We wanted to raise awareness to the topic of micro-aggression and expand the current (mainly academic) conceptualization of micro-aggression. Also we wanted to equip European citizens (especially those working in the public sector) with practical knowledge and skills to handle micro-aggression and promote inclusion, diversity and fairness in their communication with marginalized groups e.g. based on gender, age, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.
During the dissemination of a previous Erasmus+ strategic partnership (“Arguments Against Aggression” (2018-1-DE02-KA204-005060)), and especially during discussions in the multiplier events, all partners noticed a strong interest of stakeholders, especially from the public service sector, to not only focus on hate speech as such, but also cover areas which can be defined as micro-aggression. Many studies have found that micro-aggressions have a significant negative impact on people’s mental and physical health. And while micro-aggression has been a known concept within the academic world, there is also a very practical need to raise a broader awareness among European citizens. All of us need to be trained and better prepared to deal with micro-aggression and other subtle but powerful forms of discrimination that impact marginalized populations, whether it is as a perpetrator, victim or by-stander. This is especially important for all those who are working in public positions, e.g. civil servants, teachers, youth workers, etc. Our project will raise awareness and provide European citizens with a hands-on guide and catalogue consisting of strategies, approaches, interventions and training materials to address micro-aggressions.