Power of Interfaith Dialogue Seminar

Dates & venue:

6 (arrival by 18h at the airport) - 10 October (departure after breakfast) 2024, 3 working days, Vienna, Austria

Theme:

To address the topic of (cultural) diversity, SALTO Inclusion & Diversity RC, in cooperation with the Network of the National Agencies of the Erasmus+: Youth in Action and European Solidarity Corps programmes, has planned 3 thematic “Embracing diversity” cycles, each covering a period of 2 years.

After closing the cycle on anti-racism, in 2024 we start addressing the topic of interfaith dialogue. We want to take on a journey through faith, belief and how to build projects to encompass different perspectives in  youth & community projects.

Religion is often seen as a source of difference and conflict, but does it have to be that way? In a world where (religious) identity often divides, we seek to explore the potential of religion as a solution and a catalyst for cultural diplomacy. Interfaith dialogue is becoming increasingly recognised by governments and institutions, as crucial for building cohesive communities. By perceiving interfaith dialogue as a positive resource and engaging in it meaningfully, we can build bridges across diverse communities, promote understanding, respect and peace.

What is interfaith dialogue and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this seminar.

We want to create space for reflection and look into ways to build constructive dialogue and analyse our own and the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals with different religious, faith or spiritual beliefs.

This seminar will guide participants through interfaith dialogue and what we can learn from it. Why it is important and what is its value and relevance today. We’ll discover together the various concepts (such as inter-conviction dialogue, religion, faith, spirituality…) and differences between those, and have a closer look at the basic elements of interfaith dialogue, its potential and limits.

We want to discuss the pressing matters and challenges affecting interfaith dialogue and get inspired to make our programmes and organisations more inclusive and embracing of human differences.

The seminar builds on 5 ID Talks webinars (www.salto-youth.net/idtalks) and will be followed up with a study visit in Malta in December 2024, a training course and partnership building activity in 2025.

Aim of the seminar

To develop youth workers 'diversity management’ skills in order to create bridges between different communities, empower young people to engage with religious diversity and create better opportunities for young people faced with or at risk of religious discrimination.

Objectives:

• To gain better understanding of what interfaith dialogue is/it’s not, its mechanisms and effects…, through exploration of the concepts and diverse forms and practices of interfaith dialogue.
• To reflect on personal system of believes, structural issues and organisational practices.
• To exchange strategies and practices of promoting interfaith dialogue as a mean for community and peace building.
• To strengthen inter-faith dialogue and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among youth professionals.

Participants' profile

Max 27 professionals working directly with young people on a regular basis. This includes youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, social and health workers, employment officers… interested in fostering positive dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives and contributing to community and peace-building initiatives. Believers, atheists, doubters or seekers.

• Participants who work with young people with different religious, faith or spiritual beliefs and/or minority and migrant background, will be given priority.
• Interested in developing their diversity management skills and interfaith dialogue practices  
• International experience is not a must. 
• Able to work in (international) English.
• From E+: YiA Programme and Partner countries

Team

Seminar is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity and the Austrian National Agency for the E+ programme.

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