„Take your chance – make your choice.“ Building democracy in European and Arab Societies

What do we mean when we talk about democracy? Do we have the same ideas, structures, values and visions in mind? How are our concepts of democracy influenced by the specific conditions of our culture, our history and our society? Which chances do we take when we strengthen democracy? Which choices do we make? Young activists of civil society (from Germany, Poland and Lithuania, from Egypt, Tunisia and Jordan) will share their experiences and find answers to those questions. We will do so in four steps: 1. Paths to democracy: Which paths to democracy did we take in each country? Which choices did we make and where are we at now? Participants will give accounts and updates on political development and personal involvement. 2. Diversity in our societies: We have different groups, different religions, different political concepts, different visions of society. How do we handle diversity? We will visit NGOs, share best practice and use approaches on diversity as an indicator on democracy. 3. Challenges and threats: Which challenges do we face? Which groups feel left behind? We will use simulation games and life action role plays (LARPs) to identify the issues and find solutions. 4. Coherence and cooperation: How can we establish structures that keep society together? How can we strengthen democracy in follow-up activities back home? Cooperation partners: - Germany: Gustav Stresemann Institute, Bad Bevensen is an independent center for democracy and tolerance education. Dialogue and diversity are major tasks of its training programs. Located in Northern Germany GSI cooperates with local, national and international networks. - Poland: Social and Education Innovations Lab “What for” in Warsaw promotes social justice, responsible participation, active citizenship, inclu-sion, equal opportunities and inclusive growth through meaningful innovation. - Lithuania: the Vilnius University Students Representation (VUSA) has a general focus on students’ activities and representation. This includes international exchange programs with EU member states, Baltic States, and Scandinavia. - Egypt: St. Mena Forum for Peace and Develop-ment in Beni Suef is a center of the Coptic Church. It engages in peace building programs, leadership training for youth workers, and supports the construction of civil society. - Jordan: Debate Foundation, Amman, works on spreading the culture of dialogue and debate in the community, enhancing the acceptance of other’s opinions. Its methods include interactive meetings, simulation, and social media. - Tunisia: The Club Culturel Ali Belhouane Tunis is a non-government organization running cultural programs and projects with young people. It supports them in engaging in intercultural dialogue and building up civil society as part of a better future.