Purpose & History
The broad voice of youth
DUF – The Danish Youth Council is an umbrella and advocacy organization for 78 value-based and socially engaged children’s and youth organizations. We work to promote democratic communities for children and young people within civil society.
The voluntary association sector is a cornerstone of our society, where children and young people gain democratic formation across interests, cultures, education, and social backgrounds.
Among our members are scout organizations, student unions, church-based associations, humanitarian organizations, and political youth organizations.
DUF's purpose
DUF was founded in 1940 to inform, engage, and educate young people in democracy as a safeguard against Nazism and anti-democratic forces. Ever since, DUF has worked to promote young people’s active participation in democracy and in civic associations. This work is rooted in our core values: participation, dialogue, voluntarism, and influence.
As an organization, DUF works to strengthen democracy, youth influence, and the development of associations.
Democracy
DUF develops and supports local, organized, and democratic communities. In an increasingly globalized world, Danish youth must take the lead in the fight for democracy, rights, and sustainability—locally, nationally, and globally. Through local engagement and collective action, we can strengthen young people’s belief that democratic participation can help solve the many challenges facing both youth and society.
Youth influence
DUF serves as the voice of youth, working to ensure that more children and young people have a say and influence on our shared future. Building on knowledge about youth and insights from DUF’s diverse umbrella of organizations, we highlight young people’s challenges, potential, and new solutions to stakeholders in the youth sector, decision-makers, and the public debate.
Organisational development
DUF works to build a community that strengthens and develops youth organisations. Through organizational development, training, and networks, DUF helps member organizations grow stronger and gain access to tools and guidance that enable them to pursue their missions, develop their democratic culture, and create safe and supportive environments for children and young people.
Facts about DUF - The Danish Youth Council
- DUF has 78 children's and youth organisations as members
- DUF represents approximately 5,000 local organisations with a total of 600,000 members and 100,000 volunteers.
- To become a member of DUF, a children’s or youth organization must, among other criteria, be nationwide, democratic, based on local activities, and operate in accordance with DUF’s mission.
- The majority of DUF’s members are under the age of 30.