Creativity, Resilience and Global Citizenship- Explorations, Reflections and Recommendations by Creativity & Change

Creativity, Resilience and Global Citizenship Explorations, Reflections and Recommendations

Background

Contents Introduction 4 Opening the themes

Five ways to wellbeing & to global citizenship

Recommendations 38 Reflections on process

Appendix - about the organisations involved 58

Introduction The Fast Forward training programme brought together an international group of thirty young leaders and people who work with young people in Cork, Ireland in January 2015. The purpose of the training programme was to explore, learn and share our insights about the themes of creativity, resilience and global citizenship. This publication presents the connections between these themes, our learning outcomes and our recommendations. It has been co-developed with thirty young people: youth workers, artists and educators who are passionate about supporting young people to grow as global citizens. They chose to participate as they want to improve their practice in engaging young people with global citizenship education. They also want to contribute to influencing change in policy and, ultimately, the environment that young people grow up in in a way that will enable them to be more resilient and active global citizens. The outcomes are relevant to any field where learning takes place, including formal education.

Summary of themes Creativity:

Connecting with our own creativity empowers us to find our voice, develop our perspectives and express ourselves. Collaborating creatively inspires ideas, action and hope for a more just and sustainable future. It evokes participation, passion and positive change.

Resilience:

The focus on resilience and wellbeing is in recognition of the challenges of living in a rapidly changing, challenging and unequal world. We need to nurture young people’s capacity to be resilient so that they are able to cope with these changes in a way that has positive impact on themselves and others around them.

Global Citizenship:

A sense of global citizenship is important so that our values, behaviour and actions are shaped in a way that makes a more viable, fair and just world possible.

Why connect creativity, resilience & global citizenship? The concern around mental health is reflected in many countries across the globe. World Health Organisation research suggests that an estimated 350 million people are affected by depression (WHO, 2012). The New Economic Forum in the UK has carried out extensive work on the theme of wellbeing. In “Five Ways to Wellbeing: The Evidence” (2013), they present five aspects that are important to maintain in everyday life in order to sustain wellbeing. They provide a ‘lens’ for this exploration by asking the following questions: If we nurture these ‘ways,’ how does it impact ourselves, our community and our world and make better global citizens/agents of change? What is the relationship between creative engagement and these five ways? What important competences of global citizens are connected to these five ways? This view is supported by psychologist Maureen O’Hara who describes a global change process whose “influences widen to embrace the lives of everyone everywhere; individuals, groups and whole societies that are being pushed beyond their previously established equilibrium and are being forced to respond” (O’ Hara, 2001, p.6). She points to the urgent need “to identify effective strategies and mobilize the necessary resources for ensuring that as many people as possible develop the psychological capacities to maintain their equilibrium in the changing contexts in which they will find themselves” (p.14). To be an agent of change and to make a difference in the world, one’s own welbeing is important. A global citizen needs to be able to look after themselves and feel the connection to others and to act in the interest of making the world a better place for everyone. We have used ‘The five ways to wellbeing’ as a model to support us in our exploration of wellbeing and resilience. This exploration has been further enhanced by using creative methodologies. 5

The approach Here we share the outcomes of the week of connecting, exploring, experiencing, reflecting, sharing and applying. The programme had the following flow:

Connecting with each other and our creativity. Exploring and developing understandings of

global citizenship/wellbeing and resilience.

Experiencing creative methods:

working with clay, creative writing, painting, sculpture, multimedia, design thinking, music, theatre, photography and text.

Reflecting on the role of creativity in work,

introducing development education/ global citizenship education while engaging young people.

Sharing. Making recommendations to policy

makers to improve the opportunities of young people to grow up as resilient global citizens. We also want to share our recommendations to those practicing in the youth sector to present our methodologies that nurture young, resilient, active global citizens.

Applying. Thinking about the wider implication of the learning. How can the youth sector best nurture young, resilient, active global citizens?

This flow reflects the programme from the first to last day but also can be viewed as a cycle that took place many times within the programme. The approach combined action based learning and research. The facilitation process used creativity to help us make sense and meaning of our experience and to enable new ways of thinking making meaning together. 6

Creativity and new ways of thinking

“The arts matter because they are universal; because they are non-material; because they deal with daily experience in a transforming way; because they question the way we look at the world; because they offer different explanations of that world; because they link us to our past and open the door to the future; because they work beyond and outside routine categories; because they take us out of ourselves; because they make order out of disorder and stir up the stagnant” (Tusa, 2008, p.8). “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels…today we must abandon competition and secure cooperation… otherwise we face certain disaster” (Einstein, quoted in Amrine,1946).

“Old identities, rules, models of behaviour and understanding are being swept away, but no new certainties stand in their place….we need art’s capacity to help us make sense and meaning of our experience more that ever” (Cooper & Dods, 2007, p.6). “Work in the arts is not only a way to creating performance and products; It is a way of creating our lives by expanding our consciousness, shaping all our dispositions, satisfying our quest for meaning, establishing contact with others and sharing a culture. Imagination gives us images of the possible, that provide a platform for seeing ‘the actual’, and by seeing the actual freshly, we can do something about creating what lies beyond it” (Einsner 2002 p.3&4).

Opening the themes

This section opens the themes of creativity, resilience and global citizenship through the eyes of the collaborators in the programme. 10

These issues need to be addressed for a better future The continued abuse and neglect of human rights on a global scale, for so many people around the world. Rosemary Sweeney Globally more than 400 million people suffer from a mental health problem. My concern is, despite a recent increase in mental health awareness projects, people are still experiencing stigma and discrimination. Rachel McMurray It is no longer a problem far into the future; the consequences of climate change are very much evident today. Camilla Kane The huge imbalance of resources throughout the world. Vera McEvoy Pollution, intolerance, indifference, ignorance, poverty. Norbert Raffai Youth unemployment and all related issues. Marilena Vacca

How we treat animals; especially animals farmed for human consumption. Soracha Hamilton The challenges facing young people, especially young women, due to gender inequalities. Elisha Bradley Pollution, poverty, additives and engineering of food, corrupt governments, war and modern slavery. Selina Foley The structures that are keeping the status quo in favour of the rich, at the expense of the environment. Gráinne O’ Neill

People have lost their focus on the really important things. Everybody is working hard to survive and to have a better future while we forget to live our present. Vilja Arató I am afraid that the human being is starting to stray very far from nature, physically as well as spiritually. Ginka Várnai

Challenges for young people in maintaining their wellbeing in a demanding, rapidly changing and globalised world.

