The increase of extremism is a phenomenon we can observe in almost all European countries in recent years. Extremism is a threat to modern advanced democracies and what is worse it uses democratic principles for its case agains which, in fact, it battles. We in the European Dialogue have decided to develop an activity that would help to raise awareness of the reasons for the rise and increase of extremism, but also its prevention in areas where its manifestations are not yet significant.
Radicalization and extremism are significant problem that is often the number one topic in public debates, not only of politicians but also of ordinary people. Families are divided into „in favour“ and „against“, especially in socially weaker areas where there is not enough work or opportunities. People are looking for solutions and the representatives of the far right usually offer them in a very simple, easy-to-understand form, moreover loud and clear. Frustrated people then can easily sympathize with them.
Concepts such as tolerance and empathy disappear from public affairs, political parties are divided and fight against each other, instead of uniting and advancing together. We believe that political populism is one of the tools that extremism uses and helps it a lot. In this project, therefore, we will pay special attention to the political sphere, learn how to identify political propaganda, populism, individual regimes, but also to examine democracy in depth, define its pros and cons.
The Say No to Extremism project consists of 8-day youth exchange (including 2 traveling days), which will take place in Bratislava, Slovakia and will be attended by participants from the countries of our partner organizations: Portugal, Italy, Germany and Bulgaria – 6 people per each country with a team leader. Slovak team consisting of 6 members will also be a part of it.
The aim of this project, together with young people from different European countries, is to figure out the reasons for the rise and increase of extremism – to identify them very precisely and to understand their origins. That will be the key focus, and subsequently, thanks to this, we will be able to work on the means and activities to effectively stand in the way of extremism and stop it or prevent it.
In the project, we will also significantly reflect on our historical experience. Each of the partner countries has a historical experience with a totalitarian or authoritarian regime, which are known for their extreme form and today serve as a springboard for current extremist political parties or associations. Together we will analyze our past, find commonalities and through appropriate activities we will try to find lessons for them in our current state.
We are therefore looking for 6 participants from Slovakia, Portugal, Italy, Germany and Bulgaria aged 17 to 30 who are interested in this topic, have experience in the areas affected and especially the motivation to better understand it and then transform their new knowledge and experience whether in professional or everyday life. The leader of the group can be older than 30 years and should have a level of English at a communicative level, as the project will be conducted in English. Other participants should be fluent in English at least at level B1.
When and where will the project take place?
The project will take place from 12 to 19 September 2021 in Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. Accommodation will be provided in a newly renovated hostel in the city center and project activities will take place in nearby partner spaces.
The total duration of the youth exchange is 6 days plus two travel days. All participants are individually responsible for the way of their transport to and from Bratislava(but organizators are happy to help if needed). A travel budget of up to 275€ is set aside for each participant (travel costs will be reimbursed fully up to this amount).
When and how can you apply?
The deadline for registration is at midnight on August 20th, 2021 and you can register simply by filling in THIS questionnaire.
For more detailed information please read the Infopack of the project and if you have any questions you can contact us at: info@europskydialog.eu.
