Workshop 4
BEYOND TALK: TAKING ACTION FOR AN INCLUSIVE FUTURE
Workshop facilitator: Dominik Mosiczuk
During the “ Youth4Peace ” week in Berlin, I took part in the workshop Beyond Talk: Taking Action for an Inclusive Future. Its main focus was on fostering mean- ingful discussions and debates around inclusivity and diversity. Throughout the week, we explored various dimensions of diversity, including gender, sexual orien- tation, ethnicity, disability, religion, and political beliefs. The workshop provided a platform where participants openly shared what aspects of their identity they feel most connected to, encouraging mutual understanding and respect among a diverse group of people. I chose this workshop because inclusivity is not only a passion of mine but a core value that I believe must be integrated into democratic processes to achieve true equality. I am particularly concerned about structural discrimination that affects minorities, whether social, economic, or political and the persistent inequalities that marginalize many groups in society. This workshop gave me an opportunity to explore these themes in a collab- orative environment and to contribute actively to efforts aimed at making inclusivity more than just rhetoric. Our collective work resulted in two main creative outputs, each designed to raise awareness and chal- lenge social stigmas in different ways. The first was a short video focusing on the idea that speaking with an accent, especially in a language that is not your native tongue reflects your personal history and cultural identity. The video conveyed a powerful message that having an accent is something to be proud of, rather than ashamed, challenging the subtle forms of bias and exclusion people often face based on how they speak. The second output was a set of memes that humorously depicted everyday instances of discrimina- tion in society. These memes were intended not only to entertain but to provoke thought and conversation by highlighting social issues in an accessible format. Posting these memes on IJAB’s Instagram page helped amplify our message to a broader audience, engaging young people through social media, a key platform for modern activism. One of my most significant personal highlights was the dynamic and open atmosphere within the work- shop group. The environment was safe and supportive, encouraging openness, vulnerability, and honest
dialogue. The confessions and ideas shared by partic- ipants enriched my understanding of the issues and inspired me to think critically about my own perspec- tives and biases. The advice and reflections offered by my peers and facilitators were invaluable, helping me to grow both personally and intellectually. Moreover, the friendships that developed during the workshop have continued beyond the project week, fostering a lasting network of like-minded individuals committed to social justice. It was also profoundly rewarding to participate in the full creative process, from initial discussions to producing tangible deliverables that can have real- world impact. The workshop emphasized the impor- tance of moving beyond talk to action, which is essen- tial for meaningful change. In addition to the creative work, the workshop incor- porated a sociological approach that deepened our engagement with the topics. We examined case studies and opinion surveys that shed light on the realities of discrimination and social exclusion. Overall, the workshop was an enriching experience that combined intellectual rigor, creative expression, and community-building. It reaffirmed my commitment to fighting discrimination and promoting inclusivity across all facets of society. I am grateful to have been part of this journey and to contribute my voice to a collective effort striving for a more just and inclusive future.
Author: Petru Mihai, Romania
Link to Website
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