First Workshop for Youth on Fostering Inclusion in Poland: Call for Applications

ODIHR is organizing a series of workshops for Polish and Ukrainian young people on fostering equal, inclusive and cohesive societies. The workshops will be organized throughout Poland, with the first one taking place in Warsaw.

Attention! The workshop dates have been changed to 13 - 15 December 2022. The application deadline is 30 November 2022.

ODIHR is looking for highly motivated aspiring youth, between 18 and 30 years old, who are creators, initiators, doers, influencers, activists and artists committed to building equal, inclusive and cohesive societies free from intolerance, discrimination and hate.

Objectives

Participants in this five-day in-person training, organized as part of the ODIHR project “Advancing the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine”, will learn how to:

• create a collective vision of peaceful, cohesive and inclusive societies among individuals of different ethnic and national backgrounds, cultures, religions and beliefs founded on an understanding of a shared human identity;
• effectively communicate this vision to others;
• identify and address negative bias, stereotyping, intolerance and identity-based hate;
• facilitate “safe space” discussions on issues around identity in ways that foster mutual respect and understanding, peace and security in society;
• build and sustain coalitions and networks among like-minded youth to advance tolerance and non-discrimination in their communities.

Following the workshop, participants are required to transform what they have learnt into action as they design and implement activities in their local communities, such as forming coalitions or networks, organizing dialogue or awareness raising activities, etc. Individual coaching sessions will be provided to support participants as they translate their ideas into concrete action. Selected initiatives will be showcased in late 2023 in Lublin – the 2023 European Youth Capital.

The workshop will be conducted in English.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

• Age: 18-30 years old (at the time of application).
• Must be a Polish or Ukrainian youth based in Warsaw or the greater Warsaw area (youth with disabilities, Roma and Sinti youth, third country nationals and youth from marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply).
• Language: Intermediate English proficiency (reading, writing and speaking).
• Desired personal qualities and skills: open-minded, sensitive and respectful of diversity, willing to learn, a positive communicator, a team player, innovative, resourceful and committed to initiate positive changes in one’s community.
• Demonstrated motivation to building equal, inclusive and cohesive societies free from all forms of intolerance and discrimination.
• Demonstrated desire to transform communities and build local, national and/or regional groups, collectives, networks or movements.
• Demonstrated interest in promoting mutual respect and understanding with a genuine curiosity to explore the answers to difficult questions.

Application & Selection Process

Please complete the two-step application process no later than 30 November 2022, 23:59 CEST.

1. Go to the Application Form and complete the questionnaire.
2. Provide a testimonial in writing (no more than two pages) OR in a video (no more than two minutes) which tells us three important things about you:

• Your motivation – Why do you want to build equal, inclusive and cohesive communities?
• Your vision – What does an equal, inclusive and cohesive community look like to you?
• Your call to action – How can you make your vision a reality?

When ready, upload the testimonial to your preferred file sharing platform (e.g., Google Drive, WeTransfer, etc.) and send the link to civilsociety@odihr.pl.

Youth who meet the above eligibility criteria and demonstrate the mentioned characteristics in their application will be chosen to participate. Once selected, participants will be asked to submit a copy of their passport or ID card and a brief resume which outlines their academic history and any professional experience for final verification.

Applications will be reviewed by ODIHR as they are submitted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. By taking part in the application process, you consent to the collection and use of the data for the selection process and consent to ODIHR to use the content provided in the application form and/or testimonial, in full or in part, for various promotional purposes.

Questions

If you have further questions regarding the application process, please write to civilsociety@odihr.pl.