The Baseline Studies on Youth Development in the Americas are a crucial part of the IFRC Regional Office’s ongoing efforts to strengthen youth structures across the region. These annual studies provide an updated diagnosis of how National Societies manage, support, and ensure the meaningful participation of their young members, offering essential insights for regional and local strategies focused on growth, leadership, and resilience.
Youth are the lifeblood of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, embodying the future of humanitarian action and making an impact possible in countless communities. Understanding their realities, challenges, and contributions allows National Societies to adapt their strategies to evolving social contexts and ensure that youth participation remains a driving force for innovation and sustainability.
This initiative builds on previous studies and continues to serve as a fundamental tool for decision-making, planning, and the promotion of a stronger, more inclusive youth movement with greater capacity for influence throughout the Americas.
The systematization of youth data between 2022 and 2024 was made possible through the valuable collaboration of 31 National Societies across the Americas. Participating countries include: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It is important to note that the composition of the responding National Societies varied year-to-year, which must be considered when analyzing the consistency of results over time.
Based on the information collected through the annual surveys conducted for the Baseline Studies, it is possible to observe how the number of volunteers from the Youth Program has evolved over the years:
(An estimate based on data from the BLS)
However, the reduction of this figure compared to previous years should serve as a wake-up call for National Societies to strengthen their efforts in this area.
For the 2023 youth baseline study, there was an increasing trend in the number of National Societies (NS) that responded to the survey and reported having youth focal points compared to the previous year. That year, 100% of National Societies indicated that they had a youth manager or focal point — a percentage that was successfully maintained in 2024.
In 2024, among the 20 National Societies that participated in the annual survey, 11 reported having a youth focal point or person fully dedicated to this role. However, 9 indicated that while they do have a person in charge of youth, the role is not exclusively focused on these responsibilities — an area that should be prioritized across the region’s National Societies.
For 2023 and 2024, unlike previous years, all NS participating in the study reported having a database of their young volunteers.
In 2023, over half of the databases were updated. However, in 2024 only 40% of the National Societies participating in the survey reported having them up to date. While it is encouraging that all respondents reported having youth databases, further efforts are needed to ensure they remain current.
Having youth representatives on the National Society’s board of directors is not only important for representation and inclusion, but also to ensure innovation, sustainability, and legitimacy.
In 2024, results showed a 5% increase compared to 2023, but there is still more to be done!
Regarding the issue of taking youth into account for the mobilization of resources, between 2022 and 2024 there was an increase in the percentage of NS whose youth program was part of those strategies, rising from 76% to 80%, respectively.
In 2023, a decrease was observed, but it should also be considered that the number of NS that responded to the survey that year was lower than in 2022.
Evidence compiled over the years highlights significant progress in integrating youth policies within National Societies. In 2024, more than half of National Societies reported having their own youth policy. This figure reflects a consistent achievement: the percentage has shown an average annual increase of 10%. This sustained trend underscores our network’s growing commitment to youth leadership and active participation.
While a growing number of National Societies are showing alignment by following the IFRC Youth Policy, the analysis also reveals a worrying trend: there is still an increase in the percentage of NS that currently lack an approved youth policy and do not follow the IFRC policy, highlighting a critical gap in formalizing the commitment to youth.
In 2024, National Societies implementing motivation systems and strategies to involve young people in their programs increased compared to 2023.
While this current percentage is encouraging, it is crucial to note a limitation in long-term comparison: the number of responses collected in 2024 was lower than in 2022, which makes it challenging to establish a clear and conclusive progress trend compared to that year.
Since 2024, National Societies in the Americas have been asked whether they have financial resources specifically allocated for youth engagement. The first results highlight a major challenge: 65% reported not having such funds, underscoring the need to continue strengthening investment in youth.
Progress has been made in this area. Over the years, the percentage of National Societies that do not include youth in their strategic plans has decreased, despite variations in the number of responses and the fact that different National Societies have participated in each survey.
The increase in the percentage of National Societies that have implemented a strategy to involve youth in their programs and projects is remarkable and represents a significant achievement. However, it is still concerning that in 2024, 45% of responding National Societies reported not having such strategies.
Regarding the opportunities offered to youth by the National Societies, they were asked if they provide training courses for the development of youth leadership.
By 2024, 70% of responses indicated that such courses are offered. However, this figure has remained relatively stable over the years and should be an area to strengthen.
National Societies were asked whether their staff or volunteers had received training in the Youth as Agents of Behavioural Change (YABC) strategy. By 2024, the percentage of National Societies without trained staff or volunteers had increased; only 15% of respondents reported having trained personnel or volunteers.
Since 2023, National Societies have been asked whether they offer training courses for their volunteers that support personal, professional, or other forms of development. In the first year, all responses were positive.
However, in 2024, 30% reported not providing such training for young volunteers. While this does not necessarily indicate a step backward—since the respondents are not the same every year—it does highlight an important area for improvement.
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The results of the Baseline Studies on Youth Development in the Americas confirm both the remarkable progress made and the persistent challenges that remain. National Societies are increasingly recognizing the value of youth inclusion through policies, strategies, and representation. However, significant gaps continue to exist in areas such as financial investment, training opportunities, and the systematic implementation of youth engagement frameworks.
Addressing these challenges will require sustained commitment at all levels. Strengthening resources, formalizing youth-focused policies, and ensuring continuous capacity building are essential to fully harness the potential of young people as leaders, innovators, and agents of change.
Ultimately, the findings underscore a key message: youth are not only participants but also drivers of transformation. Their empowerment must remain a priority if we are to build resilient National Societies capable of responding to current and future humanitarian challenges in the Americas.
