Songs for Change: Understanding, promoting, and implementing EU values through music

"<< Background >>Songs for Change (SfC) addresses critical societal needs exacerbated by populist and nationalist movements in Europe. These movements challenge EU multilateralism, prioritizing national interests over global concerns. However, the project highlighted the necessity of coordinated global action, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues like climate change, discrimination etc., continue to require unified responses, upholding EU values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and human rights.Using music as a transformative tool, SfC innovatively taught and promoted EU values among young people beyond traditional education. Music empowered participants, especially those with fewer opportunities, fostering learning, self-expression, and civic engagement. Through creating impactful songs and videos advocating EU values, participants engaged peers, stakeholders, and policymakers.Inclusivity and equal opportunity were central, ensuring all gained valuable skills and perspectives. Through music, the project not only educated but also empowered young people to voice their views and affect societal change. SfC contributed to a cohesive European youth community, prepared to collectively address future challenges.<< Objectives >>The objectives of the project were multifaceted, aimed at activating young people as change makers and mobilizing communities around EU values using music as a primary educational and expressive tool. EU values:Raising awareness among young individuals about the 6 EU values, addressing specific challenges faced by young people today. Capacity- building:Building capacities by fostering competences, attitudes, and innovative methodologies through music-based learning and equipping young participants with skills in song and video production that not only promoted EU values but also contributed to the development of future-oriented educational curricula suitable for both formal and non-formal learning environments.Music:Using music as a tool, acting both as a platform for advocating ideas to peers and communities and as an empowerment tool for youth to actively engage in civic life to create meaningful change within communities and inspire young individuals to become proactive citizens.Advocacy:Using advocacy efforts to influence policies and foster awareness, motivating individuals to uphold EU values. Through strategic advocacy campaigns and initiatives, we sought to create a ripple effect of awareness and action.<< Implementation >>Project Results: Based on the LCPA method the 4 project results were designed, tested, fine-tuned and disseminated: L-Learn: Songs for Change Toolkit (PR1); C- Create: Song creation Series (PR2); P-Produce: Videoclip production Tutorials (PR3) and A-Advocacy: Songs for Change Broadcast (PR4).Transnational Project meetings (M1/ M2):M1 Transnational Partners Meeting: The project commenced with the M1 Transnational Partners Meeting, held in Berlin, Germany. During this meeting, project partners gathered to discuss the project's goals, activities, and coordination. The meeting served as a platform to establish a common understanding of the project's vision and define the roles and responsibilities of each partner. Additionally the meeting led to the creation of 1 song.M2 FInal Partner Meeting: The Final Partners Meeting (M2) for the Songs for Change project took place in Brussels on April 9th -10th, 2024, hosted by the Belgian partner, Out of the Box International. This meeting aimed to conclude the project by reflecting on the activities implemented, sharing lessons learned, and discussing the future direction. Representatives from each partner organization attended, ensuring a comprehensive review and collaborative planning for the project's sustainability. Additionally the meeting led to the creation of 1 song. Learnining/ Teaching/ Training activities (C1/ C2):C1 Training of Trainers: The first training activity, the Training of Trainers (C1), was conducted in Herlany, Slovakia in February 2023. This training equipped youth workers from partner organisations with the necessary skills and competencies to effectively implement project activities. Topics covered during the training included the LCPA method (Learn, Create, Produce, Advocate), human rights education through music, and the use of music as a tool for empowerment and advocacy. The participants of the ToT were trained in becoming Songs for Change facilitators. After the training they were running Songs for Change workshops in their communities in which young people with fewer opportunities learned about EU values through non-formal and musical methods, how to write, compose and record songs about EU values and how to produce their own music videos. This led to the creation of one group song published on SfC channels.C2 Blended Mobility for young people: The learning, teaching and training activity ""Song Factory"" aimed at providing an experiential learning programme for young people based on collaborative music methods, and tested it as a format for future replication. EU values, capacity building, music, and advocacy were the key dimensions of project objectives covered in this event. Through a series of blended non-formal learning activities, which involved the Online Sound