Links

Do you know what a microaggression is? Have you ever witnessed a microaggression in a formal/informal group? If so, how did you react?

Microaggressions are often unconscious and subtle comments, behaviors, or actions that convey offensive, demeaning, or discriminatory messages toward people belonging to marginalized social groups. Although seemingly small or unintentional, these gestures or words can have a cumulative negative impact on the dignity, identity, and psychological well-being of those affected. Microaggressions can occur across various forms of discrimination, including gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and ableism.

Starting from this definition, the project aims to provide participants with knowledge, skills, and tools to promote non-violent social relationships and to develop emotional intelligence among groups of activists and youth workers, supporting the creation of positive and communicative relationships within activist circles.

Participants will learn tools to recognize, prevent, and resolve conflicts, as well as to address how microaggressions within groups can hinder the development of healthier and more inclusive social relationships. Throughout the week, participants will explore topics related to the roots of microaggressions and approaches to conflict resolution from an anti-discriminatory perspective.

Activities will help them recognize power dynamics, prejudice, structural inequalities, and the invisibilization of identities that may contribute to the emergence of conflict. In addition, they will understand the importance of empathic intelligence and the ability to step into others’ shoes.

This approach values difference and is committed to recognizing, preventing, and challenging all forms of discrimination, exclusion, or oppression within processes of dialogue and mediation. Participants will develop the ability to communicate sensitively on these topics, to empathize with identities and perspectives different from their own, and to deconstruct their own biases—becoming advocates for positive change in both formal and informal settings. Links 2025 aims to empower young people as active agents of change, ready to build more equitable and healthy communities through interpersonal relationships.

Participants will develop:

→ Knowledge about: Participants will develop a solid understanding of theorigins and impact of microaggressions in social and professional contexts. They will learn to identify the different forms these subtle behaviors can take and explore how they are linked to structural inequalities, stereotypes, and social power dynamics. The project will introduce participants to anti-discriminatory approaches to conflict management, focusing on how to recognize and address the underlying biases, exclusions, and imbalances that often fuel interpersonal tensions. They will gain knowledge on how to create safe, inclusive, and equitable environments where everyone can express themselves freely and be heard with respect. A key component of the learning will involve emotional intelligence, helping participants to understand and regulate their own emotions while responding empathetically to others. They will also explore the concept of implicit bias, learning how unconscious prejudices influence behavior and how to actively deconstruct them. Additionally, participants will acquire tools for inclusive and sensitive communication, learning to use respectful language and engage in constructive dialogue across differences. The project will also provide insight into non-formal educational methods, awareness-raising strategies, and active citizenship practices aimed at promoting inclusion, social justice, and positive change in communities.

→ Tools: The project will use interactive and creative tools to foster critical reflection and inclusive dialogue. Activities like visual mapping, collage-making, and storytelling will support personal expression and awareness around identity and diversity. Role-playing and forum theatre will allow participants to explore microaggressions and practice constructive responses. Group discussions, privilege-based exercises, and empathy circles will help uncover social dynamics and foster mutual understanding. Digital tools like Jamboard and Mentimeter will enhance collaboration and give space to all voices. To ensure a supportive environment, peer support methods such as check-ins, buddy systems, and shared group agreements will be used. Participants will also be encouraged to design small awareness-raising actions to apply what they’ve learned.

→ Skills in: cross-border cooperation with other learners; confident and considerate self-expression; speaking english; preparing for and leading discussions; thinking critically and transmitting this skill; empathy; awareness-raising; community engagement; team work.