Everything starts with dialogue - cross-sectoral PBA on interfaith dialogue & youth work

Dates & venue:

20 (arrival by 18h in the hotel) - 24 October (departure after breakfast) 2025, 3 working days, Białystok, Poland

Bialystok with its nearly 300 000 inhabitans, is the biggest city of north-eastern Poland and the capital of Podlasian Province. It plays a role of administrative, scientific, economic and cultural centre of this part of Poland. Podlasie region is called "The Green Lungs of Poland" – it is ecologically clean and full of tourist attractions. Four national parks and three landscape parks are located within the city. Its pecific character has been shaped by the coexistence of many nations, religions, cultures, customs and traditions.

Białystok has for centuries been a multicultural, multinational and multireligious city where the Poles, Belarussians, Lithuanians, Jews, Tatars, Germans and Russians co-existed. This shaped the city’s specificity epitomized by its openness, hospitality and friendliness, and contributed to the richness of its cultural life. Moreover, the multinational character of the place inspired the works on a universal global language initiated by Ludwik Zamenhof, the locally born inventor of Esperanto. 

Theme:

To address the topic of (cultural) diversity, SALTO Inclusion & Diversity RC, in cooperation with the Network of the National Agencies of the Erasmus+: Youth in Action and European Solidarity Corps programmes, has planned 3 thematic “Embracing diversity” cycles, each covering a period of 2 years.

After closing the cycle on anti-racism, in 2024 we start addressing the topic of interfaith dialogue. We want to take on a journey through faith, belief and how to build projects to encompass different perspectives in  youth & community projects.

Religion is often seen as a source of difference and conflict, but does it have to be that way? In a world where (religious) identity often divides, we seek to explore the potential of religion as a solution and a catalyst for cultural diplomacy. Interfaith dialogue is becoming increasingly recognised by governments and institutions, as crucial for building cohesive communities. By perceiving interfaith dialogue as a positive resource and engaging in it meaningfully, we can build bridges across diverse communities, promote understanding, respect and peace.

What is interfaith dialogue and how can YOUth work address it is important question that we want to tackle with this partnership building activity.

We want to create space for reflection and putting our own, social and organisational attitudes and practices under the magnifying glass. We’ll have a closer look at the basic elements of interfaith dialogue, its potential and limits in the youth work and other sectors. The partnership building should allow professionals to question each other’s way of working and look for the ways to create bridges and build new practices.  

We want to discuss the pressing matters and challenges affecting interfaith dialogue and get inspired to make our programmes and organisations more inclusive and embracing of human differences.

The seminar builds on 5 ID Talks webinars (www.salto-youth.net/idtalks), seminar in Austria and a study visit in Malta in 2024 and a training course in Morocco, May 2025. Our new publication "Power of interfaith dialogue" is available here.

Aim of the PBA

To develop (youth) professionals 'diversity management’ skills in order to create better opportunities for young people faced with or at risk of religious discrimination.

Objectives:

• To reflect on personal system of believes, structural issues and organisational practices in order to identify similarities and space for international cooperation. 
• To strengthen inter-faith dialogue and anti-discriminatory behaviours and practices among youth professionals. 
• To explore different realities and provide opportunities for cooperation and networking by exploring funding opportunities, like Erasmus+ & European Solidarity Corps programmes.  

Participants' profile

Max 60 professionals from different sectors, working directly with (young) people at risk of religious discrimination on a regular basis. This includes youth workers/leaders, teachers, coaches, religious leaders/representatives of religious institutions, social and health workers, employment officers… interested in fostering positive dialogue, understanding diverse perspectives and contributing to community and peace-building initiatives. Believers, atheists, doubters or seekers.

• Participants who work with young people with different religious, faith or spiritual beliefs and/or minority and migrant background, will be given priority. 
• Motivated and have capacity to develop international project(s) addressing interfaith dialogue. 
• Having experience with the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes is not essential. Newcomers are encouraged to apply! 
• Able to work in (international) English. 
• From E+: YiA Programme and Partner countries
  
  Call for participants will be published by May 2025.  

Team

Seminar is co-organised by SALTO Inclusion & Diversity and Polish National Agency for the E+ and ESC programme.

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