WHAT IS YOUTH CAN?

The definitions of intercultural dialogue are often conceived as an abstract matter. However, the problems faced as a consequence of lack of intercultural dialogue are real and complex. So, there should be a problem either in the definitions or in the way the problems are handled. We believe that the youth can bring new perspectives both to the definitions and to the solutions. Therefore we have created “Youth CAN” (Youth Cultural Action Network) project.

The “Intercultural Dialogue Days” which has been co-organized between 23 and 28 November 2007 in Ankara, Turkey by British Council and GSM-Youth Services Centre within the framework of Yo CAN (Youth Cultural Action Network) project has been completed with a great success. 35 youth NGO representatives from EU, South East Europe, Turkey and Middle East have participated in the activity.

It has started with the Info-Fair where representatives have found a place to promote their organization’s aims, objectives and activities. During the Info Fair they also had the opportunity to meet with the other organizations invited and also with the young people of Ankara.
After the two days of Info Fair, representatives have been participated in the workshops on:

			Identity
			Cultural Conflict
			Dimensions of Intercultural Learning and Interculturalism
			Network over Interculturalism
			Basic Elements and Structure of Network

The workshops have been conducted with interactive approaches like small working groups, case studies, plenary discussions, etc but also the theoretical level inputs have been given by the academics and facilitators.

During the event, the participants had the chance to refresh their knowledge about the above mentioned topics as well as to discuss on the certain given examples and the hot issues. After 4 days of hard working, the participants have agreed on that certain actions should be taken by the youth NGOs, establishing a youth NGO network on intercultural dialogue being one of them.

According to the outcomes of the workshops, if a network is going to be established:

The aims would be;

			Promoting Diversity and Understanding
			Sharing expertise, promoting best practice and partnership working
			Promoting Cultural Dialogue

The values would be;

			Equality and opportunity				Innovation				Empowerment
			Solidarity				Voluntarism				Promotion of diversity
			Active Citizenship				Cultural Dialogue				Respect
			Human-Rights				Informal Education				Teamwork
			Cooperation				Independence from political parties				Mobility
			Creativity				Communication				Social transformation
			Trust and Understanding				Democracy				Youth for Youth
			Good reputation				Clear Vision

Roles and Responsibilities of the stakeholders/members would be;

			Being included and promoting inclusion		Being active		Sharing information
			Sharing intercultural information to public		Organizing exchanges		Developing joint projects
			Integration of aims to one’s own methods		Enabling sustainability		Being committed
			Playing active role and promoting the network		Extending information to one’s own organization		Giving priority to the participation of the network members

Together with all the participants, we found out that intercultural conflicts stemmed from lack of dialogue and understanding is all around us; within and between our families, organisations, communities etc. since any kind of group of people forms a culture endemic to that particular group.

We feel that, regardless of what our organisation is specialized at, we all need the skills on intercultural dialogue. We also found that it is not enough to have necessary skills we need to act together. If you also think like that, we would very much like to see you in the Youth Cultural Action Network.

Let it be “our” network!

For more information please send an e-mail to Alper Kasap