Fonix Toolbox

Aims of the tool

To equip youth workers with practical, theatre-based methods to reduce polarization, build empathy, and strengthen dialogue, awareness, and communication skills in safe and brave learning spaces.

Description of the tool

The Fønix Toolbox offers a collection of experiential, theatre-based methods designed to help youth workers address polarization and strengthen dialogue among young people. Instead of focusing on performance or artistic creation, the toolbox uses movement, improvisation, role exploration, and guided reflection to help participants experience group dynamics, conflict, trust, and empathy from within.

The methods are organised into three interconnected categories:

1. Awareness
Physical, non-verbal exercises that build group cohesion, presence, and mutual understanding. Participants explore space, tempo, focus, and collective movement to understand how individuals behave within a shared “mini-society.”

2. Communication
Verbal and non-verbal exercises that develop active listening, clarity, collaboration, and conversational dynamics. They introduce gentle conflict, shared decision-making, and the emotional risks of dialogue.

3. Reflection
Conceptual and experiential tools that help participants explore identity, values, stereotypes, and polarization more directly. These exercises promote perspective-taking and constructive debate around sensitive topics.

A core component of the Fønix method is the creation of safe and brave spaces, where participants feel respected but are also invited to engage with challenge, vulnerability, and discomfort when appropriate. The toolbox includes practical facilitation guidelines, debriefing structures, and strategies to manage emotional intensity and group dynamics.

Overall, the tool supports youth workers in using embodied learning to explore social conflict, improve communication, and promote empathy across differences.