Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change

Location: Hannover, Germany, Germany

Description:

Democracy Lab: Exploring Threats, Initiating Change – Training Course
19–24 January 2026 | Naturefriends House Hannover, Germany

This course explores democracy in its current state, examining how it is defined, who is involved in it, its most urgent threats, and what it means for young people today. It offers a space to understand democratic processes and to co-create a tool that can be used in your own community.

The training is designed for participants who are interested in democracy but unsure where to begin, who feel overwhelmed by recent political and social events, or who want to enact democratic change in a meaningful way. Throughout the week, participants refresh their understanding of democracy, analyze its pressing threats and why youth are particularly affected, and co-create a social media campaign that promotes democratic values and practices.

The programme is led by expert trainers from FARN, who specialize in education for nature conservation, anti-radicalization and anti-extremism. Through interactive non-formal learning methods, participants explore concepts such as fishbowl argumentation, the paradox of tolerance and fearmongering. The course culminates in a campaign-making process that empowers participants to take democratic action in their own communities.

This activity is part 1 of a two-part learning process. Participants are expected to join part 2, taking place from 20 to 24 April in the Czech Republic, focusing on digital activism and workshop development.

The organiser is International Young Naturefriends (IYNF). For questions: democracyreboot@iynf.org – Tel: +420 234 621 573.
Training overview: http://trainings.salto-youth.net/14143

The participation fee is 50 EUR for Naturefriends members or 75 EUR for non-members, with financial support available in case of economic constraints. Accommodation and food are fully provided. Travel expenses are reimbursed according to the IYNF travel policy.

Start Date: 2026-01-19

End Date: 2026-01-24

Minimum Age: 16

Maximum Age: 30

Important Links: Click Here

Languages: en

Duration: Short (up to 2 weeks)