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Generations Together -Training Course on Strengthening Solidarity Through Youth Work

A 4-day training will offer youth workers and other professionals the opportunity to better understand generational (mis)concepts, the roots of ageism, and how societal issues affect different generations. At the same time, it will encourage reflection on their role in fostering constructive dialogue between individuals and groups of different ages. The training aims to challenge and influence both individual and organisational practices by creating space for critical thinking and shared learning from diverse experiences

Dates & venue:

10 (arrival by 18h at the airport) – 15 of May (departure after breakfast), 2027, 4 working days, Azerbaijan

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 cycles on anti-racism and interfaith dialogue, in 2026 we started addressing the topic of intergenerational solidarity and dialogue.

The Treaty on European Union states that ‘The Union ... shall promote ... solidarity between generations’.

However, ageism, negative attitudes towards certain age groups, and demographic trends paired with multiple crises are dividing European societies and creating barriers to real inclusion and participation. These issues affect not only older generations but will also affect today’s younger generations in the future. At the same time, intergenerational solidarity and positive influences on economic development would cover the needs of different generations in a sustainable way, strengthening both democracy and social cohesion.

What is intergenerational solidarity and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this training course.

We want to create space for reflection and look into old and new ways to build constructive dialogue between different generations, and analyse our own and the role of youth work in fostering positive interactions among individuals and groups of different age and possibly values, beliefs and culture.

This training will help participants toput their own, social and organisational attitudes and practices under the magnifying glass.We’ll have a closer look at the basic elements of intergenerational solidarity, its potential and limits in the youth workand its relevance in todays and future societies. The training should allow professionals to question their own and each other’s way of working and look for the ways to improve and develop new intergenerational practices. We will offer concrete tools, techniques and methods youth workers can use to address issues of ageism, intergenerational solidarity and dialogue in their youth groups, organisations and/or communities.

We will also address current challenges affecting intergenerational relationships, learn from other sectors and aim to inspire participants to look through an intersectionality lens and make their programmes and organisations more inclusive, equitable, and responsive to human diversity.

The practice lab builds up on 5 ID Talks webinars and "Generations in Solidarity" seminar in Austria, May & Generation Practice Lab in Malta, October 2026. The input from those different events will be fed into the publication.

Aim of the intergenerational solidarity cycle

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

Objectives of the training course:

To gain better understanding of what intergenerational solidarity is/it’s not, its mechanisms and effects…, through exploration of the concepts and diverse forms and practices.
To reflect on personal system of believes, structural issues and organisational practices.
To strengthen intergenerational solidarity and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among (youth) professionals.
To exchange experiences, tools and ways of promoting intergenerational solidarity as a mean for meaningful connections, community and peace building.
To translate these tools and methods to Erasmus+: Youth in Action & European Solidarity Corps projects. How can young people benefit from these in (international) youth projects

Methodology: we will use creative and participatory methods to experience first-hand tools that we can implement in our own communities, with a principle emphasis on sharing/exchanging practices from inside the group, other activities from the wider process and the local/national reality.

Participants' profile

25 people active in youth work and/or in their communities with groups of different ages on a regular basis, as a volunteer or professional. This includes youth workers, youth leaders, teachers, coaches, community, social and health workers, employment officers…

Participants who work with (young) people with fewer opportunities and/or mixed generational groups, will be given priority.
Interested in developing their diversity management competences and intergenerational practices
International experience is not a must.
Able to work in (international) English.
From E+: YiA Programme & Partner countries
All people 18+ are encourage to apply!

It's a youth work activity, open for applicants from all sectors!

Team

The lab is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity, Irish National Agency for the E+ programme, and SALTO EECA.

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