Pressure to appear wealthy and affluent.

Often, due to the influence of peers and the lifestyles they see portrayed around them in the media, many young people feel that they must present themselves as wealthy and able to afford the latest fashions, technology and travel. This often leaves people with huge debts, but may also leave them feeling isolated from friends and family, therefore with a lack of social wealth.

The pressure to be good and to excel at everything.

For many young people, there is a perceived expectation that they should succeed in all areas of academic, athletic and social life - it is not enough to be interested in excelling in just one area. This may lead to people feeling overwhelmed, not being able to cope with all the expectations they feel are placed on them and, ultimately, not succeeding in any area.

The pressure for fast and easy success.

As well the pressures outlined above, many people also feel the pressure to succeed without putting in any effort, or with any need for talent. Our modern media, through programmes such as ‘The X Factor’, ‘The Only Way is Essex’ and ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ presents fame and celebrity as something that is easily achieved and can be done with no real hard work. Of course, for the vast majority this is not the case and it leaves many people with a lack of work ethic and unrealistic expectations of life.

The pressure to keep up with fashion and technology.

There is a great deal of pressure for people to always have the ‘latest’. In many cases this can lead to people accumulating great debts early on in life. However it can also lead to a dissatisfaction with such a disposable culture. People are not able to express their own identity, except for within the confines of mediaprescribed fashions.

The pressure to fit into a social sector.

The pressure to ‘belong’ somewhere and to fit into a certain group can lead to non-acceptance of other groups and people. It can create closed-mindedness and result in people not feeling as though they are able to fully express themselves within their group or sector.

The pressure to look or act a certain way.

There is often a pressure for younger people to look and act in ways that make them appear to be older or more experienced, or to look and act in ways they see portrayed in the media. This can lead to issues such as over-sexualisation, body dysmorphia, eating disorders, underage drinking, underage sex, law breaking and many others. 14

In our better future... ...people’s minds would be more open to each other and more inclusive. Phillida Eves ...universal rights would be respected. Lorenzo Ghiani ...older people would be respected and enabled to bring their wisdom of the worlds they knew into the ‘now’, to teach younger generations. Gráinne O’ Neill ...we would give more from ourselves to the people who need us. Ginka Várnai ...the people would be more empathetic, we would understand what it means to love ourselves and give love to others and to our planet. Krisztina Katona ...people wouldn’t harm each other on purpose, not everything would be led by power and money, Vilja Arató ...different religions would work together. Vanessa Pisani

...youths would have more say in shaping their own future. Eugene Woodland ...there woud be a strong community focus, with neighbours looking out for each other. Rosemary Sweeney

...we would live in a peaceful world, based on a sustainable and fair economy. Marco Mura ...there would be less social problems, with peace and happiness for everyone. Marilena Vacca ...there would be equality and justice for all. Joe Curtin

...gender inequality would be addressed appropriately worldwide and female oppression would not be tolerated. Camilla Kane ...we would listen to our inner self, the child, who wants to grow up and needs our teaching. András Dávid ...universal rights would be respected. Monica Murgia

...it would be fair with a much more even spread of global wealth, particularly in association with public services such as education and health. Stephanie Reynolds

...everyone would have a right to and equal access to education, healthcare, justice and a say in how their countries run. Selina Foley

...people would be more tolerant and helpful to each other and realise that even though we are different, we are all the same. Norbert Raffai

...society and the environment would thrive from social acceptance, inclusion and environmental awareness. Julian Mizzi

...the whole world would have equal rights, living wages and a classless society. Kayleigh Harper

...education would be improved for all ages, including adults, in both formal and informal settings and this would produce a fairer world. Elisha Bradley

What is a global citizen? We explored our prespectives of our understandings of global citizenship and have combined our ideas here. A global citizen connects their local experiences and passions to the global level and holds the philosophy that we are one in the world and we shouldn’t depend on economics or policy. This mindset allows us to be empathetic and understanding of others. Our identity is formed on a global level. This is an identity that is shaped through the decision of becoming a global citizen - you make the decision to identify as this, rather than this identity being pre-decided. A global citizen’s identity is not formed by being ‘from the world’ but through their actions. It is a responsive and active identity to the world. The forces of modern information, communication and transportation technologies strengthen our ability to communicate with the rest of the world and not only our immediate neighbourhood. Some examples of the kind of beliefs that may form global citizenship: -Equal human rights for all. -Environmental awareness and respectful nature. -Respecting others’ cultural/religious beliefs. -Understanding of privilege and consideration of poverty. -Awareness of one thing’s impact on another. -Supporting humanitarian assistance, especially in major disasters. -Not being passive. -Standing up for social justice issues, both small and big, national and international.

The over-view effect: Astronauts describe how that, when you see the world from

space, it completely changes how you think. This is an important experience to think of in terms of global citizenship. This fact and consideration can change our perspective and help us understand the experience of unity. We can experience our humbleness as a tiny part of the whole. We are all astronauts on the spaceship called Earth.

The “onion” value model: The outside layer is the individual/local layer - and, as

we go deeper to the centre, we can find the values that connect us and are relevant everywhere. Find the core of human unity.

What are the competences, values, attitudes and characteristics of global citizens? Passion

Passion is a permanent source of energy that inspires our hearts and engages our creativity in finding new and unique ways to connect with others.

Creativity

Creativity and playfulness support us to connect with ourselves, our passions and with others. We are able to express ourselves creatively and imagine better futures.

Motivation to learn and reflect

Learning is important for our personal progress. It allows us to see our own potential, to make informed decisions, to be aware of global issues and understand what steps we might take when faced with injustice. Reflection enables learning from past experience to make a better future.

Awareness and critical thinking

Awareness allows a global citizen to connect to others and the world. With critical thinking skills we can think about systems of power and build the potential to challenge them.

Confidence and motivation

Confidence comes from sharing the energy generated by passionate engagement and connecting inner perspectives to outer experiences. Through this, we can further understand the processes and interconnections between personal, community and global engagement. Confidence is needed to move from ideas to action.

Initiative and participation

A global citizen needs to be able to move forward with their beliefs and ideas. Initiative is having the ability to assess an opportunity and doing something to effect change. It can mean taking leadership - using initiative and ability to positively guide, motivate and encourage other people to become resilient and active global citizens. Other times it can mean making the choice to follow others’ initiative. A global citizen takes initiative and uses their influence in a positive way to bring others on a journey to a better future.

