TOY - Trainers Online for Youth
This is a reference for PANAGIOTIS KALAITZIS
The international conference aimed to strengthen the capacities of young activists, human rights defenders, and youth workers to combat hate speech and promote inclusive societies. It addressed key needs such as developing practical skills, sharing experiences from local initiatives, building sustainable networks, and enhancing advocacy and policy engagement at both national and European levels. The training supported participants in reflecting on their achievements, overcoming challenges, and co-creating strategies for future action, aligning with the goals of the No Hate Speech Network and the Council of Europe to empower youth, reinforce democratic values, and ensure long-term impact in the fight against hate speech.
It was a diverse group of 30 youth activists, human rights defenders, and youth workers from across Council of Europe member states representing a wide range of cultural and social backgrounds. The participants were young people engaged in initiatives addressing hate speech, inclusion, and human rights in their home countries. The facilitating team, composed of experienced trainers and members from the No Hate Speech Network and supported by the Council of Europe and the European Youth Foundation, guided the sessions using participatory methods.
We used a range of non-formal learning methods to engage participants and promote collaborative learning. Workshops, group discussions, and brainstorming sessions allowed participants to share experiences from their local actions, explore challenges, and co-create solutions for the Network’s strategic plan. Peer learning, role-playing, and simulations helped develop practical skills, raise awareness of the impact of hate speech, and foster empathy. Experiential activities, including the visit to the European Parliament, provided real-world insights into advocacy and decision-making processes speaking with the MEPs. Reflection exercises throughout the event encouraged participants to consolidate their learning, identify personal and collective growth, and plan sustainable follow-up actions, ensuring an active, participatory, and learner-centered approach.
The conference empowered these participants to strengthen their actions against hate speech and to develop more inclusive and sustainable local initiatives. Participants shared their achievements from local actions, exchanged best practices, and co-created the strategic plan for the No Hate Speech Network, demonstrating tangible progress in collaborative decision-making and youth-led advocacy. Success is evident in the strengthened international networks, increased motivation, and enhanced skills of participants to continue campaigns in their communities.
LINK: https://nohatespeech.network/changing-narratives-actions-have-power/
I contributed to the preparatory meeting in August, helping define the conference agenda and develop the daily program. I collaborated with the team to design session outlines and participated in implementing the sessions. I personally delivered the team-building session, as well as the national and international coordination session, aimed at strengthening participants capacity to sustain and institutionalize national coordination structures, and realistic action plans for long term network collaboration. Additionally, I facilitated the action plan and sustainability session, guiding participants to map resources, partnerships, and methods, and produce actionable recommendations for the No Hate Speech Network Strategic Plan 2026-2028. I also supported timekeeping and provided organizational support throughout the event.