In 2021, the SNCF Foundation launched Jeunes au Cœur—a play on words that translates as “Young (People) at Heart.” It began with a series of workshops with young people across France to learn what they want, understand the challenges they face, and help them engage. Today the Foundation continues to build these relationships through a series of practical, recurring meetings. The most recent took place at the Climate Academy—a symbolic place for a generation that cares deeply about the environment.

With guidance from the non-profit makesense, the SNCF Foundation planned 2 days of reflection, socializing, networking, training and mutual support. The programme included interactive sessions, one-on-one conversations sparked by the Antisava card game, art-based icebreaker workshops, and time for discussion based on the World Café method and design thinking. The young people also had access to training sessions that addressed previously identified needs. One key topic was non-violent communication—a tool for participants to make their voices heard in a spirit of cooperation.

Among the attendees were SNCF Foundation ambassadors, who volunteered to join the regional committees that select projects for our grant programme. But there were also newcomers, energized by the idea of joining the passionate Jeunes au Cœur community. Together these young people from every part of France were instantly united by the group’s engagement and determination to shake things up.

Young people who were already involved in non-profit projects shared their challenges. Clara, a member of the governance body for a non-profit in Brittany, faces high employee turnover and was looking for a project that would unify her team. We designed the programme to include a working session tailored to her needs.

Meanwhile, Larissa was running a crowdfunding campaign for her non-profit project: “Thanks to all of you, I’ve made an action plan!” she said. Everyone learned to tap into talents they had developed in working with non-profits or playing a role in governance. Sector-specific knowledge and new skills in project management, mediation, and funding will stay with these young people throughout their working lives.

The gathering generated lasting momentum. Young people were eager to share ideas, and especially appreciated the workshop’s innovative format and content, and the way it connected them with each other, powered by a mutual willingness to engage. There’s a strong desire to continue writing the story of this community of young people and the SNCF Foundation. New webinars and joint projects are already in the works.