This Lab explores how youth organisations navigate the tensions between political neutrality, activism, and value-based engagement in increasingly polarised societies. Through dialogue, peer exchange, and design thinking, participants will reflect on what it means to be “a-political,” analyse how their movements respond to societal and global conflicts, and co-create tools for responsible positioning and communication. The Lab provides a safe and reflective space for unpacking contested narratives, examining internal and external pressures, and strengthening the capacity of youth leaders to act with integrity and unity in divided contexts.
The Innovative Thinking Lab series is a participatory, design-based training format that empowers youth leaders to collaboratively explore complex societal challenges. The series two Labs:
- The first Lab, “Youth Movements in Times of Political Polarisation”, will take place in Romania from February 11 to 15, 2026.
- The second Lab will focus on fake news, digital, and media literacy and will be hosted in France from March 26 to 30, 2026. More information on this Lab will be shared soon.
Organised as a joint Voices of Change project initiative between World Scouting (WOSM) and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the Labs will bring together passionate youth and experts from across Europe to explore political polarisation, strengthen cross-sectoral collaboration, and design real-world initiatives relevant to young people.
Aim & Objectives
Together, we will create a collaborative and reflective learning space where youth leaders explore complex societal challenges through dialogue, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving.
Through this event, participants will:
- Explore values, identities, and organisational positioning in complex or polarised environments.
- Deepen understanding of political polarisation and its impact on youth organisations.
- Strengthen critical thinking, reflection, and ethical reasoning in addressing complex social issues.
- Participate in a collective development process through peer exchange and cross-contextual learning.
- Learn from external experts and engage in dialogue to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Strengthen partnerships between youth movements, experts, and communities.
Dates and Venue
The event will take place in Timișoara, Romania, from February 11 to 15, 2026. Participants are expected to arrive on February 11 and depart by 14:00 on February 15.
Participants’ profile
This Lab is part of the Voices of Change project, which is organised in partnership with the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and World Scouting (WOSM). As a result, a total of 30 participants will be selected from both organisations.
WOSM participants’ profile:
- Be 18 to 30 years old.
- Have interests in topics such as youth, peace, dialogue, peace education, conflict resolution, and non-formal education.
- Be an active youth leader in a National Scout Organization/National Scout Association of the European Scout Region.
- Be willing to share personal experiences and best practices, and engage in discussions with participants from different countries.
- Be able to attend the training event in person for the entire duration (four days).
- Priority Countries: Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and Moldova.
- We primarily focus on participants from these countries due to close contexts and the potential for a strong resulting impact.
- If you are from another country and believe your participation would add value, please clearly outline in the registration form why this event is relevant to you or your organisation in light of its geographical context.
Language
The working language of the event is English, facilitating communication among all participants. Effective communication in English is essential for participation.
Endorsement
To complete the application process, an official endorsement letter from the International Commissioner in your National Scout Organization/National Scout Association will be required. This is to facilitate the most timely and resourceful selection process experience for all interested applicants. Please be aware that a positive endorsement from the International Commissioner does not guarantee your participation in this event. Once the endorsement phase is concluded, the participants will be notified.
Participation fee
A participation fee of EUR 50 will cover additional costs that are not funded by the Erasmus+ Programme.
Travel arrangements
Confirmed participants will be responsible for arranging their own travel.
Please do not book your transport until you receive a confirmation letter from the planning team, which will provide more information about the logistics.
We will cover 80% of your travel costs, up to EUR 200.
For reimbursement, all participants must present travel invoices and tickets. The participation fee will be deducted during the travel reimbursement procedure.
Visa
Please indicate in the event’s online registration form if you need a visa to enter Romania. Visa costs will be covered, and a supporting letter will be provided where applicable.
Registration
Registration is now open through the following form. Please signal your interest by completing the online form by December 12, 2025, 23:59 CET.
Cancellation policy
If you are unable to attend, participants are not entitled to any financial support, even if they have already booked their travel or visa.
If you withdraw your participation less than 2 weeks before the event, you may be liable for incurred costs associated with the event.
More information and contact
If you have any questions or require further information about the event, please contact Federica Imperadrice, Officer, Project Management and Quality Assurance, at federica.i[email protected]g.