Our project aims to provide young people with opportunities for cultural exchange, building new connections with the local community, and meaningful engagement in civic society and democratic life. We particularly focus on fostering civic, social, cultural, and political participation among young people from all backgrounds, with a special emphasis on migrants and refugees. Social dancing will serve as a key tool for promoting active participation, accelerating integration, and strengthening community bonds.

Objectives

• Offer young individuals opportunities to participate actively in cultural, social, and civic aspects of European society.
• Foster communication and build connections among refugees, migrants, and local youth.
• Establish a replicable model for using social dance as a tool for integration.
• Create an inclusive environment that strengthens cooperation between organizations, displaced youth, and local communities.

Planned Activities

Workshops:

• Understanding Democracy through Dance
• Dance for Change
• Events:
• Pizzafrending (informal social event combining pizza and friend-making)
• Dance Competitions & Watching Workshops (participatory and observational dance experiences)
• Open Activities:
• Social Dance Picnic (open to the wide public)
• Open Social Dance Areas (spaces for informal gathering and dancing)
• International Exchange:
• Study Visit: An international exchange for participants from both migrant/refugee and local youth backgrounds to Germany and Poland.

Participants

• Expected number: over 400 direct participants, with an extended reach of approximately 500 through open events.
• Profile:
• Young individuals (aged 18–30) who have recently moved to Germany or Poland or a new region and are seeking opportunities for social integration and civic engagement.
• Local youth (aged 18–30) from Germany and Poland who are interested in active participation in their communities.

Expected Results and Impact

• Accelerate integration of disadvantaged  youth into local communities through the accessible medium of social dance.
• Increase active civic participation among young people, including migrants and refugees.
• Promote understanding, empathy, and mutual respect across different social groups.
• Break down barriers and strengthen social bonds within communities.
• Empower young migrants, refugees, and locals to become active agents of change by engaging them in civic activities and decision-making processes.