Empathy in ACTion [1st Phase]

Aims & objectives

"Empathy in ACTion" is a 3-phase training program that aims to provide youth workers with an introduction to Social Theatre and Compassionate Listening, for carrying out initiatives that can trigger a change in their local communities.

Combining a Compassionate Listening approach and Social Theatre techniques for applying it, this project focuses on promoting Social Change through compassion and empathy.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

24 Youth Workers, Educators and Youth Leaders from Sweden, Spain, Germany, Croatia, Greece, Italy, France, Netherlands, Estonia, Bulgaria, Hungary.

Training methods used & main activities

This Training Course is based on an Experiential Learning approach, being highly participatory and interactive. We will have an immersive and intensive program full of experiences, movement and action!.

The non-formal education methods that we will use are Social Theatre Methodologies (Including Theatre of the Oppressed, Community Theatre, and Impro Theatre) and will explore Voice Techniques and Body Work (including Body Awareness and Body Expression)); Empathic Listening based on the principles and intention of Marshall Rosenberg’s “Nonviolent Communication” approach to compassionate living; together with individual and group reflection and conceptualization processes.

Outcomes of the activity

During Local Action Phase: Come back to their local organisations and put in action the gained knowledge and tools by implementing the inclusive workshops created during the 1st phase.

During 3rd Phase: Create the Empathy in ACTion Manual, a detailed and powerful written resource with Social Theatre methodologies, including the workshops created and tested by the participants.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

Trainer and Learning Facilitator

I worked on this training for 8 days as a full time trainer.