Young Europeans face many challenges:  They live and work in societies with deep frictions and divisions. Youth work is challenged by increasing doubts that democracy really works. Many groups do not feel represented with their ideas, worries and concerns. What do young people believe in? What do they set out to work for? Where and how do they want to be in charge? This program is about empowering young people in times of political divisions. Thereby we will cover different aspects: 

1. History – how we became, who we are: How did we become the people who we are? Which ideas had those in mind, who shaped our families and societies? We will look at the historic narratives and identities. We compare family biographies and text books, news reports and public debates. 

2. Democracy – how we express, what we want: How do we decide, who is in charge of shaping politics? Who feels represented and who feels left behind? A simulation game will help us understand how empowerment works in politics and youth activities. Talks with political decision makers will address the crucial issue of populism and xenophobia in times of migration. 

3. Diversity – how we include, who is around: How do we perceive what keeps societies together? How do we overcome division and exclusion in European societies? This part is on facing diversity and handling it. Diversity training, dialogue exercises and field visits to NGOs will help us find answers to those questions. 

4. Prospect – how we know, what to do: How do we design, what we will do? Here we will identify tasks at hand. We will describe how empowerment works – and shape concrete activities. The project counters the challenges of populism and division in our societies. 

It is a train-the-trainers program and addresses youth leaders from Germany, Poland, Lithuania and Northern Ireland.