Our values

The binding basis for which organisations appear on FutureChange.

Preamble

FutureChange is a neutral, non-partisan platform that gives young people reliable guidance for political and social engagement.

To keep it that way, we only work with organisations that demonstrably share our core values. This catalogue is the binding basis for every listing, partnership or collaboration on the platform.

Human rights & dignity

Based on: Universal Declaration of Human Rights, European Convention on Human Rights

Organisations fully recognise universal human rights and actively uphold them in their work.

Human dignity
Everyone is treated as equal, regardless of origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or social status.
No discrimination
The organisation does not practise, promote or tolerate discrimination, racism, sexism, homophobia or transphobia.
Protecting vulnerable groups
Particular commitment to children, refugees, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups counts in an organisation’s favour.

Exclusion criterion. Organisations that commit, tolerate or downplay human rights violations are not listed.

Democracy & rule of law

Based on: The democratic principles of Austria and the EU

Commitment to democracy
The organisation actively supports democratic values, free elections and the separation of powers.
Rule of law
It acts within the law and respects state institutions.
No extremism
No links to anti-democratic, extremist or violent movements, whether left or right, religious or nationalist.
Freedom of expression
Constructive debate and a diversity of opinion are encouraged, not suppressed.

Exclusion criterion. Party-affiliated organisations that pursue one-sided party interests are not listed. FutureChange stays strictly non-partisan.

Sustainability & the SDGs

Based on: UN 2030 Agenda

Organisations demonstrably contribute to at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and can credibly show how.

These goals matter most to FutureChange:

  • 4Quality educationCivic education, media literacy, workshops
  • 5Gender equalityFeminism, equal rights, anti-discrimination
  • 10Reduced inequalitiesSocial justice, inclusion, anti-racism
  • 13Climate actionClimate movements, environmental action
  • 16Peace, justice and strong institutionsStrengthening democracy, rule of law, civic participation
  • 17Partnerships for the goalsCivil society networks, collaboration

Exclusion criterion. Greenwashing or SDG-washing, meaning using the goals superficially without a real contribution, leads to exclusion.

Transparency & integrity

Financial transparency
The organisation discloses where its money comes from and what it is used for.
No hidden interests
There are no hidden commercial, political or ideological dependencies.
Accountability
Leadership structures are clear, and the organisation answers questions on request.
Public communication
Goals, activities and impact are publicly available.

Exclusion criterion. Organisations that conceal their funding or ownership are not listed.

A safe space for young people

FutureChange is for young people aged 14 and up, so the bar here is especially high.

Child and youth protection
The organisation follows youth protection law and has safeguards for participants under 18.
Low barriers
Getting involved does not depend on money, social background or prior knowledge.
Respect
Young people are treated as equals, with respect and without any abuse of power.
No commercial exploitation
Young people’s engagement is never used for commercial purposes.

Value to civil society

Impact
The organisation makes a demonstrable positive contribution to society, locally, nationally or internationally.
Common good
It works for the common good rather than primarily for profit.
Participation
Engagement, volunteering and participation are actively encouraged.

How we check

Every organisation that wants to be listed on FutureChange goes through five steps.

  1. Self-disclosureThe organisation discloses its goals, funding, ownership and activities.
  2. ReviewThe FutureChange team checks the information against this catalogue.
  3. ListingListed organisations appear with a short description and a source.
  4. Re-checkExisting listings are reviewed regularly.
  5. FeedbackUsers can report violations. We review every report promptly.

A living document

The FutureChange team reviews this catalogue every year and updates it when social or legal requirements change.

Report a breach