Tools for Changemakers

In recent years Europe and the world have witnessed a growth in populist movements which take advantage of lingering mistrust between individuals, communities and countries. Far right movements have become more visible, worries about Islamic radicalization have grown and outbursts of anti-Semitism or Islamophobia have increased. Unresolved traumas and injustices from history have brought up old conflicts and tensions. The world seems more fragmented and polarized than it was.

Now the global pandemic has put everything on hold, and pushed humanity to rethink and adjust most aspects of our lives and work. Many voices are saying that the world will never be the same. Who can tell what the post-pandemic world will look like and what challenges and opportunities lie ahead of us? Will the old trends of fragmentation play an even stronger dividing role? Or will humanity find more imaginative ways of moving forward together, for the benefit of all?

We believe that individuals, organizations and networks can have a positive impact on the way the future is shaped, and that we are all needed to build trust and social cohesion. Dialogue can be an effective tool for bringing individuals and communities closer to each other, enhancing understanding, mutual respect and acceptance. It can address prejudice and misconceptions, and help in healing historical hurts and trauma. To enable this, we need practitioners who have a deep understanding of the power of dialogue and who have the confidence and skills to use it in their grassroots work.

What we offer

Tools for Changemakers – Shaping the Future Together Through Dialogue will be a three-day online event, bringing together people of all backgrounds who are passionate about helping to make their communities cohesive and inclusive places, where everyone’s voice is considered.

We aim to bring together grassroots practitioners of all ages and backgrounds who are active in the fields of peacebuilding, community-building, trustbuilding and education – and anyone else who believes that they can make a difference wherever they are and whatever their work is. You don’t need to be a social entrepreneur, non-profit leader or an activist to make a difference. You simply need to care and act.

Initiatives of Change believes that change starts with each individual and that anyone can have a role to play in making the world a better place.

Over the three days of the event we will explore dialogue as an essential tool for shaping the post-pandemic world, through addressing old and new challenges so as to develop a more cohesive and inclusive society.

Our starting point is the belief that dialogue is essential for building trust and social cohesion in today’s tumultuous times. We view dialogue as a communication process aimed at fostering mutual insight and understanding. It requires deep listening and a desire to learn from others.

The programme will feature thinkers and trainers who are keen to pass on their knowledge and skills to those who want to support their communities through dialogue.

Who should attend?

• Grassroots practitioners (trainers, facilitators, activists, community workers, educators etc) who are active in the field of community- and trustbuilding
• Young changemakers engaged in Europe’s future
• Organizations active in the field who are looking for partners or support
• Teams and individuals engaged in IofC work in Europe and beyond
• Anyone else interested in learning about dialogue as an efficient methodology for addressing mistrust and division between individuals and communities

In previous years our forum in Caux, Switzerland, has gathered people of all generations and backgrounds, from all parts of Europe and beyond, who have shared passionately and openly from their lives. This variety of backgrounds makes our event a unique and rich experience.

Programme

17 July - 11:00 - 13:00 (CEST): Let’s talk! – Exploring dialogue principles and learning from experienced practitioners

For the first day we have invited experts to talk about their approach to dialogue, with examples from fieldwork, and to share how these practices could help us to respond to the challenges facing the world. Small discussion groups will give participants the opportunity to share personal experiences and their own dialogue practices. Together we will look for inspiration and vision for a more cohesive world.

18 July - 10:00 - 12:00 (CEST): Let’s listen! – Experiencing a dialogue

The second day will give our participants the opportunity to witness and then take part it an online facilitated dialogue. This will be followed by discussion groups, in which they can reflect on what they have learnt.

19 July - 10:00 - 12:00 (CEST): Let’s reflect! – Taking inspiration from stories of impact and looking ahead

On the final day we will present two inspirational stories of the impact of  dialogue and give our participants further opportunities in small groups to explore their next steps in addressing local or global issues.

We trust our participants will find the Tools for Changemakers experience inspiring and that it will strengthen their confidence in dialogue as a tool for addressing the challenges faced by their communities.

Please note that this programme is subject to change. Click here and download the programme.

                            REGISTER NOW