Making our Voices Heard!

The initiative unfolded through various phases:

1. Consultations within the Local Board Communities;
2. Workshops and interactive sessions during the National Training Event;
3. Testimonial Booth during the National Training Event;

4. Creation of a survey.

    

Consultations within the Local Board Communities
These consultations were held online during the regular meetings of the local board members held by the respective National Board / Team member. The aim of these meetings were to educate the local board members about the topic of developing youth voices against racism and discrimination and enable them to raise awareness about the topic starting by disseminating these information within their local sections.

Workshops and interactive sessions during the National Training Event

Workshops: 

1. Embracing our Unity in Diversity by Andi Kovacs

   
   Description: Diversity asks, “Who’s in the room?” Equity responds: “Who is trying to get in the room but can’t?” We talk about Unity in Diversity and Diversity in Unit, but do we actually know what is behind the words? In this workshop, we will uncover what these concepts actually mean and how to achieve greater inclusion and embrace our diversity. Let’s not just talk about it; let’s discover together steps to let Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the room and into our sections.
   Target Audience: Newer ESNers
   Aim: To promote the importance of inclusion and diversity among volunteers.
   Objectives: At the end of the workshop, pax will be able to

• Understand key terms about diversity and inclusion (diversity, inclusion, equity, integration, diversity management);
• Formulate the benefits of diversity in their sections;
• Assess the level of diversity and inclusion in their section;
• Use tips & tricks, useful resources to make our organisation more inclusive and embrace diversity.
   

2. Project Management: A Journey from Conception to Completion by Robert Ardelean & Stefan Dima

   
   Description: Dive into the world of ESN project management in our dynamic workshop. Explore key concepts, navigate project stages, and decode grants and funding. Engage in a hands-on mock-up project challenge, showcasing creativity and strategy. Cap off the experience with a best practice round, gleaning insights from successful ESN projects. Join us for an enriching session that goes beyond theory, sparking innovation within the ESN community.
   Target Audience: Experienced ESNers
   Aim: The overarching aim of the workshop is to empower participants with a profound understanding of project management within the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and to cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence in ESN projects.
   Objectives: 

• Clarify the fundamental concepts of ESN projects, ensuring participants grasp the core elements that define a project within the network.
• Guide participants through the various stages of ESN project development, providing insights into effective navigation, problem-solving, and decision-making at each phase.
• Decode the complexities of grants and funding mechanisms in the context of ESN.
• Facilitate a mock-up project challenge, allowing participants to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, fostering creativity and strategic thinking.
• Conclude the workshop with a best practice round, offering insights from successful ESN projects to provide participants with tangible tools and strategies for enhancing their own project management skills.
   

3. EmpowerED: Strengthening Local Boards in ESN by Alex Pieptea

   
   Description: "EmpowerED" is an immersive and dynamic workshop designed to equip Local Boards within ESN with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies needed for effective leadership and impactful chapter management. It serves as a comprehensive learning experience, addressing core aspects crucial for successful operations within ESN Sections.
   Target Audience: Local Board Members:
   Aim: Addressing core aspects crucial for successful operations within ESN Sections.
   Objectives:  Cultivating Leadership Excellence: Fostering leadership qualities and effective team management skills among Local Board members.

• Enhancing Operational Proficiency: Equipping participants with the tools and strategies necessary for efficient project and event management.
• Empowering Volunteer Engagement and Development: Providing techniques and approaches to motivate, empower, and nurture volunteers, maximising their impact within ESN sections.
• Driving Collaboration and Partnerships: Empowering Local Boards to establish and maintain valuable partnerships while networking effectively.
•  

Interactive Sessions: 

1. Ideas & Knowledge Hubs: Create an Erasmus in Schools Activity

   
   Title: Developing Youth Voices against racism and discrimination: Erasmus in Schools Activity by Stefan Dima
   Description: Erasmus is about breaking barriers, reducing discrimination and offering youths the opportunity to understand why we are all equal and wonderful in our own way. In ESN we have the opportunity to offer the platform to international students to open the mind of local students through Erasmus in School sessions - but how can one do that? Let’s explore the concept and see how you can contribute in developing and offering youth voices the platform to fight against discrimination and racism!
   Aim: The session will provide the participants with the necessary tools required to implement an Erasmus in schools activity, as well as how to empower youth voices in their fight against racism and discrimination in this activity.
   Objectives:

• understanding the step in organising a Erasmus in Schools in activity;
• dealing with potential obstacles that may arise;
• gaining understanding about the development of youth voices against discrimination and racism project;
• offering participants a list of tips and tricks needed in covering the needs of the project.
   

