🌍 Project Overview
Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change is an Erasmus+ Training Course designed to support young people and youth workers in understanding democracy in today’s complex social and political landscape and in developing concrete tools to actively defend and promote democratic values.
The training explores democracy holistically by examining how it is defined today, who is included or excluded, and what the most pressing threats to democratic systems are. Special attention is given to how young people are affected by anti-democratic movements, radicalisation, misinformation, and shrinking civic spaces.
Through non-formal education methods and an intensive campaign-making process, participants will not only deepen their understanding of democracy but also take action by co-creating social media campaigns that promote democratic participation, social justice, and youth empowerment.
📍 Location
Prague, Czech Republic 🇨🇿
🗓 Activity Dates
13–18 April 2026
📅 Application Deadline
1 February 2026
🗓 Selection Results: 4 February 2026
👥 Participant Profile
👤 Young people aged 16–30 (with limited places for participants over 30)
🤝 Youth workers, youth leaders, activists
⚖️ People interested in democracy, social justice, and youth empowerment
🧠 Motivated individuals eager to understand and respond to current political and social challenges
Participants should
✔ Be motivated to engage in democratic processes
✔ Be involved in youth organisations, activism, or civic engagement
✔ Be able to communicate in English
✔ Commit to sustainable travel methods (train or bus), according to the organiser’s travel policy
🌍 Eligible Countries
Austria 🇦🇹 Belgium 🇧🇪 Czech Republic 🇨🇿 Finland 🇫🇮 France 🇫🇷 Germany 🇩🇪 Greece 🇬🇷 Hungary 🇭🇺 Italy 🇮🇹 Latvia 🇱🇻 Netherlands 🇳🇱 Poland 🇵🇱 Portugal 🇵🇹 Republic of North Macedonia 🇲🇰 Spain 🇪🇸 Türkiye 🇹🇷
🎯 Training Focus & Objectives
🗳️ Understanding democracy in today’s world
⚠️ Identifying threats to democratic systems
🧩 Exploring social and political mechanisms behind anti-democratic movements
📱 Creating impactful social media campaigns for democratic values
🌱 Empowering youth as proactive democratic citizens
Participants will
✔ Examine democracy from multiple perspectives
✔ Explore how youth are affected by democratic decline
✔ Learn from expert trainers specialised in anti-radicalisation and anti-extremism
✔ Develop practical advocacy and campaign-making skills
✔ Gain tools to act locally within their own communities
🧠 Learning Methodology
🎲 Non-formal education approaches
🧩 Interactive workshops and group work
📰 Analysis of current political and social events
📢 Campaign-making labs and simulations
🤝 Participatory learning with expert trainers from FARN
This training places participants at the centre of the learning process and encourages reflection, discussion, and concrete action.
🔗 Long-Term Learning Path
This activity is Part 1 of a 2-part learning process focused on strengthening democratic practices. Participants are strongly encouraged to also join Part 2, taking place from 29 June to 3 July 2026 in Germany, to continue the learning journey.
🌱 Sustainability & Travel
♻️ Participation requires green travel (train or bus) in line with the organiser’s travel policy
✈️ Exceptions are only possible for remote locations and must be approved in advance
💸 Costs & Funding
💶 Participation fee
✔ 50 EUR for Naturefriends members
✔ 75 EUR for non-members
💡 Financial support is available if the fee is an economic constraint
🏨 Accommodation and food: Provided
✈️ Travel reimbursement available according to distance bands
📜 Youthpass certificate provided
🏢 Organiser
International Young Naturefriends (IYNF)
A large European youth organisation promoting democracy, sustainability, and youth participation across Europe.
🤝 Co-organiser
FARN
Specialists in education for nature conservation, prevention of radicalisation, and anti-extremism.
📩 Contact Person
Esmée Schimmelpenninck
📧 democracyreboot@iynf.org
📞 +420 234 621 573
📎 Training Overview & Application
http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14324
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
This announcement has been prepared based on the information provided by the project coordinator.
2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The project coordinator is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Coordinating organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including dates, activity details, or application deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
4️⃣ Disclaimer of Liability
YouthWorks Hub is not responsible for any such changes, updates, or cancellations made by the project coordinators.
💡 Final Note
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official project coordinator or programme website before applying.