Factory, the face-to-face blended mobility, and the Online Music Festival, young people were given an opportunity to gain new creative skills, connect EU values to their personal emotions, deepen their competences in intercultural teamwork, music, and advocacy, analyze Project Results from a target group's perspective, and boost their confidence to become active, creative, and educated change-makers. The activity was structured into three key phases:C2 Online Sound Factory (Online): 28.08.23C2 Blended Mobility, Utrecht, Netherlands (in person): 05.09.23-10.09.23C2 Feel the Beat of Change: Melodies of Unity in Times of Uncertainty - Music Festival (online): 07.12.23The whole C2 activity led to the creation of several songs, on which 6 got published and professionally produced including a music video (published on SfC channels).5 Community Events: Each project partner organized a music concert to present their Songs for Change and videoclips, aiming to engage peers, community members, and stakeholders, including politicians and policymakers, in discussions about promoting EU values through music.Slovakia: The Association for Better Life hosted an Apple Festival in Rankovce with young musicians performing Songs for Change and traditional Roma music, fostering community spirit.Netherlands: Het Wilde Westen held a concert in Utrecht featuring local musicians and artists from asylum seekers centers, emphasizing unity and change.Portugal: In Lisbon, Young Educators presented toolkits, handbooks, tutorials, and podcasts, highlighting the impact of music training and youth exchanges on EU values.Italy: YEPP Italia participated in the 'United Beyond the Ocean' event in Albenga, showcasing a mini-documentary on intercultural music influences and a concert by Petit Solo Diabate, promoting global citizenship.Greece: Network for Children’s Rights organized a theater production in Athens on Human Rights and EU values, with children performing and singing ""Stay Unique"" to advocate for rights and freedoms.Testing of PR1, PR2 and PR3 through Local Workshops in 5 implementing countries:Local workshops under the Songs For Change initiative have been thriving across Europe, each reflecting unique cultural contexts and engaging young participants in creative expressions of EU values.- Greece: In Athens, the Network for Children's Rights hosted a vibrant workshop over ten days where young participants from diverse backgrounds collaborated on ""Stay Unique"" under the band name ""Believe Wings"". The song aimed to amplify awareness for those facing societal challenges, resonating with themes of EU values and rights advocacy.- Slovakia: Association for a Better Life gathered 20 musically inclined youth from Kecerovce, Slovakia. Participants, predominantly students of music or amateur musicians, explored EU values through music, resulting in songs like ""Kamadži phuv"" (Promised Land) and ""DŽIVIPEN” (Life). These tracks address topics of equality, law, and freedom, marking the beginning of an ongoing creative journey.- Netherlands: At Het Wilde Westen in the Netherlands, a diverse group of young adults collaborated on songs reflecting EU values. Their culminating performance of ""Rohil Mohattama"" was not only multilingual but also a passionate call for human dignity, resonating deeply with the group's diverse cultural backgrounds and musical talents.- Italy: In Albenga, Italy, the YEPP ITALIA network brought together young artists to explore the theme of freedom through music. Participants, many from local music high schools, demonstrated remarkable autonomy in crafting ""Spazio e Tempo"" (Space and Time). This song celebrates freedom as a tangible aspect of daily life, reflecting the participants' personal and collective aspirations.- Portugal: Young Educators at Agrupamento de Escolas Nuno Gonçalves in Lisbon empowered students to explore freedom and equality through music. Their song ""Around the World"" emphasizes unity and collective strength in advocating for meaningful causes, embodying the spirit of EU values within their local community.Live concerts: Live concerts were engaging events within the project organized by local orgnaizations. They served as vibrant showcases for original compositions created during project workshops, emphasizing themes around EU values. These concerts engaged diverse audiences, including local residents, stakeholders from the arts and educational sectors, and youth activists. 42 Podcast episodes including 7 Life podcast: As part of PR 4, the webradio initiative was a key activity implemented during the project. This included a podcast series featuring 42 episodes available on Spotify and YouTube. Additionally, 7 live podcasts were created and broadcasted to a live audience while simultaneously streamed on the social media channels of the respective organizations, engaging a broader audience and online community.Meetings:Bimonthly partner meetings: The project has successfully conducted 21 bimonthly partner meetings, demonstrating the commitment to continuous communication and active participation among all consortium members. These meetings have provided a platform for partners to exchange updates, discuss project progress, and share knowledge and ideas.Youth Leader Meetings: The project has successfully conducted 6 youthleader meetings, aiming to foster collaboration, share