Butterfly Effect

Over the past two years, we collaborated with partners from Romania (Dreams for Life) and Ireland (Siolta Chroi) within Soil Soul Society long-term project to empower youth workers and young people through impactful training and real-world engagement. Building on the success of our previous training course and study visits, “Butterfly Effect” aims to combine the best of both experiences into one comprehensive program.

Participants will:

• Learn about current local and international challenges and how small actions can lead to significant positive change.
• Engage with local changemakers and discover practical solutions to real-world issues.
• Develop vital skills for project creation and implementation based on personal and collective needs.
• Develop collaboration and adaptability to effectively respond to social and environmental challenges.

We are looking for youth workers, young leaders, and individuals who are enthusiastic about making a difference in their communities. If you believe in the power of inclusivity, resilience, and community engagement, we want to hear from you!

The "Butterfly Effect" project emphasizes that every small action matters. By participating in this program, you will not only develop your personal and professional skills but also contribute to building a better society for everyone, regardless of their background or life experiences. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a supportive network of individuals dedicated to driving change.

OBJECTIVES

• Reflecting on individual and collective needs of participants, their target groups, communities and organizations.
• Preparing social projects which answer the identified needs.
• Learning specific, tangible tools for needs analysis, project planning, fundraising, promotion and dissemination of ideas, which can be used in direct work with young people.
• Getting inspired by real examples of changemakers working on a local, European and global level.
• Strengthening local and international networks and building lasting, resilient collaboration.
• Giving visibility and recognition to changemakers and social businesses from our local communities.

PARTICIPANTS PROFILE

Participants of this project should fulfill the following criteria: 

• experience and good understanding of the needs in the field of youth work as well as good understanding of the situation of young people in their local community and/or national context;
• at least a basic understanding of non-formal education purposes, framework and educational approaches; 
• motivation to take part in a mutual exchange and learning process held in an intercultural setting within a transnational team;
•  good level of English;
• openness and willingness to actively participate and contribute to the programme;
• ready to devote their time and work to the project in all phases, including the fulfillment of tasks before the training and dissemination actions after.

There is no age limit in the training course, we try to bring different perspectives - from young adults till experienced middle or even senior age practitioners. As much as in the case of gender or origin, we believe in the power of diversity and putting together various perspectives. 

ACCOMMODATION:

Training will take place in two different locations. During the first week we will be accommodated in an training venue in a rural area (Grzybów) where we will develop our own changemaking skills and projects, while for the last 3 days we will transfer to a bigger city (Łódź) to meet local changemakers and learn from their experience.