Doing Inclusion: Sharing Knowledge, Experience and Good Practice

Aims and Objectives 

Aim: 

In this training, we want to address the practical aspects of inclusion in youth work.  

We want to raise awareness on barriers to participation and work on practical approaches to break through them and foster inclusion. We will build on the experiences and knowledge of the participants. Through this, we aim to empower youth workers to make their organizations and programs more accessible to youth with fewer opportunities.   

Objectives:  

Participants will...  

• gain knowledge about different realities of youth with fewer opportunities  
• Identify barriers to full participation for different groups 
• learn about practical approaches in building more inclusive spaces  
• share their own experiences and good practice   
• get inspired by others and gain intercultural perspectives on the topic 
• take home new ideas and methods on diversity and inclusion 

Methodology: 

The training uses mixed methods with emphasis on non-formal learning. We focus on the participants, their interests, ideas and experiences. We use theoretical input, participatory methods, simulations and group work. Everyone can take part, regardless of their prior knowledge, skills, or abilities. We will live inclusion during the training too: The goal is to create an environment where everyone can contribute and learn from each other through direct experience and collaboration.  

Background of the training  

Grenzenlos is a non-profit and independent association, established with a profound commitment to promoting intercultural exchange, international training and fostering local initiatives centred on the inclusion of marginalized people, such as People with Disabilities and migrants. With a legacy spanning over 75 years, Grenzenlos has collected extensive experience in connecting diverse cultures and empowering individuals through education programs and international projects. In the last years, we dedicated our trainings to the topics of inclusion, sustainability, competence development of youth and human rights.  

In this training, we want to address practical approaches of inclusion in youth work. Plurality and diversity characterize our society but are also embedded in power structures, meaning that people face barriers to full participation based on various intersecting factors such as gender, disability, sexual orientation, poverty, racialization and more. In recognizing these mechanisms of marginalization, Grenzenlos is continuously committed to strive for higher quality in youth work, engage youth with fewer opportunities and make programs more accessible to them, as well as collaborate with others to achieve this mission.  

As part of the training course, participants will reflect on their own experiences, listen to the stories of others and share and expand their own knowledge of diversity and inclusion. They will interrogate how concepts of marginalization, intersectionality and social justice relate to their own identity and their work, approach ways of contributing to a culture of inclusion and translate theory into the daily practice of youth work, profiting from a rich intercultural exchange. In this training setting, we want to empower participants to open dialogue spaces around inclusion and diversity, youth work and values in a transformative way for their daily work. 

Who can participate? 

We invite participants from organisations from partner and program countries to the training. We intend to host 2 to 3 participants per country.  

We are especially happy to host participants with a physical disability or from other marginalized groups. Applicants with fewer opportunities will be given preference in the selection. If you have any support needs, please reach out so we can ensure full participation and a fruitful experience for you.  

We are looking for participants who are active in their organization (youth workers, volunteers, staff, trainers). All participants should be: 

• 18+ (no upper age limit). 
• Engaged in the work of your organisation (as volunteers, staff member, youth workers or as part of the organisation’s board). 
• Able to attend the whole duration of the training course. 
• Able to work in English (if this is not possible, please let us know, so we can arrange an interpreter). 
• Ready to pass the knowledge on in your organisation and train colleagues after the training. 

The main working language will be English. To participate you need a sending organisation with OID. 

Venue/Date 

The training will take place in Vienna, Austria from Tuesday the 17.11.26 to Saturday the 21.11.26. Arrival Day: Monday, 16.11.2026; 

Departure Day: Sunday, 22.11.26  

at the Vienna Youth Hostel Brigittenau.  

The accommodation is wheelchair –accessible.  

Vienna is well connected by train or bus. We encourage you to use sustainable means of transport to reach our venue (Train, bus, car sharing...). Green travel is also reimbursable to a higher sum.  

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS 

Board and lodging, local transports (if parts of the programme), materials and the content of the activities are covered. Travel costs to and from the venue are covered according to the Erasmus+ (Key Action 1) scheme, based on the travel distance per participant. Travel distances must be calculated using the distance calculator supported by European Commission. 

We will refund the real costs up to the maximum lumpsum according to the travel distance band. Please note that the refund process can take around 3-4 months (in case we have received all needed invoices and boarding passes and after you have completed your mobility report), and it will be done directly to the sending organisations bank account. 

For the registration, we kindly ask you participants to fill out the registration form. 

Please register latest by 03.09.2026.  We are looking forward to receiving your expressions of interest!