“Tolerant Europe – defining the obstacles”

Nationalism and extremism are now spreading everywhere all over Europe. Therefore, it is urgent to inform and activate young people in the fight against discrimination and social exclusion, which is often driven by prejudices, misinformation and unresponsiveness of our leaders who, unfortunately, sometimes do not hesitate to deliver hate speeches to use nationalism for their own benefit. Populist, xenophobic and Eurosceptic movements are popping up like mushrooms overnight all over Europe and have to considered as a serious threat to an inclusive, respectful multicultural society in which all Europeans and new Europeans feel welcome. European states are increasingly inward-looking to find internal solutions for problems that by no means can be solved within national borders, and the limitation of civil rights, in particular those of the minorities, seem to be the only vision of some political leaders and, unfortunately, young people. The international seminar aims at investigating on the negative impact of nationalism to our society and proposes to explore the tools available, and those that could be created, for young people active in youth organizations to fight discrimination and xenophobia in Europe. How will we work? The methodological approach of the seminar will ensure that the principles of non-formal education are fully respected. This means that the participants will be offered possibilities to be fully engaged in planning and achieving their learning, through various experiential processes (role-plays), small group work, expert input and open debates. Related to the inputs provided by external speakers, JEF Europe and JEF-Macedonia will ensure that the speakers who will come to address the participants with their expert input will be very experienced and able to engage youth in active and meaningful dialogue. To apply, please click on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12iwgqcuF44OC3OKiKM3Tjzsezr-b5qsl5UW4Cc0VCIM/viewform Practical Information: Deadline for Applications: 23 February 2014 Participation fee: 120 EUR for JEF members and 150 EUR for non-JEF members. (There are 10 scholarships of 50 EUR provided upon request.) Travel reimbursement: 70 % of the travel costs (up to max 170 EUR) *JEF Europe and JEF-Macedonia will assist in visa procedures if needed. **Do not book your ticket and/or pay the participation fee before you receive a confirmation e-mail of your selection For any questions please contact us: JEF seminars | European Secretariat Square de Meeûs 25 B-1000 Bruselles Phone: +32 2 512 00 53 E-mail: seminar@jef.eu |info@jef.eu | www.jef.eu