The project therefore aimed to update an existing German argumentation training programme, expand it to a European level, and adapt it for use in diverse cultural educational contexts. The focus was on developing a modern curriculum that empowers young people, youth workers and political educators to argue confidently, thoughtfully and in a values-based manner in everyday conversational situations. In addition, a digital learning resource was created which uses interactive, comic-style scenarios to simulate typical conflict situations and encourage reflection. This was based on the ‘Argumentation Training Against Pub Talk’ programme developed by Prof. Klaus Peter Hufer, which is already well-established in Germany and a key component of political education and prevention work. The aim was to further develop this approach and to incorporate the European dimension. The focus was on: • the development of a modern, practice-oriented curriculum • empowering young people, youth workers and political educators to engage in confident, reflective and values-based argumentation • the promotion of democratic skills in everyday life
The Stand up for Europe! project was launched against the backdrop of a Europe-wide rise in populist, anti-democratic and anti-science views, which were becoming apparent both in public discourse and in young people’s private lives. In conversations, many young people reported that they often felt overwhelmed in discussions on topics such as migration, climate protection or European politics, and did not know how to respond to provocative or discriminatory statements. At the same time, analysis by the partner organisations revealed that in many European countries there are hardly any low-threshold, practice-oriented initiatives that empower young people to actively champion European values. This first requires individual reflection to help young people understand: What are European and individual values, and how can I stand up for them? This is precisely where Stand up for Europe! comes in.