2. Collaboration Incubators: Create a dissemination campaign

   
   Title:Developing Youth Voices against racism and discrimination: an  act of dissemination by Lexi Cojocaru and Alkistis Athanasopoulou
   Description: How many times when scrolling on your social media you formed an opinion about a person that you do not know? No matter if it was intentional or not all of us have reached some conclusions based on a post or a story. During this session, we will focus on the impact that discrimination has on our daily lives and create practical outputs that can be used for dissemination purposes!
   Aim: To provide information to the participants about the project “Developing Youth Voices” and how they can produce dissemination materials.
   Objectives:

• The participants will be familiar with the project “Developing Youth Voices against racism and discrimination” and its objectives;
• The participants will know how to create a campaign to advocate for a cause connected to “Developing Youth Voices against racism and discrimination”
• The participants will have produced concrete outputs connected to “Developing Youth Voices against racism and discrimination” that can be used for dissemination purposes. 

Note: The materials that the participants created need to be polished in collaboration with the National Communication Manager and will be disseminated during January.

3.  Campfire Session: brainstorm about how youth voices can be developed
4. 
   Title: Together against Discrimination: What can I do? by Andi Kovacs
   Description: Imagine the crackling fire and the burning wood under the starry night, a place where you can safely discuss and share your experiences. This Campfire Session aims to do exactly this, providing an environment to discover the power within you, reflect, share, and find ways for you to fight against discrimination in your local community. We’ll explore effective steps to create a positive change in your everyday life and provide you with practical resources to fight against discrimination.
   Aim: The aim is for pax to reflect on their situation and identify steps they can take to fight against discrimination in their local community.
   Objectives: At the end of the session, the participants will be able to:

• Understand discrimination and different types of discrimination;
• Identify what steps they can take to fight against discrimination;
• Have access to useful materials that can help them learn more about diverse tools and methods.

Testimonial Booth

Due to lack of equipment we were not able to record the participants as originally planned. Instead we used a form to collect their testimonials. These testimonials will be disseminated during January on our social media platforms. 

Some of the testimonials:

"Being part of the initiative's Local Board Communities phase was an enriching experience. Aligning our strategic priorities with the initiative's goals has set a precedent for our future endeavours. The workshops provided valuable insights that we've integrated into our action plans, ensuring that the commitment to developing youth voices against racism and discrimination remains a cornerstone of our local board's initiatives. This initiative has not only impacted individual perspectives but has woven a commitment to inclusivity into the fabric of our local ESN community." - Michele, Local Board President

"Participating in the 'Developing Youth Voices against Racism and Discrimination' initiative was a transformative experience. The workshops not only broadened my understanding of discrimination but also inspired me to actively combat it. This initiative doesn't just raise awareness; it empowers us to be agents of change, both within our university community and beyond." - Giullia, Workshop participant

”Participating in the 'Developing Youth Voices against Racism and Discrimination' initiative was eye-opening. The workshops transcended cultural boundaries, fostering understanding and unity among students from diverse backgrounds. The initiative not only equipped me with tools to combat discrimination but also inspired me to carry these values back to my home section. It's a powerful movement that resonates globally, making a lasting impact on how we perceive and address discrimination." - Claudiu, Workshop participant

Creation of a survey.

The National Team of ESN Romania took over the creation of the survey. This file contains the questions in a draft format. It will be finalised within the first two weeks of January and then it will be shared within the local sections, the International Relationships Offices of the local sections and the National Agency (ANPCDEFP).
Timeline:
- 14/01/2024 => finalise the survey
- 15/01 - 15/02/2024 => survey promotion & dissemination
- 16 - 29/02/2024 => analysis of the results
- 01 - 15/03/2024 => dissemination of the results

Link to photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16YHTnIFet3BxxVSKuWXLIX-XR-EAbU3z?usp=sharing

During the consultations and the National Training Event, the majority of the  objectives was reached. By holding the interactive sessions using the EGM methodologies, we achieved to educate our volunteers on the topic of developing Youth Voices against Racism and Discrimination and equip them with all the relevant knowledge, tools and attitude to act as multipliers. Additionally, through the workshops we cultivated the soft and hard skills of our volunteers that will allow them not only to perform well on their mandates but also to empower their efforts when acting as multipliers in their local sections and realities. 

As our actions to develop youth voices against racism and discrimination will not end within the timeframe of this multiplier phase, we aim to use all the materials to have in our disposal to keep raising awareness and creating a positive change in our societies.