Hard Topics: Training on Dialogue for Youth Workers and Educators

Aims & objectives

The Hard Topics training aimed to equip youth workers and educators with tools and methods to create brave spaces where young people can engage in meaningful dialogue on controversial and polarizing social issues. It focused on fostering constructive conversations, emotional self-regulation, and trust-building, enabling participants to address polarization in their communities effectively.

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Participants included youth leaders, youth workers, and community workers from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia, with trainers from Croatia and Slovenia.

Training methods used & main activities

The program employed interactive and non-formal education methods, focusing on both understanding and applying the concept of dialogue. Participants explored the framework of brave spaces and engaged in workshops on non-violent communication, emotional self-regulation, and deep listening. They practised dialogue facilitation and learned to navigate polarizing topics through structured activities. The training also introduced participants to dialogue cards, helping them understand their use and purpose. Open space sessions encouraged the exchange of experiences, while hands-on practice solidified participants' skills in fostering meaningful discussions.

Outcomes of the activity

Participants were equipped to implement dialogue workshops and organize “dates of political opponents” within their local communities, fostering opportunities for meaningful engagement. These activities, supported by mentoring from partner organizations, aim to extend the impact of the training and promote ongoing dialogue on complex social topics.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I worked as a trainer, playing an active role in co-designing and leading the program.

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.