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Pixar Storytelling Tools for Active Participation

2023-1-PT02-KA152-YOU-0001454142023Mobility of young peoplefinalized
Countries: PT|ES|CY|IT|SE|UA|EL · Grant: €35,587
Democracy and inclusive democratic participationInclusion of marginalised young peopleCreativity, arts and culture

Objectives

In the past, many young people felt unheard and struggled to gain responsibility and empowerment to actively participate in society. Through our project, we demonstrated that emotions and the ability to tell engaging stories were essential ingredients to connect participants and enhance communication. Disney Pixar stories, known for their heartwarming and captivating tales, inspired us to create activities that captured the imagination of the participants. Ratatouille served as an example: a "simple" movie about a rat that wanted to cook, but in reality, it reflects the dream and passion that each of us has, often opposed by our family, culture, or "tribe." Inspired by this story, we helped participants realize that, just like in the movie, it was possible to achieve their dreams against all odds. We used Disney/Pixar storytelling techniques in two distinct ways: in a positive and inspiring manner and as a therapeutic tool. During the project's implementation, and based on our practice and research, we realized that inspiration was one of the most effective ways of learning—more positive and enjoyable than aversion-based learning. By presenting role models of success, participants learned how to achieve their goals, feeling safe and confident to replicate similar actions. As part of the activities, participants interviewed elderly individuals from the Senior University and wrote stories inspired by the biographies and real-life examples they gathered. We also invited people from diverse backgrounds and areas of interest, whose only apparent connection was their active participation in politics, community initiatives, or artistic groups. This provided participants with a rich exchange of perspectives and experiences. The therapeutic/curative aspect of storytelling was another approach we applied. Through it, we provided participants facing social, economic, physical, and mental challenges the opportunity to renew their path. We observed how storytelling established deep connections among participants struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, helping them create solutions based on non-formal education techniques. We offered them the chance to rewrite their journey, turning obstacles and problems into opportunities for growth, inspired by the hero’s journey present in Disney-Pixar stories. Each participant became the hero of their own story, transforming their most difficult moments into narratives of triumph. The main outcomes of the project were: - Exploring the key ingredients to create a story: Participants learned to identify a person/main character or subject, a place/environment, a dilemma/problem, and a resolution/ending. - Empowering participants and inspiring personal growth: Storytelling proved to be a powerful therapeutic approach, showing that problems do not define a person but instead make them stronger. - Promoting sustainable consumption and production: Stories were used to raise awareness about environmental impact and inspire sustainable practices. Success stories in this area inspired many participants. - Storytelling as a communication method: Participants mastered the art of telling ideas with creativity and magic. - Bringing people and/or different social groups together: We promoted greater understanding and empathy among participants, combating discrimination and fostering social inclusion. - Encouraging civic engagement and participation: We inspired participants to become more involved in their communities and political processes through impactful stories. -Promoting the Erasmus+ program, EU ideals, and the "Youthpass certificate": Many participants left the project with highly valued skills today, such as soft skills, certified by the Youthpass. The project was a success and left a lasting impact on the participants and the communities involved.

Project partners (7)