🔹 What is the Friction Seminar?
The Friction Seminar is a Mobility of Youth Workers training program that explores how youth workers and educators can support young activists in their fight for a more just and sustainable world.

Many young people engage in activism to demand change on urgent global issues. However, activism can be mentally and emotionally draining. This seminar will focus on how youth workers can serve as mentors, allies, and facilitators, ensuring that young people have the necessary support to continue their activism without burnout.

This international training course will equip participants with non-formal education methods, hands-on experiences, and practical strategies to enhance their work with youth movements.

🎯 Objectives of the Seminar:
✔ Understanding Global Challenges: Examine how young people engage in activism and the obstacles they face.
✔ Empowering Youth Workers: Equip professionals with mentorship and coaching tools to guide young activists.
✔ Resilience & Self-Care: Develop strategies to prevent burnout and manage stress in activism.
✔ Practical Engagement: Learn effective advocacy methods and how to support youth-led movements.
✔ Building a European Network: Connect with youth organizations, NGOs, and trainers across Europe.
✔ Funding & Resources: Discover how to use Erasmus+ opportunities to support youth activism projects.

🏆 What You Will Gain from This Seminar:
🔹 Expert Knowledge: Learn from experienced trainers and social change leaders.
🔹 Hands-On Experience: Engage in interactive workshops, role plays, and real-world case studies.
🔹 New Support Strategies: Gain mentorship and coaching techniques to empower young activists.
🔹 Networking & Collaboration: Connect with professionals and organizations from across Europe.
🔹 Practical Tools & Techniques: Learn non-formal education methods to apply in your work.
🔹 Erasmus+ Certification: Receive a Youthpass Certificate upon completion of the program.

👥 Who Can Apply?
✅ Youth workers, educators, trainers, NGO representatives, facilitators, and community leaders.
✅ Individuals 18 years or older.
✅ Must be passionate about activism, human rights, and social justice.
✅ Able to communicate effectively in English.
✅ Residents of an Erasmus+ Program Country.
✅ Willing to actively participate and engage in discussions.

🏡 Accommodation & Meals:
📍 Stay at: Urban Oasis Hostel, Lecce – a modern, comfortable hostel in the city center, featuring:
✔ Shared rooms (max 3 people per room)
✔ Free Wi-Fi and workspace areas
✔ Access to a kitchen and common room for group discussions
✔ Nearby cultural landmarks and public transport

🍽 Meals:
• Breakfast: Provided at the hostel
• Lunch & Dinner: Served at local restaurants with Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
• Vegetarian/vegan options available upon request

🚨 Important Reminder! 🚨
🛁 Toiletries & Towels – Please bring your own!
✔ Toothbrush, shampoo, soap, and other personal care items are NOT provided by the hostel.
✔ Towels are NOT included! You can bring your own or rent one for 2 EUR at the hostel.

🚀 What’s Covered?
This training is fully funded by the Erasmus+ program, covering:
✅ Accommodation & meals (100% covered)
✅ Travel reimbursement (up to [Insert Amount] EUR)
✅ Workshops, training sessions, and learning materials
✅ Erasmus+ Youthpass Certificate upon completion

✈️ Travel Information & Reimbursement:
✔ The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport (BDS), with direct transport links to Lecce.
✔ Eco-friendly travel options (train, bus, carpooling) are encouraged.
✔ Reimbursement Process:
• Participants must purchase tickets in advance and keep original receipts and boarding passes.
• Reimbursement is processed after the seminar upon submission of all documents.
• Processing time: up to 3 months.
• Maximum travel costs covered will be based on Erasmus+ distance bands.

📖 Tentative Program Schedule:
📅 May 5: Arrival, Welcome & Introduction to the Seminar
📅 May 6: Understanding Youth Activism – Challenges & Opportunities
📅 May 7: The Role of Youth Workers in Supporting Activists
📅 May 8: Non-Formal Education Tools for Activism & Inclusion
📅 May 9: Strategy Development & Project Creation
📅 May 10: Networking & Future Collaborations within Erasmus+
📅 May 11: Closing Reflections & Departure

💡 Why Lecce, Italy?
Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” is a historic city in the Puglia region of Italy, famous for its Baroque architecture, Mediterranean climate, and vibrant social movements. The city provides an inspiring environment for discussions on activism and civic engagement, with many local organizations supporting youth initiatives.

🔗 Follow-Up Activities:
After the seminar, participants will:
✔ Organize local workshops and training sessions to share their learning.
✔ Stay connected through a dedicated online platform for future collaborations.
✔ Receive mentoring to develop and implement Erasmus+ projects in their communities.

📩 How to Apply?
Interested in joining? Complete the Participant Application Form  HERE

📧 For More Information & Questions:
📨 Email: connect@terzomillenniolab.org