BE THE CHANGE and HEAL THE WORLD!BACKGROUNDGiven the current trend towards radicalization of young people in European and neighboring societies 40 young adults from 8 countries meet in the area of Bonn. Under the motto "Be the change and heal the world!" they expand their knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of radicalization, develop common values and try out creative methods to act against radicalization. The result is a public presentation as a thought-provoking impulse for the audience and as an encouragement for the participants.PROJECT GOALS(GOAL 1) This cross-border meeting of 40 young people from 5 European and 3 neighboring countries eliminates reservations and ethnic and religious stereotypes through exchange and dialogue.(GOAL 2) The group gets to know the causes, motives and processes of radicalization of young people and understands and explores its mechanisms and effects.(GOAL 3) Participants find out common European values, which go beyond their cultural differences and which serve as a base for their actions for an intact society and against radicalism.(GOAL 4) Participants test interpretive methods and creative forms of action that can be used to defuse hatred, violence, xenophobia and radicalism.(GOAL 5) The group develops creative products (stage performance, street action, digital medium) which will be communicated to stimulate the critical debate about radicalism in society among the public. PARTICIPANTS40 young adults from Italy, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Egypt and Palestine – all of them are from Salesian youth centres. About 15 count as participants with “fewer opportunities”. Four or five of them are refugees currently living in Italy and Germany.ACTIVITIESThe eight-day youth exchange features diverse, creative and nonverbal methods, intercultural encounter, and the acquisition of knowledge about radicalization processes. Participants try out creative, non-violent forms of action against radicalization and present one or more of them at an event with 400 guests. The results will be spread through different media.A preparation weekend of the four trainers guarantees the success and the quality of the exchange. The meeting is not part of the requested funding, but is an integral part of the project.PROJECT IMPLEMENTATIONBefore the preparatory meeting partners and participants can bring in their experience with the subject and wishes and expectations of the youth exchange. In addition, participants will be asked if they would like to prepare a personal contribution (e.g. present a method or give a workshop).The partners take care of the organization and, where possible, the substantive preparation of the participants. The event itself is guided by experienced trainers who have a great intercultural experience and a diverse methodological expertise.The venue is the Youth Academy Walberberg near Bonn. The slightly offbeat house guarantees the full attention of the participants to the event, but is not too remote, so group excursions to downtown Bonn are possible.EXPECTED IMPACTParticipants acquire:• Knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of radicalization of youth• an extensive methodological expertise of creative, humorous forms of action against radicalization• the ability and motivation to use these forms of action in their home countriesthe recognition that many common values connect them with their peers from other countries, regardless of all cultural differencesA performance in front of 400 guests of the Don Bosco Forum brings the experience and the views of the participants into the public and encourages reflection on the causes and effects of radicalization. LONG-TERM BENEFITSWith this project we want to give an impulse, so that young people understand cultural diversity as an opportunity to identify common values and see as the basis for their actions. We want to motivate others to work actively against radicalization and to stand up for their beliefs.The experiences participants make during an intercultural youth exchange leave a profound impact on their way of thinking and influence their further actions in everyday life. This effect is strengthened when the participants remain in contact with their organizations and the other participants. Participants take the acquired methods home (in written form) in order to apply them in their youth centers. These applied methods and forms of action bring more young people into contact with the subject.