insights, and empower youth engagement in project implementation. These meetings also served to bridge the gap between youth and project management, ensuring seamless communication and understanding. Youth leaders from various countries regularly gathered to exchange ideas, develop leadership skills, and shape the future of the project. These meetings created a dynamic and engaged network of young leaders, well-equipped to create change in their communities.8 Multiplier events (7 local multiplier events + 1 online multiplier event):The project held a series of impactful local multiplier events across Europe alongside an online multiplier to disseminate its Project Results and methodologies. Organized by diverse partners within the consortium, these events aimed to showcase the 4PR’s in integrating music with social change and promoting EU values.The online multiplier event, led by P1 (GER) on March 19, 2024, set the stage with over 60 participants from across Europe, including youth workers, educators, and music enthusiasts. Hosted on Zoom, it featured interactive tools like breakout rooms and padlet, fostering engagement through live music demonstrations, collaborative song creation, and immersive activities. The event highlighted the project's results such as the Songs for Change Toolkit and Song Creation Series, emphasizing their role in fostering collective creativity and advancing societal change.In Germany, Berlin hosted a transformative event on May 7, 2024, titled ""Songs for Change into the Future,"" organized by YEPP EUROPE. This event brought together stakeholders from NGOs, schools, and youth centers, featuring a live performance by a Berlin-based musician and insights into nervous system regulation in music workshops. Participants engaged deeply with project results, including video tutorials and advocacy guides, and explored future collaboration opportunities.Italy's multiplier event, ""Il mondo che vorrei… E’ già qui,"" held in Finalborgo on May 11, 2024, integrated seamlessly with a local event organized by YEPP Italia. It attracted a diverse audience from local government, educational institutions, and community organizations. Discussions centered on project outcomes and strategies for leveraging music to promote sustainability and cultural exchange.In Athens, Greece, on March 27, 2024, the Network For Children's Rights organized a pivotal event focusing on youth empowerment and advocacy through music. Participants included NGOs, educators, and stakeholders in children's rights, exploring innovative approaches to disseminate project results and influence policy at local and international levels.The Netherlands saw an engaging event in Utrecht on March 28, 2024, hosted by Het Wilde Westen, bringing together stakeholders from youth work, arts, and human rights sectors. This event showcased the LCPA learning method and featured collaborative music-making sessions, underscoring the project's impact on youth engagement and community cohesion.Portugal's event in Lisbon on April 29, 2024, organized by Young Educators, highlighted the project's contributions to music education and social inclusion. Participants from diverse sectors discussed project milestones and shared experiences, emphasizing the project's role in empowering youth through creative expression and advocacy.In Brussels, Belgium, Out of The Box International hosted a significant event on March 8, 2024, attracting European stakeholders and policymakers. Discussions focused on the role of music in promoting EU values and showcased project outcomes through interactive presentations and collaborative discussions, reinforcing the project's influence on civic engagement and policy-making.Songs for Change Channels: Website and SpotifyWebsite: The Songs for Change project's website (https://songsforchange.eu/) serves as a central hub for disseminating project results, providing educational resources, fostering peer learning through interactive features, updating stakeholders on events, and showcasing impact assessments. It supports non-formal education, civic engagement, and community building across Europe.Spotify: Songs for Change utilizes the Songs for Change Radio (https://open.spotify.com/show/6TcpmfGQs4Q0Ssa1M1KUVr?si=9760e2d61da14868) on Spotify to distribute the 42 podcast episodes with playlists for each of the 6 EU values. It engages young audiences, promotes cross-cultural exchange, and encourages interactive participation, amplifying the project's message to a global audience.<< Results >>The cooperation between partners and their expertise, led to the creation of four Project Results, available in English, Slovak, Greek, Portuguese, Italian. The German translation was not covered by the grant but a German version is currently being translated and will be added soon. The PR’s are available on the project website and Erasmus+ Project Results Platform and are freely accessible for anyone interested. They are targeting young people and youth workers, are written in a youth-friendly language and visually attractive. Infographics, pictures and tables underline the content. PR 1: Songs for Change Toolkit: Toolkit (134 pages, available in 5 languages) (available on website)- Part 1 : Theoretical Framework on EU Values and Music- Part 2 : Preparation, Implementation & Evaluation of a Workshop- Part 3 : Learning Through Music (39 