Project Reference: 2024-3-DE04-KA153-YOU-000282517
Status: Completed
Duration: March 2025 – March 2026
EU Grant: €42,019
Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: Mobility of Youth Workers
Countries Involved: Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic, Netherlands
Project Background
Activism 101: Tools for Change was created to help youth workers and young leaders become more confident in promoting active citizenship and social participation. Many young people feel overwhelmed by global challenges and are unsure how to create positive change. The project responded by providing practical knowledge, useful methods, and a supportive international network.
The project also encouraged youth workers to inspire young people to become active members of their communities and to take part in democratic processes.
Project Objectives
The main goal was to strengthen the knowledge and skills of youth workers in different forms of activism, including community action, advocacy, online campaigns, and creative public engagement. Participants learned how to guide young people in finding their own interests and becoming active citizens.
Another important objective was to build a European network where youth workers could exchange ideas, share good practices, and support each other in addressing local and global challenges. The project also promoted intercultural learning, inclusion, emotional resilience, and sustainable activism.
Project Implementation
The project started with a two-day Advance Planning Visit in Austria, where partner organisations prepared the training programme and agreed on practical arrangements. The main activity was a seven-day international training course that brought together 30 youth workers, educators, youth leaders, and activists from six European countries.
The programme combined theoretical learning with practical experience. Participants explored topics such as community building, advocacy, non-violent protest, communication strategies, and collective care. Reflection sessions helped participants better understand their personal values and motivation for activism.
Key Activities
One of the highlights of the project was Activism Day in Vienna. Participants worked in international teams to organise creative public activities, including street games, performances, and awareness campaigns. These activities allowed them to practice communication, teamwork, and public engagement in real-life situations.
The project also included participant-led workshops, intercultural evenings, an online preparatory meeting, and several follow-up dissemination activities. Results were shared through exhibitions, university presentations, social media campaigns, livestreams, and workshops for young people in different partner countries.
Project Results
The project helped participants become more confident, resilient, and prepared to lead social initiatives. They developed practical skills in advocacy, campaign planning, message development, and community engagement while learning how to manage the emotional challenges that often come with activism.
Many participants reported feeling more capable of organising activities in their own communities. The public actions in Vienna became a turning point, giving them valuable experience and greater confidence in communicating with different audiences.
Impact on Participants and Organisations
The project strengthened cooperation between partner organisations and created a lasting European network of youth workers committed to active citizenship and democratic participation. Participants continued working together after the training by sharing ideas, resources, and local initiatives.
To ensure long-term impact, the partnership developed a Collection of Workshops that includes practical methods, exercises, and educational materials. The resource was published online and made freely available for youth organisations across Europe.
Long-Term Impact
Activism 101: Tools for Change showed that effective activism begins with knowledge, cooperation, and confidence. By combining non-formal education, practical experience, and international collaboration, the project empowered youth workers to inspire meaningful participation and social change.
The skills, resources, and partnerships created during the project will continue supporting young people and youth organisations in building stronger, more active, and more inclusive communities across Europe.
