Political Activism and Critical Thinking

One of the biggest problems that people in Europe have been experiencing in recent years is radicalization, which can be seen from the ever-decreasing participation of Europeans in political life, and the radical tendencies of the political ideas with which they are concerned seem to deal with. These trends become even more visible in times of crisis. Especially in times of the Corona crisis, in which people experience severe cuts in the exercise of their personal freedoms, many people are particularly vulnerable to radicalization, in which groups or individuals, through their radical behavior, represent one-sided political views and do not allow any other view.The phenomenon of radicalization is now more commonly identified with terrorism and violent extremism. If we delve deeply into Greek and European reality, we will find that almost everything comes from politics and the consequences of the various radical actions are painful for both society and people. To counteract this, we need to think more carefully about the role of political education, the recognition of rights and the strengthening of European cooperation.What are the reasons for radicalization and how do radicalization processes work? Who are the actors and how is radicalization propagated? How can democratic values ​​be conveyed and realized? What democratic means are available to implement initiatives. How does political participation work? What skills need to be acquired in order to be able to participate in socially relevant topics?The aim of this project is to find out how people who may be at risk of radicalization can be methodically strengthened in order to participate in socially relevant issues, including at the political level. In this context, a online-article, a guideline and a methodology kit is to be created, which also shows how people can exit radical groups successfully and return to social life, and how active participation in social and political life can be strengthened. In exchange of best practices, tools and methods for developing critical thinking and political activism, this should be learned through concrete tools and approaches.Organizations, adult educators and volunteers from four cities are participating in this project. It is expected that more people will be indirectly involved through the transmission of the results (authorities, schools, faculties, cultural centers, adult education institutions, associations).3 TPMs in 3 of partnering organizations and one virtually TPM (videoconference) and a LTTA will be held during the project. Cross-work methods are formal and non-formal, such as investigations, presentations, debates, conferences and open discussions. Ahead of the first project meeting, a detailed analysis of the work steps and needs related to political activism and critical thinking in adult education is carried out. The method kits will then be worked on in the planned meetings. In addition, the results of the method kit are tested in an LTTA.Effects are expected at different levels:- Uncovering the problem of radicalism in various areas- Acquisition of necessary tools to develop awareness of political activism and commitment to social welfare- Raising awareness of citizen participation, improving methods of critical thinking, political activism and informal learningThe distribution is aimed inside (organization - educators and volunteers) and outside of the organization: regional education, authorities, NGOs and institutions that work with adults, trainers and educators, professors at local, national and European level. EPALE and Erasmus + Results platforms are used to ensure broad dissemination and fundingThe results of the project will be implemented in the working methods of the participating institutions, which means that program offers for the participating organizations will change in this area. At the same time, other organizations and adult education institutions will benefit from the knowledge and results gained as they flow into the education and training of educators. These measures are expected to raise awareness in working with people who need to catch up in this area. By implementing the results in the work of the participating institutions, there is a clear long-term benefit.