ABOUT THE STUDY SESSION
The study session was implemented together by SAME and the Council of Europe. SAME has the vision that “young people act in solidarity with their peers and stand up for democracy, equity, human rights and intercultural understanding”.
Promoting human rights is an inherent part not only of the concept of the Solidarity Action Day, but also of the Council of Europe, Europe’s leading human rights organisation. The study session itself seeked to provide an in depth understanding of youth participation building on expert knowledge, principles and policies of the Council of Europe, one of the major political institutions framing youth policies in Europe.
From an organisational perspective, the study session contributed to keep and improve the quality of the Solidarity Action Day as a means for youth participation in a phase, in which SAME as an umbrella organisation is facing further growth and is undertaking a major effort to spread the concept of the Solidarity Action Day all over Europe.
For youth, the event offered a unique opportunity to take a step back and to reflect on the meaning of youth participation in their own volunteering context. They were empowered to enhance the democratic and participatory elements of the Solidarity Action Day in their local community, their national Solidarity Action Day organisation/initiative and within SAME. Furthermore, they got an insight into the work of the Council of Europe.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
07/11 | Arrival day
08/11 | Introduction; SAME & Council of Europe
09/11 | Challenges and future perspectives
10/11 | Youth participation
11/11 | Development of the Solidarity Action Day
12/11 | Spreading the Solidarity Action Day
13/11 | Departure day
