Generations In Solidarity Seminar

Theme:

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.

Intergenerational solidarity and dialogue are becoming central to youth work because demographic shifts, economic pressures, and political polarisation are influencing how generations see their roles in society and how they imagine the future. Youth work is one of the few fields where spaces for learning, participation, and community-building can be intentionally designed to bring different age groups into constructive interaction. Strengthening intergenerational practices in youth work is therefore directly connected to maintaining participation, trust in democratic institutions, social responsibility, and community resilience. What are intergenerational solidarity & 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 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 seminar will guide participants through the concept of intergenerational solidarity—what it means, why it matters, and how it remains relevant in today’s societies. We will explore related concepts such as intergenerational dialogue and intergenerational fairness, unpacking the differences between them, and taking a closer look at the core elements of intergenerational solidarity, along with its potential and limitations.

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.

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 seminar:

• 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 exchange strategies and practices of promoting intergenerational solidarity as a mean for meaningful connections, community and peace building.
• To strengthen intergenerational solidarity and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among (youth) professionals.

Participants' profile

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!

Team

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

More info here!