Commitment and responsibility

Commitment and dedication to an activity you enjoy or feel passionate about encourages a feeling of community. A global citizen understands the importance of being accountable for their actions and maintaining an awareness of how they influence others. A global citizen does not accept injustice, they do something about it.

Teamwork and co-operation

Co-operation is crucial to the process of fostering resilience. Sharing responsibility, perspectives, experiences, ideas and creative processes enables people to connect with, co-operate and support each other to achieve a common goal.

Open-mindedness, acceptance of diversity and belief in equality

Being open-minded, approachable and willing to connect to others without judgment or prejudice is important as we live in a shared world. We need to be considerate of others’ needs, embrace diversity and promote solidarity. Global citizens acknowledge that we need help and support from others to succeed. A global citizen needs to recognize that everyone has different perspectives and different things to contribute and that all people should have equal say and equal opportunities.

Empathy, openness and reaching out to others

Using understanding and empathy to relate to others’ experiences and seeing potential for change allows us to think about ongoing problems and how to solve them together as active global citizens. Connecting with others is important for long-term communication to effect social and global change. A global citizen is generous and reaches out to and encourages others. This connecting with others supports the resilience and wellbeing of a global citizen.

Solidarity

Living with others in solidarity is important so that we can make decisions for the common good. It is important that we can acknowledge our support for each other.

Awareness conciousness of oneself and others

A global citizen needs to be aware that they matter and can make a difference. When they recognise this for themselves they can also recognise the potential in others.

What is resilience? Resilience is the ability to adapt or to get through difficulties. It is being strong, but not hard. It is one’s natural ability to get back to personal harmony. It is readiness to approach change and face difficulties head on. It is being connected more and more to our inner selves, reflecting on challenges and staying centred and true. It, in its essence, is something in our spiritual selves. It enables you to get through a difficult situation. It is strength, but flexibility. It is important when thinking about resilience to also consider the context and situation. Being resilient does not mean that people should have to cope with every sitiuation they encounter. We need to work towards change of unhealthy, unjust, unfair situations. Resilience is not about covering up emotions and personal needs. It is not the appearance of coping.

What is wellbeing? Wellbeing is balancing our mental health and our physical health. Mental health is about being optimistic, educating ourselves and sharing our passions with others. Physical health is about being active, taking part in regular exercise, eating healthily and encouraging others to do the same. When we are well we accept ourselves as individuals and work towards a positive future for all.

Humility, forgiveness and consideration of others’ needs

A global citizen accepts that other things may be bigger and more important in some circumstances. They are open to others’ experience. Accepting weakness gives strength. Humility and forgiveness bring peace.

Flexibility

This is important if we are to be resilient. We need to be able to change with changing circumstances while holding true to what is important. Flexibilty helps to keep our minds open.

Young people and global citizenship In the programme, we explored what we see around us as evidence of young people engaging with their global citizenship. This is what we observed. The world is getting smaller and smaller. Young people are much more connected to the globe. There is increased understanding of global issues such as climate change/pollution. Young people have a sense of belonging to others, for example, with humanitarian aid, charity work, and awareness raising. News travels instantly. National news is now global. Young people can now connect to worldwide problems and actively discuss them locally. Recent examples of this are social media campaigns raising awareness of the Ferguson shooting in the USA and ISIS in Africa. Young people can now instantly communicate worldwide using the many forms of social media, such as Facebook, Skype, etc.

Why connect resilience and wellbeing to global citizenship? So that we can balance our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;selfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, to be able to work for a higher world which is sustainable for us, the movements we work for and the planet. We all potentially have the wisdom to know what is needed for our own good health and the health of the world and others around us. Coming back to ourselves, discovering what we really need and reconnecting with nature and with ourselves will help enable us to look within, in order to look outside. We can only be okay if everyone and everything around us is okay, which is the motivation to look after ourselves and build resilience, as well as the reason why we are active as global citizens. Working for a better world requires an understanding of the shared challenges we all are facing, an understanding of what needs to be done and knowledge of options to be active within this. However, we also need to sustain ourselves and the movements working for a better world, otherwise we experience burnout. Self care, strengthening resilience and being aware of our surroundings will enable us to return to our innate wisdom as human beings, maintain a balance that makes it possible to contribute and continue our contributions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all the while celebrating and smiling as we do so.

Young people are influenced by alternative global trends and fashions. For young people today, cultural integration is now the norm and there is more acceptance of other cultures, e.g., people with different skin colors and different religions. Old values and morals have changed. Knowledge has increased and young people challenge themselves with more responsibilities. Modern technology has changed drastically, assisting young people to communicate easier and faster with others around the world. Young people have greater opportunities to travel, due to cheaper flights. They also have better access to information about places they may travel to. Education is changing. There are more opportunities to access, more people to meet, more chances to study abroad and greater job mobility. 24

Five ways to wellbeing & to global citizenship This section is an exploration about the relationship between wellbeing and global citizenship. It begins with an introduction to the New Economic Foundation’s ‘Five ways to wellbeing’ - to connect; to be active; to take notice; to keep learning and to give. It then explores the the interrelation of the five ways to each other and also their relationship to global citizenship. To make this connection, we explore the impact of nurturing these ways to wellbeing on ourselves as individuals, our communities and our world. 26

Five ways to wellbeing connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day. The five ways to wellbeing are a set of evidence-based actions which promote peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellbeing. These activities are simple things individuals can do in their everyday lives. The five ways to wellbeing were developed by the New Economics Foundation from evidence gathered in the UK governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foresight project on mental capital and wellbeing. 28

Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident, as well as being fun.

Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

The project, published in 2008, drew on state-ofthe-art research about mental capital and mental wellbeing through life. It asked the NEF to develop the five Do something nice for a friend, ways to wellbeing and to or a stranger. Thank someone. communicate its Smile. Volunteer your time. key findings. Join a community group. The five ways have Look out, as well as in. been used by health Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community organisations, schools can be incredibly rewarding and community projects and creates connections with across the UK and the world the people around you. to help people take action to improve their wellbeing. (Aked et al, 2013, p.I) 29

Interconnected ways to wellbeing The five ways to wellbeing are all interconnected everything connects! By connecting with others we give. When we connect with others we learn from them. We can be active doing things together. When we connect with others we are more aware of ourselves and the things around us.

Bringing it from the personal to the global

Being active is the motivation to fulfill the intentions of all five ways to wellbeing. Being active means you are more available to give, connect, keep learning and take notice.