exercises)PR 2: Songs Creation Series: 1 Handbook (91 pages, available in 5 languages) + 4 Webinars (available on website and YouTube)Handbook:- Chapter 1: Song Writing- Chapter 2: Song Composing- Chapter 3: Song Recording- Chapter 4: Collaborative Online Music Making- Chapter 5: Tips for Trainers/Methods for Implementation with a GroupWebinars:SONG WRITING for dummies and geniuses | Song Creation Series: Webinar #1SONG COMPOSING Cool sounds to your song | Song Creation Series: Webinar #2SONG SONG RECORDING DIY Tips & Tricks I Song creation Series: Webinar #3COLLABORATIVE ONLINE MUSIC MAKING Joining tunes for change I Song Creation Series: Webinar #4PR3: Video Clip Production Tutorials: 6 tutorials (available on website and YouTube and subtitled in 5 languages)Tutorial n°1: The power of imagesTutorial n°2: Preparation, script writing & storyboardTutorial n°3: Tools of the tradeTutorial n°4: ProductionTutorial n°5: EditingTutorial n°6: Privacy, consent, and ethicsPR4: Songs for Change Broadcast: Advocacy guide (35 pages, available in 5 languages) + 42 podcast episodes (available on website, YouTube and Spotify)Advocacyguide:- How to Set Up a Web Radio- How to Set Up an Advocacy Strategy- How to Use Music to Advocate for EU Values- How to Influence Different Target Groups- How to Engage with Your Audience42 Podcast episodes on the 6 EU values (including 7 live podcast)Freedom: 1. Songs & Thoughts: Freedom with Akvilė Buitvydaitė. 2. What Does Your Freedom Cost? with Adina Kapela Mawata. 3. The Role of Music in Historical Times with Professor João Ricardo Pinto. 4. Does the Road to Freedom Have Obstacles? with Christina Agapidou. 5. The Experience of a Young Migrant with Mazis. 6. Freedom in Digital Citizenship with Jelena Spasovic. 7. Post Communist Struggle with Františka Ondrašiková.Human Dignity: 1. Songs & Thoughts: Human Dignity with Martin Martens 2. Human Dignity & Refugees with Fridoon Joinda 3. Mud, Trash & Dogs with Július Pecha 4. Rouhi mouhatama - روحي المحطمة with Osamah Mages Mahmood 5. The Housing Crisis in Portugal with André Escoval (in Portugese) 6. The People Who Made a Difference with Diego, Viola and KristelDemocracy:1. Songs & Thoughts: Democracy with Helena Calleuw 2. Democracy In a Nutshell with Marko Paunović 3. Young Democracy with Diego & Andrea 4. Cigs for Votes with Gabriela Lukáčová 5. Does Democracy have Limits? with Anastasios Valvis 6. EU Elections and Youth Involvement with José Eduardo Feio 7. Your Voice is Heard with Kaj, Hans, Orrwa, Armando & RignaldEquality: 1. Songs & Thoughts: Equality with NIKSN 2. Change the Motif with Nima from De Voorkamer 3. What is Equality? with Marta Lima 4. Education on LGBTQIA+ Matters with António Vale 5. What does Equality mean for the LGBTI+ Community? with Panathemasse 6. From Uguaglianza to Equality with Diego and Kristel 7. I Won’t Stay in the Kitchen with Šimona OndrašikováHuman Rights: 1. Songs & Thoughts: Human Rights with Helena Fernández Sánchez & Elena Gabri 2. The Roofs Over Our Heads with Barbora Gregová 3. Human Rights for People with Disabilities with Ivana Davidovska 4. The Threat of Hate Speech in Social Media with Professor Raquel da Silva 5. The Road Ahead is Long and Tiring with Paola di Stefano 6. We’re All Human with Diego Viola and Andrea 7. Children’s Rights and their Violation with Ms. Theoni Koufonikolakou +8. Human Rights from Different Perspectives with Ismael Paez CivicoRule of Law: 1. Songs & Thoughts: Rule of Law with Marion Haak-Schulenburg 2. The Rule of Law for Striving Societies. with Ismael Paez Civico 3. Songs For Safety with Diego and Andrea 4. The Difference Between Theory & Practice: Legislation & its Parallel Reality with Mr. Ilias Zagoraios 5. The Rule of Law and Quality of Democracies with Tomás Santos 6. Rule of Mafia with Soňa 7. What is Humanity without Law? with Sophie Koster & Conchita RinkCreated Songs with produced videoclips: 22 (Available on project website and Youtube).Interview Series: 36 videos capturing the experiences from youth participants, trainers and organizations throughout the project. (Available on project website and Youtube).All of the above mentioned represents the success of the project in engaging young people from the different EU countries, raising their awareness of personal and EU values, boosting their confidence, and developing their skills in songwriting, video making, and podcast production. This fostered a sense of initiative and ownership among participants. Youth workers enhanced their competences as coaches using the LCPA method and gained expertise in human rights, human dignity, freedom, democracy, rule of law, equality education through music. Partner organizations emerged as advocates for youth-centered, value-based inclusive policies within their communities. Community stakeholders and policy makers were actively involved in supporting youth initiatives and inclusive policies at local, regional, and international levels. The project created a sustainable and empowering environment for young people, promoting active participation in society and the community In the long term, the project aims to deepen the understanding of personal and global values, involve youth in policy design, and foster sustainable community development through inclusion and shared values. This initiative has laid the groundwork for lasting youth empowerment and societal growth."