An exciting opportunity for young people from across Europe who are drawn to democracy but unsure where to begin, or those who feel overwhelmed by recent social and political events, to apply for the Erasmus+ training course "Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change". This training course takes place in Hannover, Germany, from 19 to 24 January 2026. This training course is organised by "International Young Naturefriends" and funded by the European Youth Council of Europe and the Erasmus+ program of the European Commission.
About the training course
The training course “Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change” is a perfect opportunity for young people who are passionate about democracy and eager to make a democratic change in a meaningful manner.
This engaging week-long program will help participants rediscover the true meaning of democracy and understand how it works in practice. They will explore the most urgent threats facing democratic systems today, particularly those affecting youth, and work together to design a powerful social media campaign promoting democratic values and civic engagement. Guided by expert trainers from FARN, known for their work in education for nature conservation, prevention of radicalization, and anti-extremism, participants will take part in interactive, non-formal learning activities such as fishbowl argumentation, discussions on the paradox of tolerance, and analyses of fearmongering.
By the end of the course, they will gain valuable skills to interpret current political and social events and learn how to take meaningful action within their own communities.
Eligibility | Who can apply?
- This training course is open to young people from Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Finland, Austria, Greece, North Macedonia, Turkiye, Latvia, Poland, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United Kingdom.
- Applicants should be aged between 16 and 30 (with some limited spots for people over 30)
- Applicants should be involved in youth organizations and activism, and/or motivated to participate in democratic processes, social justice, and youth empowerment.
- Have a good understanding of English.
Expenses and Benefits
- There is a participation fee of 50 EUR for members/ 75 EUR for non-members (please contact the organisers if this is an economic constraint)
- The project offers plant-based meals a day with snacks
- Accommodation (shared rooms with 2-4 people per room)
- A five-day itinerary packed with workshops and activities
- Travel reimbursements (please note that participation in the whole training is required for travel reimbursements)
- Your international travel expenses will be reimbursed according to the distance between your home and the project venue in Hannover, according to the following limits:
- from 10 – 99 km - 28 EUR (Green Travel)/ 28 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 100 – 499 km - 255 EUR (Green Travel)/ 180 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 500 – 1999 km - 390 EUR (Green Travel)/ 280 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 2000 – 2999 km - 505 EUR (Green Travel)/ 365 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- from 3000 - 3999 km - 755 EUR (Green Travel)/ 550 EUR (Non-Green Travel)
- Calculate your budget from HERE
- Participation in this activity requires sustainable travel modes (Green travel) such as trains and buses. Exceptions can only be made if travelling from remote locations, where there are no green travel modes available, and only if approved beforehand by the IYNF team.
Timeline
Application deadline: 23 November 2025, 23:59
Start date: 19 January 2026
End date: 24 January 2026
Important Note
This activity is part 1 of a 2-part series focused on strengthening democratic processes. As it is designed as a consecutive learning process, it is important that you are also able to join the following activity, taking place from the 20th to the 24th of April in the Czech Republic. There, you will build on knowledge and skills for the first activity by centering on digital activism and workshop building. FARN will continue to lead the workshops with the support of a local Czech organization.
How to apply?
To apply, kindly fill out this application form in English no later than 23 November 2025.
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