If you can take notice of the things around you, you can give more to your community, like noticing someone in need and giving them help. If you take notice, you already have a conscious connection and are able to connect.

In learning to be active, you keep learning the importance of pursuing wellbeing, like learning how to stay active, learning about new cultures and learning about how to incorporate all five ways to wellbeing into your life.

When you give, you reach out and connect with people. Giving is a part of passing on knowledge, by providing the resources to keep learning to others. By giving, you strengthen the ability to connect.

If I look after my wellbeing by connecting, how does it impact on myself? my community? the world? Me:

Connections create a feeling of unity that leads to more trust, more safety, more respect and less fear. Learning from oneself and others leads to deeper giving and receiving, which can help move beyond stereotyping or quick judgments, to see all humans as equal. Individuals will feel confident to give the best of themselves, as well as being inspired by others.

Community:

Connecting allows community cohesion and puts the interests of the common people beyond the individual. The more connected individuals of the community are to each other, the easier it will be to solve problems or issues. Giving and receiving from one another enriches a community and, accordingly, strengthens its bonds.

World:

Connecting with other cultures leads to more empathy, increased understanding and therefore less aggression, violence and discrimination towards difference. Connecting at a deeper level than cultural creates global solidarity and the sense that we are all part of one world.

If I look after my wellbeing by being active, how does it impact on myself? my community? the world?

If I look after my wellbeing by taking notice, how does it impact on myself? my community? the world?

Me:

Being active improves general health and wellbeing, teaches good values and nurtures passion. There is increased engagement with surroundings and individuals can feel inwardly content through a sense of achievement.

Taking notice leads to new perspectives and new experiences. It allows you to appreciate what you have. Being present and allowing yourself to notice results in positive mental health and wellbeing. Being aware of instincts and feelings allows one to live in the moment.

Community:

If members of a community are active and feel good, they will be able to contribute more to others, sharing skills interests and passions. Communities can be formed and enriched by active participation, creating new opportunities and connections.

World:

Acting with a global consciousness leads to a more sustainable world. Through creating active communities at a local level, global participation can come about, leading to further world-wide opportunities and the sharing of cultural identity. The synthesis of actions can therefore create new global communities, focused towards building positive futures.

Through noticing the different members of our community, individuals understand their reliance on each other, leading to a desire to contribute (e.g volunteer) and better communication within the community. It leads to an increased awareness of the different issues in a community, resulting in new ideas and responses.

World:

An increased awareness of the changes on and to our planet could lead to better decision making at a global level. Noticing the connection between the micro and the macro will encourage involvement in international campaigns through global solidarity. If we notice what is working well in our own respective spaces, we can share this cross-culturally to create best practice.

If I look after my wellbeing by keeping learning, how does it impact on myself? my community? the world?

If I look after my wellbeing by giving, how does it impact on myself? my community? the world?

Me:

Community:

Individuals will have an increased awareness of themselves and their place in the world. Learning develops a sense of exploration and the ability for young people to express themselves freely. It encourages open-mindedness and the willingness to engage with new ideas and cultures. This should help young people react and participate in a rapidly changing, globalized world.

A community that keeps learning has an awareness of collective issues both locally and globally. Communities can learn from other communities, enabling an understanding of themselves from which new ideas and initiatives can emerge. An awareness beyond self is realized. Learning can highlight issues of prejudice and discrimination within a community and help to challenge and eradicate it. At the same time, learning fosters a balanced, nurturing environment in which each member of the community feels safe to participate. Shared learning can increase social capital through bringing people together.

World:

Shared learning links communities through understanding global challenges, which results in global action for a better world. Knowledge is essential to protect the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resources for future generations and ensure a globally sustainable world. Learning from a diverse history and culture will inform current and future actions. 34

An openness to giving and receiving enables the breaking down of barriers between people and a stronger sense of self. This allows one to learn from others as well as allowing others to learn. Giving propels good vibes, improving wellbeing and happiness.

Giving can ground an individual in a community, resulting in a strong sense of belonging as well as increased responsibility for other members of the community and the local environment. Giving creates shared opportunities at the same time as eradicating individualism and competitiveness. Giving connects and promotes learning between members of the community.

World:

Giving, and witnessing the results of that giving, affirms our global responsibility. This empowers individuals and helps them see their importance as a global citizens and their connection to others. When people are connected across the world, it creates opportunities that would not otherwise exist. Giving and receiving between different cultures increases intercultural understanding, breaks down barriers and leads to a more peaceful and accepting world. 35

Five ways to global citizenship connect Connect with yourself! It is the basis of any other connections you make. Connect withith humans, nature, the universe. If you nurture your connections, they can be the source of your life, enrich your communities and the world.

Participants developed their own five ways to global citizenship based on their reflections on connecting the five ways to wellbeing to the wider world. 36

be active Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Dance. Experience theGarden. world physically. Exercising makesconsciously. you feel good. Most Journey toawellness, importantly, Aspire discover physical activity you inwardly and outwardly. enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. See - Identify - Act.

LISTEN! FEEL! SEE! Open your eyes to what is happening. Take notice of others their cultures and issues. QUESTION. Be aware of where goods come from. CARPE DIEM. Appreciate what you have. Stay on top of current issues. Fulfill your potential and take notice. Notice the effects of change, e.g., the seasons. Reflect.

Exit your cultural comfort zone... Encourage others to follow…

give Keep traditions to know who you are and where you come from. Develop artistic skills as an international language. Reading opens your mind to the world. Take every chance to go abroad because it’s the best way to learn about the world. Let’s play. Let’s learn!

