Welcome to Reflect to Connect 2.0
We invite young people from Belarus and Germany to join the interdisciplinary training Reflect to Connect 2.0, which will take place on 20–26 May in Italy! The program combines an inspiring seminar in Italy with a hands-on micro-project phase, empowering participants to turn reflection into meaningful civic action.
About the project
Reflect to Connect explores how resistance and resilient communities contribute to democratic renewal by linking history, art and civic action. The program addresses challenges such as the fading memory of past authoritarianism and declining youth civic participation in Germany, while also supporting democratic values and civic engagement in the context of the authoritarian regime in Belarus.
Participants will connect historical reflection with contemporary civic practice by developing small micro-projects that promote solidarity, human rights engagement, and community resilience. The seminar takes place in Italy (place will be announced later),and offers an inspiring setting to explore how past resistance movements relate to today’s democratic challenges.
The program is designed for practitioners working in civic education, social art, or community initiatives who want to translate reflection into practical action.
Learning approach & objectives
The learning approach of Reflect to Connect combines historical, artistic, and political education to explore traditions of resistance while strengthening skills for building resilient communities today. Through interdisciplinary and practice-oriented learning, participants connect historical reflection with creative expression and civic action. The main training takes place during a BarCamp in Italy, an environment shaped by the history of resistance movements in Italy, where peer learning, group facilitation, and artistic workshop methods are used to develop micro-project ideas.
Between the training phases, participants will work on implementing small micro-projects, supported by online methodological consultations that help strengthen project development, leadership capacities, and community-based civic engagement. The program encourages the translation of collective learning into practical action in local or transnational contexts involving participants from Germany and Belarus. Progress will be accompanied by mentorship feedback and a final evaluation of learning achievements and social impact outcomes.
Who call apply?
We are looking for young adults (aged 20–27) who originate from or are based in Belarus and Germany and who:
- artists, activists, educators, and community organizers working in the fields of civic education, historic learning, social art, or community-based engagement
- are engaged in strengthening democratic values, resilience, and solidarity within their communities, including those working in or with civic initiatives in Germany and Belarus
- are motivated to develop a small micro-project after the seminar
As the training will be held in English, a good command of English is required.
Key dates:
- Application period: March 01 – March 20, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: by March 24, 2026
- Online preparation meetings: April 20 & May 11, 2026
- On-site training in Italy: May 20–26, 2026
- Mini-project implementation time: May 27 – 31 October
- Online follow-up: November 02, 2026
Costs & practical information
- Travel costs will be covered within a set budget, based on the most affordable option (2nd class train, economy flights).
- Accommodation, meals, and activities: Participants and the team are accommodated in 3-persons rooms in Italy . Meals will be provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner and coffee breaks).
- No participation fee – costs for accommodation, board and activities are covered.
- For the transfer in Italy a transport is organised.
How to apply?
Please fill out the application form by March 20, 2026:
LINK TO THE FORM
Any questions? Please mail us via [email protected]
We look forward to your application and will get back to you as soon as possible!
