The seminar “What can I do? Tools for interventions in situation of discrimination and how to promote solidarity in youth projects” focused on giving youth workers, both staff and volunteers from volunteering and youth organisations, the possibility to exchange good practices, skills and around how to intervene when observing situations of discrimination and violence in youth projects. We wanted to explore how we can make ourselves as youth workers as well as volunteers and youth we are working with stand in solidarity with victims instead of just being
bystanders. The seminar promoted the concept of “civil courage” and tools for safe and successful interventions.
During the seminar we discussed solidarity, active citizenship and other important terms/concepts that make us stand up for each other. A focus was given on civil courage – definition, history and forms. The contrary, so the bystander effect described above, was analysed in
detail. We looked at situations that need our interventions: how to identify them, ways to intervene while still staying safe, interventions on- and offline, understandings of safe spaces and more. All the exchanges were done using methods of non-formal education, such as forum theatre, silent exhibition, violence barometar etc. On the final day the group sat down and collected ideas for a manual. They decided to share with others the main learning points in relation to the following:
● Civil courage and other related terms
● Conflict situations
● Overcoming barriers
● Competences