...an open mind. ...your time. ...embrace difference. ...empower others with a sense of belonging. ...a smile :) GIVING GIVES YOU GLOBAL IDENTITY

Recommendations

Why Creativity? Because it’s what sparks the ideas that move us forward in time. Eugene Woodland Because you cannot live without it. Marilena Vacca

Because creativity frees our imagination and gives space to our true personality. Marco Mura Because it allows you to express yourself and your freedom. No rules in creativity. Maria Grazia Serra

Creative expression is a language recognized worldwide. Camilla Kane. Creativity is the engine of life, something you can experience in all fields of life. Krisztina Katona

I totally believe that creativity in our thinking, our being and our actions is a vital part of being alive and has the power to create change in a positive and sustainable way. Philidda Eves

Creativity is a special faculty of the human being, one of the most interesting forms of intelligence and learning in a practical way. Monica Murgia

There is a great sense of fulfillment in creating something, which can boost self–esteem and even give hope. Selina Foley

I believe that creativity is what produces solutions to our world’s problems. Without creativity we would be unable to progress at all. Elisha Bradley

I like the senses that get stimulated when we are creative. Without creativity it is difficult to evoke passion in our work, activism and wider lives. Gráinne O’Neill

It allows a space for the youth to channel their thoughts and ideas on the world in an informal way. Rosemary Sweeney

To take in, and participate in creating our reality. This is art for me. A unique state of mind. It’s intimacy. It’s fun. It’s responsibility. It’s magic. András Dávid

I think creativity is a way to see things differently, to be able to use your possibilities, to make the best out of the given opportunities, to renew, to create and to develop. Vilja Arató

I think that when people engage with arts and their creative side, they find ways of making genuine connections with other people. Stephanie Reynolds

Why is creativity important to practices engaging young people? Creativity engages the mind.

Creativity is participatory and interactive.

When engaging with creativity, young people are not passively listening/absorbing, but are exploring, discovering and communicating. It can support young people to be more active and present as members of society.

Creativity stimulates and motivates.

Creativity frees the mind in a way that enables a person to absorb knowledge more easily. It makes processing learning more efficient.

Creativity brings us beyond words.

Creativity enables alternative ways of thinking.

Creativity is fun and joyful and surprising.

It unblocks old patterns or habits of thinking. It allows for non-linear thinking.

Creativity enables empathy. Creativity connects us to ourselves.

It opens our hearts and doors to our mind. It brings us to hidden parts of ourselves. It allows recognition of uniqueness and identity. It can help draw out what is already there within - hidden talents and inner capacities can emerge. It connects us with our passions.

Creative participation nurtures a sense of togetherness.

It brings people together and can nurture skills in teamwork and co-operation.

It allows exploration and communication beyond the limitation of words.

Creativity keeps the mind active. Creativity engages different learning styles.

Creative methods enable engagement through a variety of learning styles. Everyone learns and engages differently.

Creativity allows us to view and solve problems more openly and with innovation. Creativity opens the mind.

Creativity challenges.

A society that has lost touch with its creative side is an imprisoned society, in that generations of people may be closed-minded. It broadens our perspectives and can help us overcome prejudices.

Creativity can connect reflection with action.

Creativity inspires collective thinking.

Creativity builds intercultural connections.

Creativity nurtures ideas.

Creativity nurtures confidence.

Creativity supports resilience.

It connects us to different cultures and sub-cultures. Creativity builds confidence. When they are confident, young people are less easily influenced by others.

Creativity instills curiosity. It encourages questions.

Creative expression gives a voice.

It can help capture ideas, thoughts and visions about the world. Young people can advocate for themselves and for others. 42

How can we, as youth workers, artists and educators, best support young people to engage and to grow as resilient and active global citizens? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be the change that you would like to see in the worldâ&#x20AC;? - Gandhi We can best support young people to be more resilient and active global citizens by providing them with the space to identify and reflect, to empower them in every possible way and to help them recognize the power of their resilience. Creativity is key in supporting young people to develop competences that enable them to grow as resilient and active global citizens. Below are some of the thoughts from the group about how we can best enable this growth.

Provision of space

Critical thinking

We can encourage young people to practice critical thinking skills and encourage them to analyze the world around them.

Initiative

Support young people to take initiative to choose how they wish to engage and grow as resilient and active global citizens.

Reflection

Encourage self-awareness and awareness of how they can impact the environment around themselves and accompany them in this journey of self-reflection. Help young people to connect their passions to action.

The butterfly effect Global isssues

To provide information to young people on global issues through genuine personal connections with wider global communities.

Be leaders

Accepting

To lead by example of being a better global citizen.

Safe

To allow young people to recognize the global impact of all the considerations and decisions they make every day, no matter how big or small.

Accept and respect young people for who they are and their experiences so far.

We should provide a safe supporting space, which allows young people to learn and form their own thoughts for discussion and reflection.

Democratic

This space should be open and flexible and allow the project to grow from the participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; input.

Empowerment Experience

Impact

The butterfly effect

If you change something in yourself it has impact on your environment, which impacts your community and this process, in turn, impacts the world.

Critical mass

Support young people to recognize the power in their resilience and that they can become a part of the critical mass that has the potential bring about big change in the world.

We create the opportunities for young people to learn through creative and experiential processes.

Self-recognition

We can empower young people to recognize their own capacities and values through engaging activities. 44

Tips for youth workers engaging with creativity Build your confidence and skills

Attend a creative workshop to help you connect with your creativity. This will help you when you work with young people

Trust the process

Don’t feel the need to control the outcomes. Take risks and support young people to take risks in a safe environment.

Don’t be afraid

Your young people may be afraid because they don’t even know what creativity means. Broaden their idea of creativity. Allow them to recognise their own creativity. Invite them to creative processes gently. Allow them to experience processes and see outcomes.

Make it fun and engaging

It helps to be well prepared. You don’t need to have a clear picture of outcomes, this will emerge through the process. However, you do need to prepare a process that’s engaging. A relaxed environment can help people connect with their creativity. Good preparation can help create an engaging, creative atmosphere.

What recommendations do you have for policy makers to improve the environment and opportunities for young people to grow as resilient global citizens? Education Education needs to be structured in a way to encourage more divergent, creative and pro-active thinking. The current system teaches people to be disciplined and compliant, rather than free to think more laterally. By beginning critical thinking early as a practice, this enables young people to find their own voice as global citizens. A space should be created within the educational system to practice debate and to discuss and reflect on opinions. Doing so enables students to find a voice to become resilient, responsible, active global citizens. More of an emphasis on civic education, making it more informative and engaging for participants. Instead of teachers from a school teaching the subject, that school could invite social innovators and practitioners; for example, youth and community workers, politicians and social and political activists. Integrate the structure of voting, how to vote and the impact of using your vote as a citizen. Also continuing this informative approach with regards to understanding financial and economical impact on the individual in society. For example; paying rent, the tax system and obtaining a loan.

To create forums of discussion where representatives of all young people meet with policy makers. Include the youth in policy making. By being involved and having the opportunity to influence policy making, young people will be motivated and grow as resilient, active members of society. To open local and national parliaments for people to observe and voice opinions. For example, the existing opportunity for young people to go to Brussels to sit in on parliament discussions. Incentives to engage with volunteering in the community, with the opportunity to gain additional grades or points through the education system. To give public recognition to people who contribute to society and acknowledge the projects they have achieved.

