Workshop for Youth on Fostering Inclusion in Poland: Call for Applications (Gdansk Edition)

ODIHR is organizing a series of workshops for Polish and Ukrainian young people on fostering equal, inclusive and cohesive societies throughout Poland as part of ODIHR’s “Advancing the Human Dimension of Security in Ukraine” project.

The next workshop will take place in Gdańsk from 3 to 5 April 2023.

ODIHR is looking for highly motivated youth 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 three-day in-person training 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 will transform what they have learnt into action as they design and implement activities in their local communities, such as forming coalitions or networks and 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

• Applicants must be 30 years of age or less at the time of the application.
• Must be a Polish or Ukrainian youth based in Gdańsk or the Gdańsk area. Youth with disabilities, Roma and Sinti youth, third country nationals and youth from marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
• The workshop will be in English. Participants must be able to communicate their ideas effectively in English, as well as listen to and engage with the trainers and other participants in English (around intermediate level).
• 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 interested in promoting mutual respect and understanding with a genuine curiosity to explore the answers to difficult questions.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Go to the Application Form to complete the questionnaire. Applications will be accepted until 28 March 2023 23:59 CEST.

Youth who meet the above eligibility criteria and demonstrate the mentioned characteristics and motivations in their application will be chosen to participate.

Applications will be reviewed by ODIHR as they are submitted. By taking part in the application process, you consent to the collection and use of the data for the selection process. Selected applicants under 18 must provide consent from their parent/legal guardian to participate.

Questions

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