Diversity is a key characteristic of societies and cultures. Traditions, habits, languages and religions, among others, are part of cultural frameworks that shape people for generations. However, as a result of the human brain’s tendency to create shortcuts and question deviancy, stereotypes and prejudices influence our views on the other and on their culture. The prejudgment of people and their cultures breeds racism, discrimination and global inequalities. In a nutshell, stereotypes and prejudices exacerbate the multiple crises of our time as well as people’s indifference towards them.
Given the global consequences stereotypes can have, it is essential to confront them locally, in our surroundings and our own minds. Through the DiverseActing – project, we aim to promote paths of inclusion and active citizenship among youngsters through several cycles of intercultural workshops. We aspire to explore cultural traditions and habits different from our own, become aware of our view of the other, deconstruct stereotypes and fight harmful prejudices. By bringing together young people who have different cultural, socio-economic and educational backgrounds, we aim to overcome distance and separation. We know that a lack of knowledge about cultural heterogeneity can lead to discrimination and bullying. Therefore, our interactive workshop series are built upon dialogue, intercultural exchange and mutual understanding.
With the assistance of our youth workers and linguistic-cultural facilitators, young people will be able to learn about different cultures, connect with them and increase mutual feelings of respect towards each other. Apart from that, the participants learn to identify their talents and passions in order to increase self-awareness and pursue their personal and professional goals.
Each of our three cycles of workshops consists of five gatherings, which are planned to take place in consecutive weeks. In the beginning, we aim to uncover and overcome stereotypes and prejudices through interactive games and activities. Subsequently, we will take a closer look at the theoretical foundations of cross-cultural political participation. In this stage of our workshop cycles, the participants will expand their knowledge on participation and decision-making processes as well as concepts of democracy and emancipation. In the end, we will collectively transform theory into practice. The youngsters will use the tools they have gained to create new spaces for youth participation in public life. Therefore, each cycle of workshops will end with the group implementation of actions and events, which make an impact on the participants’ communities. This experimentation with youth initiatives will further enhance the youngsters’ personal and intercultural skills.
If you want to deconstruct stereotypes, challenge prejudices, and celebrate cultural diversity this opportunity is for you!
Register here and get ready to create new spaces for youth participation in public life:
If you have any questions about the cycle of workshops, contact: sasha.interalia@gmail.com or lorenz.interalia@gmail.com
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