Policy makers Make policies more accessible for everyone. Use simpler language to aid in the understanding of new and existing policy. To provide opportunities for organizations to take risks and to follow a process into the unknown, as this is where innovation truly takes place and new ideas and practices emerge. Invest in creativity. Global citizenship education needs to be relevant, reactive and irresistible. Creativity can help nurture these elements along with lots of other capacities, such as critical thinking, curiosity and problem solving skills.

To encourage the learning of other languages, in order to engage with the world around us.

The wider community and action groups Creating opportunities for volunteering with local and international organisations in conjunction with schools. For example, during the school holidays. Education systems to support exchange programmes to bring about an in depth understanding and connection between people. For example, to practice a language, broaden social horizons and broaden the mind to enable self learning and self progression. 48

Reflections on process

How has the creative experience this week supported you to grow as a resilient, active global citizen? How have particular competences, mindsets, values and understandings been nurtured? I was thinking about how much energy we need to participate with others. We should give them the time to understand their point of view and see that we see things differently, we should accept others’ opinions and/or work for a compromise. If I can take anything from this project it will be that, no matter how different or unusual people and things might seem, the passion and determination for positive change will help us fast-forward into the future. Before I came to the Fast Forward project, I must admit even for the first day or so I was a bit negative or sceptical about such diversity. It was as if I felt at the time that people had weird opinions and views and that they were mostly useless or wrong in my eyes. It was because I was telling myself “these views and opinions will not help in the area I live and work and would not be useful in making a difference.” I have come to recognise the importance of diversity. Because, in reality, it was the diverse ways/methods of thinking and the passion behind them that makes them so strongly felt and helpful for a positive mindset. This week was an eye-opening experience where I realised how easy and fun it is to work with different people if it’s happening in a creative and inspiring environment. We should use more creative methods and techniques in the global education system that would be more useful and powerful than the actual one. This could help the younger generations to make their own opinions and be able to express themselves and also encourage them to think freely and in a more creative way. In group reflections and discussions with others, a sense of greater understanding can be achieved - a recognition realising the development of ideas. I see the importance of reflection and how it opens my mind to accept new experiences. The trust built into the group was remarkable and it enabled genuine insights and growth through our shared creative processes and reflections.

The entire workshop was very introspective and was about working individually, but none of this could happen without the presence of others. This is an important point to understand. I have learnt to be more committed to my beliefs and to act on them with confidence and commitment. In this process we were guided, led and encouraged in a very inclusive, warm, organized, dynamic and challenging way. It was inspiring and nurturing. I have a way better understanding of the concept of global citizenship. I have really learned about how the process of reflection and ideas of creativity are so necessary to working through the global citizenship in order to impact learning better and work towards impacting policy on a wider scale. I will apply my learning through using the different creative methods in my work. I will spread the word and continue the conversation with colleagues and friends. I will leave this experience with a huge wealth of skills and energy to bring into my work. I feel very fulfilled as a creative practitioner and also better equipped to continue work as a youth worker. A highlight of the week was feeling supported and empowered in understanding the value of what I do and what I believe in. It helped to identify the clear connection to the creative process and our response to ourselves and the world around us. I felt empowered to truly be myself. I have learned that being a better global citizen means strengthening my very core first and then this will influence my impact on my local community, which then helps me identify as part of this world. I also recognize through personal reflection and talking to others that, while we may always embrace opportunities to connect outside of ourselves, it is really important to take time for ourselves too. I am going into a new year with lots of different, exciting objectives. I am going to start anew to go on and make sure I have time in my schedule to stop! and connect back with myself and what I am doing in that moment - reflect on what is going on and how. By working with young people and trying to guide them, I am being a part of the world. I am but one brick in the global wall. The littlest of differences you make could change the world.

It has allowed me to be ambitious about goals without being self-conscious. 52

My image is of one man standing up. One man against the tank. Before I came here, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think one person could make a difference. I thought change needs an organisation. One being can start a change.

This is a puzzle of lots people, people with diverse cultures all together. They are connecting looking for unity. The birds are flying, representing the results and outcomes of our work together and unity.

My image looks like an entrance to a nice place with the water and trees. For me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place to journey through and beyond. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know where it will lead, maybe behind there is a completely different place. It is interesting to be on a journey.

My picture is of an endless road. We are on a journey. I feel like I am where the photographer stands. There is a long road in front of me and in front of us of us as we will continue walking on this road in our own countries. The image is simple and clear.

Participants and partners Participants Vilja Arató Michael Betterage Elisha Bradley Joe Curtin András Dávid Philida Eves Soracha Eves Selina Foley Lorenzo Ghiani Kayleigh Harper Camilla Kane Krisztina Katona Julian Mizzi Marco Mura Monica Murgia Grainne O Neill Vanessa Pisani Norbert Raffai Steph Reynolds Maria Grazia Serra Rosemary Sweeney Marilena Vacca Ginka Várnai Sarah Weston Eugene Woodland

Organisations Involved Colour-Space Associationi of Pécs, Hungary Comhlámh, Ireland Ferns Diocesan Youth Services, Ireland Galway Diocesan Youth Services, Ireland Limerick Youth Service, Ireland Mallik Cultural Association, Sardinia Malta UNESCO Youth Association Self Help Africa, Ireland Swan Youth Service, Ireland Tandem Theatre, UK Youth Work Ireland Cork, Ireland

Programme Support Noel Dwyer Ed Kuczaj Eleanor O’ Sullivan Please see appendix for descriptions of partner organsiation and their reflections connecting their work to the programme themes.

Programme design and delivery

Nora Furlong and Jessica Carson

Publication development and design Jessica Carson

Design and compilation support Hallie Morrison and Helen O’Keeffe

Hosted by Youth Work Ireland, Cork and developed and delivered in partnership with CIT Crawford College of Art & Design.

Appendix

Limerick Youth Service

Organisation profiles

We are passionate about providing a creative platform for our young people to have their voices heard. Recently, the organization has been involved in projects that are very exciting to our youth in their creative approaches.

Youth Work Ireland, Cork What is this organization passionate about changing?

We want to give confidence to young people, especially with regards to their own abilities. We wish to make them aware of the various issues that affect their lives, and the lives of the people in their community. We want young people to contribute to their communities, become part of their community and allow them to effect a change by making informed decisions.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

With every group we facilitate, we try to instill social education, personal development, empowerment, team building and confidence building. We aim to empower and activate the young people.

