Call for Applications: Breaking Through “The right for self-determination in gender”

International Activity for youth and social workers, activists and volunteers,  05.-14. June 2023 in Berlin-Weißensee, Germany

The German branch of Service Civil International, together with its partner organisations and with
the support of the EU Erasmus+ programme, invites you to join us on this 10-day training activity
on awareness creation, networking, peer-to-peer learning, methodological and practical training,
campaigning and international exchange about LGBTQIA+ rights, realities and activism!

Gender is a socially constructed phenomenon that is often understood as only binary, and therefore
excludes other forms of gender expression in our society. Cis-normativity and cis-sexism leave little if any
space for gender diversity, self-determination and other forms of sexual identity.
As peace and volunteer organisations, we want to support a large number of young people who are
exposed daily to discrimination, structural violence, human rights violations and exclusion in society due to
their gender or sexual orientation. In many regions, these problems are denied or, worse, those affected
are verbally harassed or physically attacked. It affects different areas of their life such as family, school,
work, personal development. In some countries, these problems go beyond customs, stereotypes and
norms, where LGBTQIA+ communities are still criminalised and legally denied their rights and freedoms.
We should not ignore these problems and take the opportunity to break through those binary norms, to
foster and to encourage gender diversity, forming truly open but inclusive and tolerant societies based on
respect and recognition of human dignity irrespective of gender or sexual orientation. Through this project,
local NGOs and partners can play a crucial role in promoting these values, in changing the current status
quo and in breaking through barriers.

Everyone who comes to this seminar should…

… be 18 or older and live in or hold a passport of one of the eligible partner countries (see below)
… be actively involved in their sending organisation, in youth or voluntary work or in activism
… ideally have experience in international peace work or activism

… participate actively in the activity and in the production of the outputs
… be comfortable with speaking and writing in English
… ideally be committed to come to the activities by overland route (public transport, no flying)
… be willing to spread their new skills and competences to their sending organisations.

Previous experience or skills with visual techniques / web / graphic design would be a great asset.

Deadline to apply 20th of April: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QHQW1YIHZoRv3zaVnJDDaM-whCo5MkOK/edit