Real questions. Real people. Real contexts. And a meaningful process.
Program3
Program3 is a long-term learning journey for young people already involved—or looking to get involved—in the nonprofit world. It’s a school for those who want to help grow and strengthen civil society in Romania and beyond.
Program3 is part of the capacity-building activities for nonprofit organizations, proposed through the Civic Engagement Programme.
Why do we need Program3?
- Studies show that few young people want to stay long-term in the nonprofit sector. Most leave within five years.
- Leadership roles in NGOs are mostly held by people who have been in charge for over eight years—and they’re not usually young.
- There’s a need for a space that brings together young people who want to carry the work forward, using fresh ideas while learning from experienced professionals.
Who are the #trillenials?
From our perspective, #trillenials are people aged 20 to 30 who are already involved in NGOs—either as staff or active members. They know a bit about how civil society works, but might not have much hands-on experience yet.
#trillenials are reflective and meaning-driven. They care deeply about things like social justice, inclusion, feminism, intersectionality, and climate action. They don’t tolerate discrimination, bullying, or passive-aggressive nonsense.
They’re seeking balance and know that personal wellbeing is key to meaningful activism. They talk about things like “healthy boundaries” and “reflection.” They know their worth—but sometimes doubt if they’re “enough.” They’re open to learning and not afraid to say, “I don’t know (yet).”
They believe in collaboration, solidarity, and constant transformation. Their relationship with power is complex—they want to decentralize it but also know when to use it to create change. They ask big questions—about ethics, burnout, purpose, representation, the future. They embrace contradictions: idealism and pragmatism can live side by side, and a dreamer can be deeply disciplined.
Starting in 2025, #trillenials will continue as a strategic initiative within the Civic Engagement Programme—one of the 11 thematic programs launched through the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Program, part of Switzerland’s Second Contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the European Union and Romania.
What happens in Program3?
Program3 runs over about six months, in two semesters, plus a strong support community.
Semester I – Core NGO skills:
Organizational structure, fundraising, communication, team dynamics, volunteer management, organizational development.
Semester II – Strategic practice and ethical activism:
Advocacy, public participation, human rights education, non-formal education, designing learning and mobilization processes.
The program is hybrid: a mix of in-person sessions, online workshops, reflection groups, curated resources, and guided activities. Some content is co-created—shaped by participants’ interests and learning pace.
Why to join Program3?
If you feel like a #trillenial, here’s why this is for you:
- You want to make a real impact in Romania’s civil society.
- You’re ready to move from “I have ideas” to “I make change.”
- You want to be part of a community of young people who want to move mountains—together.
- You’re looking for more than just a course—you want a deep, meaningful experience that transforms you.
- You have ideas and causes you care about, but need tools, support, and structure to turn them into real projects.
- You want to learn from others—but also find your own voice.
Program3 doesn’t give out certificates. It gives you something more:
More details about Program3 are available here.
The Civic Engagement Programme is funded by the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme and is managed by a consortium consisting of
The Civic Engagement Programme is funded by the Swiss-Romanian Cooperation Programme and is managed by a consortium consisting of
Website developed within the Civic Engagement Programme, supported by the Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the EU. The content of this website does not necessarily reflect the official position of the Swiss government.
Website developed within the Civic Engagement Programme, supported by the Swiss Contribution to reduce economic and social disparities in the EU. The content of this website does not necessarily reflect the official position of the Swiss government.
