“All in” - Seminar for youth workers on strengthening democratic values and attitudes in local communities

Across Europe, democratic values are increasingly under pressure, and public discourse is becoming more polarised. Amid these developments, youth work stands at a crossroads: socially and politically relevant enough to matter yet increasingly expected to remain “apolitical” and focus on individual life skills.

Youth work practitioners often find themselves navigating difficult dilemmas, such as how youth work can operate effectively in politically volatile and polarised environments, what its role is in safeguarding democracy, and whether depoliticisation is a viable response or itself a political choice. And if not, how can youth workers navigate the risks and responsibilities of taking a stand for democracy?

The seminar targets youth work practitioners who want to strengthen democratic values and attitudes amongst their target group and within their communities, and exchange ideas and experiences with like-minded colleagues. 

In particular, the seminar aims to offer a space for youth work practitioners to:

-explore the current state of democracy and better understand its implications for youth work and young people's lives;

-reflect on the ethical and political dimensions of youth work and its role in promoting and sustaining democratic values;

-examine existing projects, initiatives, and practices that have responded to democratic backsliding and critically reflect on what worked well and what was less effective;

-enable and support participants in finding the right approach in their youth work to strengthen and support democratic values in their local context;

-encourage participants to develop concrete follow-up activities for their local youth work and communities. (Guidance and advice will be provided by the seminar facilitators.);

-build a supportive network of youth work practitioners committed to democracy, enabling continued exchange, peer support, and cooperation beyond the seminar itself.

Venue

The seminar takes place in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme includes on-site visits that illustrate how communities navigate complex histories and foster democratic futures through youth work and young people’s active participation.

Profile of participants

The seminar is open to youth work practitioners who are:

-involved in local youth work and working directly with young people;

-committed to promoting democratic values through their youth work;

-interested in exploring new approaches and actively applying them in their youth work;

-interested in building new contacts and connections for exchange, networking, and future cooperation on the topic of safeguarding democratic values and attitudes among young people and in local communities;

-able to commit to participating in the full duration of the activity, including its follow-up phase;

-able to communicate in English;

-18 years of age or older.

Background

The seminar is part of “Beyond Borders” a long-term strategic partnership involving the regional SALTO Resource Centres and several Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps National Agencies, aiming at strengthening youth cooperation between Programme and Neighbouring Partner Countries. The activity is organised by SALTO South East Europe Resource Centre in cooperation with the Erasmus+ (youth) National Agencies: JUGEND für Europa (Germany), MOVIT (Slovenia), SALTO Eastern Europe and Caucasus Resource Centre, and the Local Democracy Agency Mostar.

Important notice

The application for the following countries closes (due to visa procedure) already on 26 July: Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia.