EU SGA 2024: Eltville- Wiesbaden a great Dreamsharing Festival.
masterpeace
On Saturday, the 7th of September, our partnering NGO Grow United hosted in Eltville- Wiesbaden a great Dreamsharing Festival. This festival was engaging and inviting participants from Germany, Albania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, youth and seniors (decision-makers and youth workers)
In three parallel workshops, participants discussed the various insights related to Democracy.
In our preparation, we liked to like the topics of workshops to the 6 key EU Values, as they are the context of major challenges we face like polarization, populism, and shrinking civic spaces. Dignity, Democracy, Respect for Human Rights, Equality, Freedom of Speech, and the Rule of Law
Dignity is a core EU value that emphasizes every individual’s inherent worth and value. It encompasses the idea that everyone should be treated with respect and their rights protected, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
Democracy is a fundamental EU value that underscores the importance of representative governance, citizen participation, and the protection of individual rights. It ensures the government is accountable to its citizens and respects their choices through regular elections.
Equality is central to EU values, emphasizing equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. It promotes inclusivity and non-discrimination.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental EU value that safeguards the right of individuals to express their opinions and ideas without censorship or interference. It promotes open dialogue and democratic discourse.
The Rule of Law is a core EU value that ensures that laws are applied consistently, fairly, and transparently. It upholds the principles of justice, accountability, and the protection of individual rights.
As an engaging Kickstarter, we used the boiling frog fame, accessible on www.actforliberty.eu. Sometimes, freedom is so evident that we do not recognize its threats. Do we behave like frogs in a pan? If you put a frog in a pan of boiling water, he will jump out immediately: too hot! But if you warm him up slowly, he will not notice the danger. He stays nice and warm – until he is boiled alive. This game puts you to the test: are you a boiling frog? When does it get too hot for you? Jump out in time!
In three parallel workshops, youth and youth-workers, we built on the results of the game and discussed the challenges but also potential approaches to how to close gaps and align with the EU values.
In the closing panel discussion with representatives of the municipalities, the youth suggested advice that was welcomed as a warm bath by the major as he also sometimes feels he cannot meet citizens’ expectations.
This event was co-funded by the European Union as a project called EU SGA 2024