Why do you work with creative methods?

We believe that using creative methods is a more natural way for young people to express themselves. It also unlocks potential that young person may have in a particular area.

What creative methods are you excited about using?

ALL! At present, there are daily art classes. There are music lessons, junior rapping, senior rapping, a singsong group and more. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to getting involved in all of these and to possibly add more creative methods within the organization, i.e., drama etc.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

One project I am involved with that I think has enabled young people to grow as global citizens is One World Week. As a part of this project, we aim to run an event about fair trade. This is to make young people aware of fair trade products and how their buying habits affect the global rights of other people. In turn, this should help the young people grow as global citizens. Joe Curtin 58

What is your organization passionate about changing?

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Some of the main values important to us include engagement and participation, inclusion, diversity, integration, relationship building and cultural learning, to name a few. We have been very involved in International youth work over the years, both heading off to foreign lands with groups of young people and also hosting many exchanges. As workers and volunteers, we believe there is so much to learn by engaging in this type of work, and young people would highly agree, given their profitable experiences.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

Limerick Youth Service is an organization that is dedicated to supporting and encouraging young people to be active participants in shaping their futures. Through the many clubs and projects across the city and county, like the Community Training Centre, we provide quality programmes, training and second-chance learning to the youth of Limerick.

Why do you work with creative methods?

This different and exciting youth friendly approach really enhances youth participation across the board. As we are moving with the times, young people are given a space to develop their skills together in a fast changing world.

What creative methods are you excited about using?

Some successful methods we have explored include street art, photography and film & video making.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

There have been many projects that supported young people to grow as global citizens, like an exchange that took place in September, 2014. A group of fifteen young participants and two staff members went to Birkirkara in Malta. The theme of the exchange was Youth Employment/Unemployment. The week consisted of valuable workshops and activities in which we compared employment/ unemployment rates in Malta and Ireland. We looked at causes, effects and possible solutions. It was a week of learning and engaging in workshops which would support us in finding employment in Ireland and across Europe. Some of the workshops delivered included Self Presentation, Interview Skills and Techniques and Catering Skills.

Eugene Woodland 59

Galway Diocesan Youth Services (GDYS)

Malik Cultural Association, Sardinia

What is your organization passionate about changing?

GDYS is a project passionate about helping and changing the lives of young people who are lacking support and are in challenging situations. The project looks after the needs of the young homeless, youth in aftercare from the care system and people on probation or going through, or recovering from addiction. GDYS is there to support and assist them through their crisis.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

GDYS values highly the policy of health promotion and healthy living: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. By taking on projects to raise awareness on important issues, both the staff and service users are able to debate and challenge the topics that are important to themselves and the world around them.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

GDYS supports young people through five main projects: Accommodation, Drop-in Centre, Counselling, Career Guidance and Education Service. Through these services, GDYS endeavours to allow the clients work through their needs and enables them to reach and realise their full potential through using the support of the service.

Why do you work with creative methods?

We work with creative methods because they help create an environment in which clients can relate to topics and issues about their community and the world in a fun and thoughtful way. It allows them to share and gain confidence in themselves as people. Their opinion counts and is heard in a manner which has a tangible result.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

My clients worked on a project last year in which they researched the different effects of global warming and located them to every continent around the world. They then made a profile of the various effects and found images to describe the conditions around the globe. Within the main social space in the building, they placed the profiles on a large map of the world to display the consequences of climate change. They followed this by giving a presentation about each continent and what they could each do to help make a change. It was successful because it set the clients a task which involved using many of their skills, like planning, researching, working in teams, communicating, creating and presenting. It benefited the clients by enabling them to work together on an achievable goal. Rosemary Sweeney

What Malik Cultural Association is trying to do since the very beginning is to ‘change lives’, e.g., To change lives of immigrants who do not feel integrated into the hosting community by organizing cultural and recreational activities. To change lives of people who do not like to read, pushing them to read more through the festival “Books Help to Read the World”. To change lives of young people with geographical and socio-economical problems, helping them to take part in European projects and exchange ideas.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization? Diversity, equality, inclusion, love, peace, exchange.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

We organize an initiative where young people are protagonists; pushing them to take action and become “active European and global citizens.”

What potential do you see in the young people you engage with?

The young people we work with have communication skills and creativity. But most of the time their skills are unexpressed due to the fact that they live in ‘an island inside an island’ and do not have many occasions to exchange ideas with people coming from different cultures and to meet the cultural diversity.

Why do you work with creative methods?

Art is a universal language and through art it is easier to arrive directly at the spirit and at the heart.

What creative methods are you excited about using? Muralismo, painting, theatre, collage, street art.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

Sportello in Spalla (“Backpack Desk”) is an initiative promoted by Malik Association aiming to connect young people all around the inland part of Sardinia to inform them about work, volunteer and education opportunities abroad. The inititive also serves as a youth centre, a place of social gathering for teenagers and young people of the area of Barbagia. As the desk is moving from town to town, various young people have a chance to perform as a leader of the desk and become leaders of change. It is a successful project because it is decentralized and follows a bottom-up tier. Lorenzo Ghiani, Marco Mura, Monica Murgia, Maria Grazia Serra, Marilena Vacca 61

Colour-Space Association of Pécs

Swan Youth Service, Dublin

What is your organization passionate about changing?

We want to develop braveness, openness and pure understanding from the fears inside people about their own selves and others. We work to empower the most underpriviledged/disadvantaged groups and give them chance to show their voice, in order to make impact on the society in the direction of acceptance, understanding and collaboration.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Empathy, self-expression, equality, solidarity, love, voluntary spirit.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

We work with different kinds of community arts with our young people and focus on the participants’ growing abilities to respond to their real demands. We work to provide the best tools to help young people express themselves.

Why do you work with creative methods?

Creative methods can make visible the invisible contents that we can’t express with words. In the creative process, everybody is equal. Creative methods give the possibility to get to know ourselves and each other.

We want to see equal opportunity for all young people regardless of socio-economic background or participation in formal education structures. We work to provide a safe, secure environment for these young people, where they can express themselves and progress in their development as young adults.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Equality and social justice. Swan advocates equal opportunities for all to avail of their services. Swan demonstrates zero tolerance for any discrimination being exercised by both young people or staff and this is widely respected by all who participate in their services.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

Critical social education approach to youth work is at the core of Swan Youth Service. This model of youth work has the positive intention of transferring power to the young people who use the service.

