WAKE UP, GREEN UP!

”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has” – Margaret Mead We are living in a time in which many young people lack motivation to get involved in shaping their communities. This represents a challenge for youth work and youth workers. At the same time, there is an urgent need to address environmental issues, as they have direct impact on health, immigration, poverty and inequality - hot topics that youth workers are trying to respond to. We wish to tackle both complex issues (global environmental issues and young people's lack of social involvement) with concrete actions that youth workers can do to motivate young people to get actively involved in grassroots-level environmental citizenship. Young people, as the present actors and future decision-makers in their societies, need to be better informed about global environmental issues and use their intrinsic creativity and energy to contribute to transform their societies. Young people will play a key role in the transition towards a life sustaining society, and youth workers can be the facilitators of this process. In this sense, our aim is to prepare youth workers to inform, inspire, motivate and engage young people in environmental active citizenship. More specific objectives of the training are: •to explore the connection between youth work and global environmental issues; •to provide youth workers with tools and resources for stimulating the active involvement of young people in environmental issues; •to experience nature-based methodologies which can be used for raising environmental awareness among young people; •to develop practical skills to inspire young people’s environmental active citizenship; •to support participants in transferring to their realities the experiences lived during the training course. We will be using non-formal learning methods, such as nature-based activities, storytelling, creativity, peer work, reflection groups… that the participants will be able to apply in their daily work with youth. If you are a youth worker or youth leader (whether voluntary or paid) who is interested in environment and can be a multiplier of the outcomes of the training, then this course is for you! Prior experience in working with environmental issues is not compulsory. The collective wisdom and expertise from participants and trainers will help us grow together towards a more life-sustaining future. So, apply and be part of the change! Trainers: Esther Vallado, Eda Bakir, Emmanuel Mappus Contact for questions: wakeupgreenup@gmail.com