Democracy through education (DtE) - European Federation for Intercultural Learning

Boys will be b...eautiful human beings - 3H

You all thought this title was going to end differently – yes, we might know how this sentence usually ends but in this workshop, we want to talk about some alternatives! Feminism is often considered something “for women“ (and if we are lucky, other genders) and gender equality is a concept that will benefit women mostly. Or is it? How are we leaving men out of this conversation? Have we ever thought about how standards for masculinity affect all genders? How the systems we live in were often built for men without considering possible disadvantages?

This workshop will talk about the gender binary (don’t know what this means yet? Come to the workshop) and who gets assigned which attributes, tasks, colours, feelings, etc. in this situation – especially how harmful stereotypes surrounding masculinity might end up hurting men, everyone else around them and the system they live in.

Content warning: patriarchal/systemic violence, mental health, suicide.

Diversity, discrimination and … did I forget something? - 3H

VSS is great because we are such a diverse crowd there and everybody has such different backgrounds but is very open at the same time – but is that true? And more importantly: is it enough? Is it possible that in spite of our open-mindedness, we still have things to learn about prejudice, stereotypes and privilege? And what do have to pay attention to when talking to AFS students about differences and discrimination?

This workshop is for volunteers who have either encountered or even experienced discriminatory behaviour in their (AFS) lives or who have talked about such topics at AFS camps. We will talk about opening up learning spaces for ourselves and for our participants to learn about discrimination and privilege but not at the cost of those who have experienced discrimination already. We will discuss how to make learning experiences safe(r) and (more) accessible when talking about uncomfortable truths in ICL.

Content warning: we will talk about different forms of discrimination, privilege and social injustice. If you have experienced any forms of discrimination, the topics of this workshop might be upsetting or painful for you.

ICL 101: Psychological Perspective - 3H

Stereotypes, culture shock, reverse culture shock, cultural adaptation – terms that are known to every single AFSer. So much so it has become core knowledge for many of us. Yet, it sometimes gets so difficult to define them. The goal of this workshop is to embark on a journey into cultural psychology and the fundaments of what constitutes AFS programme of Intercultural Learning. Our destination? New and original methods for the next ICL event, wee!

TOO YOUNG FOR DEMOCRATIC EDUCATION? - 3H

When was the first time you experienced biased judgement from your surrounding? Children from early age mirror the environment/culture they grow up with. This workshop would look into different stages of child/teen life and when and how to talk about sexism, racism, homophobia etc. to raise democratic citizens who would understand their own value and rights, right from the beginning. Join this workshop if you want to learn about biases and how to challenge them and have an interest in opening important conversations at any stage of a person’s early life.

One Party to Rule them all - 3H

Step into the realm of political imagination where you will be working on creating your own political party. Faced with some surprise issues, you will work together to develop a unique platform and generate creative solutions. Through strategic discussions, brainstorming sessions, and interactive activities, you will go on a lively journey to reshape the political landscape. Are you aiming to become a democracy, a dictatorship or an AFSocracy?

Know your History, Kid - 3H

Do you remember your history lessons at school? How often did you think that “history is boring” or “how is it relevant for me”? Let’s make it more interesting and relevant! During our workshop we will reflect on some of the turning points in modern history and how it has impacted our present lives. Our focus will be to see how our knowledge of history is deeply rooted in our cultural backgrounds and identities, and how it actually is actively shaping our future by being implemented in mechanisms of national politics. So, are you ready to see that history is relevant to your present? Are you ready to see that it can be used to shape societies or even to manipulate them?