Open call for participants: “Beyond Polarisations – Youth Renewing Democracy” Seminar

New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership invites participants to “Beyond Polarisations: Youth Renewing Democracy” Seminar – addressing emerging challenges to democracy and youth participation.

Event details

• When: 25-29 May 2026
• Where: Tallinn, Estonia
• Application Deadline: 18 March 2026
• Selection Results: 23 March 2026

Objectives

The seminar “Beyond Polarisations: Youth Renewing Democracy” is an experiential laboratory for youth workers, educators, teachers, civic leaders, and community builders. It explores how youth work and education can counter polarisation, rebuild trust, and renew democracy—mapping challenges like disinformation, distrust, and exclusion while sharing tools and building partnerships.

Themes

1. The Belonging Gap: fostering resilience among marginalised youth.
2. The Distrust Rift: reimagining youth participation in democracy.
3. The Manipulated Feed: navigating digital misinformation.
4. The Art of Disagreement: facilitating constructive dialogue across divides.

Profile of participants

Interested participants need to meet the following criteria:

• Representatives of youth work, formal education (schools/universities), municipalities, or other structures (experts, researchers, decision-makers)
• Experience or interest in youth participation, civic education, or democratic challenges
• Motivated to address polarisation through youth work/education and explore cross-sectoral collaboration
• Capable of communicating effectively in English
• At least 18 years old.

Participant contributions – participants are encouraged to propose:

• Workshops that would demonstrate effective methods or tools.
• Project cases that would share insights from relevant projects.
• Roundtable discussions – be leaders of conversations on pressing topics.

Application Process

Submit the application form with personal details and ideas for contributions by 18 March 2026.

The seminar is part of the New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY SNAC), hosted by Haridus- ja Noorteamet (Estonian National Agency). Accommodation, meals, and logistics covered by organisers; travel covered by National Agencies/SALTOs.

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