Seminar<\/p>\n\n\n\n
25-29 May 2026 | Tallinn, Estonia<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NPiY Seminar is an experiential laboratory offering opportunities to map the current landscape of democracy, share practices & tools, reflect on our role in the process and build cross-sectoral connections that support the young people we work with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Democracy is facing a new era of challenges – from algorithmic polarisation to a declining institutional trust. However, the youth and education sectors hold a unique power: the ability to foster dialogue, critical thinking, and resilience.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this context, New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY SNAC) brings into attention a 3-day seminar designed to move “Beyond Polarisations”. <\/em>It is meant to be an experiential laboratory where we will map the current landscape of democracy, share practices & tools, reflect on our role in the process and build cross-sectoral connections that support the young people we work with. Together, we will explore how youth work & education fields can renew democracy from the ground up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The event will bring together 50 participants<\/strong> – youth workers, educators & teachers, civic leaders and community builders – connected to the topic of civic education and youth participation, and interested in exploring the challenges and opportunities in their own local\/national contexts. Aligned to European agenda and youth policy, the event contributes directly to the EU Youth Strategy<\/a>, EU Preparedness Strategy<\/a> and the strategic priorities of Erasmus & European Solidarity Programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seminar will take place between 25-29 May 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia<\/strong>. 25 arrival day, 26-28 full event days, 29 departure day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To explore practical ways of supporting \u201cYouth Renewing Democracy\u201d<\/em> the seminar advances four thematic focuses, especially through the Learning by doing part of the program (Thematic Capacity Building Workshops – Wednesday 27 May and Community of Practice Exchanges – Thursday 28 May):<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. The Belonging Gap: Fostering Youth Resilience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Across Europe, many young people\u2014especially those from vulnerable or marginalized backgrounds\u2014struggle with feeling excluded from society. This \u201cbelonging gap\u201d can leave them more exposed to risks of polarisation and even radicalisation. Gendered narratives, online subcultures, discrimination, and identity debates often deepen these divides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will look at how inclusive and preventive approaches can strengthen resilience, create safe spaces, and help young people feel that they truly belong. How can youth workers and educators hold space for complex identity debates without reinforcing divisions? How can communities of practice share tools and strategies to address exclusion constructively?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. The Distrust Rift: Reimagining Youth Participation and Alternative Democratic Practices<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Trust in institutions is declining across Europe, and many young people feel disengaged from traditional democratic structures. They often see formal participation channels as inaccessible or irrelevant. This \u201cdistrust rift\u201d challenges democratic values and raises urgent questions: how can participation be reimagined to reflect young people\u2019s realities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will explore alternative democratic practices\u2014from grassroots activism to digital participation\u2014that can rebuild trust and make engagement meaningful again. What new forms of participation resonate with young people today? How can youth work and education support them in shaping democratic practices that feel authentic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. The Manipulated Feed: Navigating Disinformation Architectures Affecting Youth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital platforms, algorithm-driven feeds and AI generated visuals shape how young people see the world today. For young people immersed in digital spaces, this \u201cmanipulated feed\u201d poses risks to critical thinking and democratic resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will examine how disinformation architectures work, and how youth work and education can strengthen media literacy and equip young people to navigate these challenges. How can professionals guide young people in questioning online content and resisting manipulation? What practical skills and tools are most effective in building resilience against disinformation?<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. The Art of Disagreement: Facilitating Youth Dialogue and Democratic Engagement <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideological divides and polarising political narratives are shaping young people\u2019s experiences across Europe. Elections and political conflicts often intensify these divides, leaving young people uncertain about how to engage constructively. Yet disagreement can also be a powerful learning opportunity\u2014helping young people develop empathy, negotiation skills, and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We will explore how dialogue can be facilitated respectfully, and how disagreement can become a pathway to deeper democratic engagement. How can youth workers and educators manage disagreement without reinforcing divisions? What dialogue methods and participatory approaches help young people engage across ideological lines?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This seminar is intended to belong to its participants<\/strong>. We invite you to step beyond the role of a “listener” and take the lead in shaping our collective knowledge and supporting the Community of Practice. In your application, please propose ideas if you would like to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Considerations in the selection of participants:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The seminar \u201cBeyond Polarisations: Youth Renewing Democracy\u201d is part of the New Power in Youth Strategic Partnership (NPiY SNAC), between several Erasmus+ National Agencies in the field of youth and SALTO Resource Centres. The event will be hosted by Haridus- ja Noorteamet (the Estonian Education and Youth Board).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow updates from New Power in Youth via LinkedI<\/a>n and Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Available downloads: Agenda_\u201cBeyond Polarisations Youth Renewing Democracy\u201d.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat can you expect?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is the topical focus?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Participants or active contributors?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Who is the event for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
What are the costs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n