In 2021 we conducted a Social Cohesion in Europe Literature Review  that examined how different research traditions have considered the concept of cohesion, and interventions and trends that have supported the cohesion.

We followed up with recommendations resulting from a youth policy event we organised across the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in March 2022. Going forward, we have engaged with young people from diverse backgrounds through training and project work. 

The Polish edition of the Stronger Together for Social Cohesion programme is addressed to young people, especially from smaller towns and rural areas, who have ambitions and willingness to act for the benefit of their local communities but are still at the beginning of their activist path. We know that civic activity requires not only enthusiasm, but also a number of skills, and that is why we want to offer young activists training courses and workshops that raise their knowledge about social cohesion, building mutual trust, and develop skills for dialogue and cooperation across differences. We believe that such skills are not only particularly needed at the present time, when millions of refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Poland, but they are also used in everyday work for local communities, as well as in private and professional life, constituting a valuable investment in the future of the young generation, who will live in a challenging world.

Our programme, which we implement in partnership with non-governmental organisations working with and for young people, complements the existing offer for young people. It has been created in the process of cooperation and consultation both with representatives of future participants, but also with partner organisations from various regions of Poland.

Here are some of the examples of our cooperation in implementing the Stronger Together for Social Cohesion programme so far: 

Workshops organised in cooperation with Polish Council of Youth Organisations

On 7-9 October 2022 we have organised face-to-face workshops for 24 young activists representing and supporting youth councils from across Poland. They went on implementing newly gained knowledge and skills by launching 7 social action projects in their local communities. We expect the initiatives to be completed by the end of March 2023.

 

Session during the Youth Future Conference

On 20 October 2022 60 young students took part in the Youth Future Conference in Warsaw, where they have had a chance to learn about the Stronger Together programme.  The conference was also livestreamed to enable more young people to take part. Thanks to participation in this event, young people were encouraged to open up to new experiences and skills and become more active in their local communities. 

Workshops for LEVEL UP and IN-KREA Associations

19 young activists representing LEVEL UP and IN-KREA Associations took part in four online workshops in November and December 2022 and have learnt how to become more inclusive in their work with local communities. Four projects submitted by LEVEL UP and three projects submitted by participants nominated by IN-KREA Association have received funding and will be implemented by 30 June 2023. 

• Workshops in the Małopolska region in cooperation with Strategic Consulting Centre

We invite young activists from the Małopolska region to join our Stronger Together for Social Cohesion workshops, organised in cooperation with Strategic Consulting Centre. More information and application form available on the Strategic Consulting Centre website.