-to-one chat is needed, we keep the door open and stay somewhere visible.
We don't leave the venue alone with a minor
Outings happen in groups of at least two, and minors are always accompanied — but never by one adult alone with one minor.
Toilets stay separate
Adults don't use the toilets used by minors. Where there are no separate toilets, an adult never goes in at the same time as a minor.
We ask before taking photos
We don't photograph or film anyone without their agreement, and we don't post their images on social media without their consent.
We speak up when something's wrong
If you see or sense anything that puts someone's safety at risk, tell the organisers.
We respect the places we stay in
Quiet hours, restricted areas, the rules of the hotel or school, and the instructions of the organising team.
We take these rules seriously
By following these rules, together we make the activity safer for everyone. Breaking them may lead to being removed from the activity.
For longer activities, we all sign the Code of Conduct, which brings all of these rules together. You can read it here.
Want to report something?
You can fill in the form anonymously if you prefer, either during the activity or afterwards.
No one will ever be penalised for reporting something in good faith.
Who can help you
Every AYI activity has a Safeguarding Officer: the person you can turn to if something bothers or worries you.
This is usually the trainer, facilitator or youth worker running the activity. You can talk to them at any time about any concern for your own safety or that of other participants. If your concern is about the trainer, facilitator or organiser themselves, speak to another member of the organising team or fill in the online form.
What happens after you report
- Your report is dealt with within 24 hours.
- Our first priority is making sure the person affected is safe.
- We document what happened and inform AYI's leadership – and, where a minor is involved, their parent or guardian.
- If it involves a serious offence or immediate danger, we notify the authorities.
- We let you know what happens next, while protecting the confidentiality of everyone involved.
If someone is in danger right now
Call straight away. You can let us know afterwards.