What potential do you see in the young people you engage with?

What creative methods are you excited about using?

We see fantastic potential in all of the young people that engage with Swan Youth Service. In some cases, from the outset, their energy can be seen as disruptive or unwilling to engage. However, through the various services Swan provides, we have recognized that once one is given the platform to exercise their own voice, one’s true passion and activism comes out.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

Why do you work with creative methods?

All kinds of visual arts (painting, photo, video, fine-art, graffiti, recycling, etc.), performing arts (dance, theatre, circus, music) and creative writing.

We had a nice international project this year in which we elaborated on the topic of discrimination, using arts and bringing all the results of our work on the street in the form of a “desfile” (Spanish word meaning ‘parade’). It contained music, performance and visual art pieces. The highest point was when we travelled to Córdoba in Spain and did the same with a Spanish group. We brought five young people to participate in this work who hadn’t been abroad before. They grew a lot during the working process and opened up to the international environment. Also, all of our projects that we realised through mural painting in local communities and in prisons with young prisoners have been successful. Vilja Arató, András Dávid, Krisztina Katona, Norbert Raffai, Ginka Várnai

They are easily accessible for all. They can also be fun and a less restrictive form of expression. Creative methods exercise the lateral thinking in one’s mind.

What creative methods are you excited about using? Drama.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

Some successful projects have been based on the group’s interests and needs, in relation to important topics like domestic violence and solidarity. These projects have started from the concerns and artistic visions of the group and concluded in large painting projects, for example. Camilla Kane

Self Help Africa Schools Programme

Tandem Theatre

What is your organization passionate about changing?

Self Help Africa Schools Programme is passionate about raising awareness and understanding amongst students of the rapidly changing, interdependent and unequal world in which we live. The programe seeks to empower young people to realise the impact that their thinking, actions and ways they live their lives can have in creating a fairer world and in bringing about positive change.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Openness, honesty, creative thinking, empowerment, education, embracing diversity and social justice.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

By delivering development education to secondary schools and facilitating the young people in interactive workshops.

Why do you work with creative methods?

Because they engage people and are exciting, challenging, mind opening and relevant to each group and individual. Through creative methods there is space for encouragement to embrace all ideas and thoughts and actions.

What creative methods are you excited about using?

Lots! Group work, drama, visual art materials, writing, brainstorming, experiential learning, peer learning and more!

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

While teaching school teachers with Global Schoolroom last July in India, I used many brainstorming methods in various ways to help students realise how much knowledge they already had. We worked in small groups and one large group. The students of the smaller groups responded to the larger groups through discussion activities and the smaller groups gradually began to realise how much knowledge they had already. This workshop helped boost self-confidence in the students of all of the groups. Philida Eves

Tandem Theatre is passionate about working with a diverse range of people and community groups in order to increase creative opportunities available to them. We are especially passionate about working with vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Working with diverse groups, increasing levels of opportunities in disadvantaged communities and providing positive, fun and challenging activities.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

Tandem Theatre supports young people to be part of the changes they want to see by providing a series of projects designed to work with young people who are disadvantaged or vulnerable. These are designed to provide young people with the knowledge and skills they need in order to improve their lives, as well as to increase confidence and self appreciation.

What potential do you see in the young people you engage with?

The young people we work with are creative individuals who are all intelligent and capable in many ways, even if they don't realize it themselves. They have the potential to not only transform their own lives but the lives of their friends and peers, making a positive impact on their communities.

Why do you work with creative methods?

We work with creative methods, as they are the most effective way to engage with people, especially young people! Many people do not fit into the mold of traditional 'success' or 'intelligence' and creative methods can help young people realise that their self worth does not rely on their grades. We believe creative methods can help people unlock their potential, which may have been missed by traditional methods.

What creative methods are you excited about using? Music, drama and other performative mediums.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

Our 'Creation Junction' event run jointly between the Manchester Museum Youth Board and Manchester Art Gallery Creative Consultants. The two groups worked together during their school half term to create an event based around the galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibition on the First World War. The two groups brought together art, music and artifacts from the museum to create an event that was sensitive to the subject matter yet critically questioning of the act of war. We feel planning and executing the event improved the young peoples skills and knowledge overall. Michael Batterage, Elisha Bradley, Kayleigh Harper, Sarah Weston 65

Comhlámh

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service

What is your organization passionate about changing?

Our organization is passionate about following whatever our members feel like pursuing. We support people to make the changes they feel passionate about, e.g., trade justice, self-care, global education, etc. Comhlámh is about global justice issues; whether that is at home or abroad.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Participation, critical thinking, action, challenge.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

We run many courses for young returned volunteers (‘What Next’, ‘Moving Forward Days’, inputs to global issues courses). We also provide ongoing support to our volunteers and maintain communication with our young people to support them in pursuing ideas for action projects.

Why do you work with creative methods?

Because often creative methods get participants into a space of ‘unknowingness’. This is different from thinking from our heads – as we are mostly used to thinking in this type of work. Creative methods also provide a more reflective space to situate one’s interests in social change-making within their wider lived experiences (like a volunteer experience overseas for our young people.

What creative methods are you excited about using? Anything! Especially fine art methods, like collage.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

The ‘What Next’ course has been successful as it supports young returned volunteers to pursue an action project. Our young people are able to take that first step of one do-able action and, upon completion of the action, they can feel more confident about pursing bigger and more creative actions for social change. Grainne O’ Neill

We feel the FDYS is passionate about tackling bullying, homophobia, inequality and social exclusion.

What are some of the values that are important to your organization?

Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, social equality, diversity and inclusiveness for all young people.

How does your organization support young people to be part of the changes they want to see?

The FDYS is linked to and encourages participants to get involved with the Comhairle na nÓg. We also recently delivered a workshop about global issues as part of One World Week.

Why do you work with creative methods?

Creative methods are generally inclusive methods. Also, creativity is engaging, fulfilling and can lead a person to discover a passion and talent that they never knew they had.

What creative methods are you excited about using? Art, musical methods and group discussions.

Give an example of a project that you think has enabled your young people to grow as global citizens. Why was it successful?

I think the recent One World Week workshop was quite successful as it got the participants thinking about the differences and similarities between themselves and other young people from around the world - and even others within the group. It also got us discussing global injustices and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Selina Foley

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World Health Organisation (2012) Depression Fact Sheet 369 [online], World Health Organisation, available: http://www.who.int/ mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/ [accessed 1 Jan 2014].

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