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Diversity is a fact, Inclusivity is a choice. Youth transforming the Climate Justice Movement

2020-2-DE04-KA105-0196912020Youth mobilityfinalized
Countries: DE|PL|SE · Grant: €20,297
Inclusion - equityYouth (Participation, Youth Work, Youth Policy)Environment and climate change

Objectives

Historically, underrepresented groups in the environmental movement have been those that are adversely affected by climate change, including low income communities, communities of color, low wage workers, refugees and those with migrant backgrounds. The climate justice movement in Europe and other areas of the Global North has been the subject of criticism regarding the continuous exclusion of minorities. The groups presently active in fighting environmental degradation in these places are slowly being made aware of the limited diversity within their spaces. The importance of this awareness goes a long way in making heard the voices which are affected disproportionately by climate change and its disastrous effects. Together with our partner organizations, we recognize that we have a vital role in ensuring inclusion in our collectives as well as in the wider movement by influencing change from within. We would like to execute our future projects in a way that centres the voices of those most affected by problems and to offer a safer space for marginalized youth to discuss their struggles for visibility while collectively establish solutions to exclusion. We further hope to be able to bridge the existing gap between the current climate justice actions and the visibility of minority groups in the movement. Participants will gain competences on best inclusion practices to implement and develop in their work processes that can fundamentally transform their local communities and influence social change on a larger scale. In a 7-day training, this project will equip young community leaders with the necessary tools and expertise of organizing inclusive movements thus building a more diverse, resilient campaign against environmental degradation. As a training for trainers, these 30 participants will be empowered to implement their newly acquired knowledge within their local groups and communities promoting their autonomy, as well as strengthening European regional networks of youth solidarity. Project Objectives 1. Create a space for marginalized youth to share experiences and challenges, based on their identities, in participating in climate justice movements 2. Identify practices to eliminate social and economic barriers that prevent minority groups from participating in environmental sustainability actions 3. Provide trainers in youth-led civic organizations with tools and skills on building more inclusive spaces and mobilizations.

Project partners (3)