The seminar focused on the development of the participants’ knowledge, capacities, skills and reflections in regards to being actively anti-racist. The topics explored included the root causes of structural racism, the realities and barriers, human rights and sharing situations. The outcome of this specific seminar was a series of podcasts planned and created by the participants themselves that are soon to be published on Woodcraft Folk’s platforms and on IFM SEI’s. Their talking points covered casual racism, migration, racism within feminism and education, among many more. 

Woodcraft Folk participant Bean (16) says

“Carrying on the project and meeting more people, I was glad to represent Woodcraft in the making of a podcast, talking about casual racism and real life experiences. One of the best opportunities I’ve had“

The project took place in the North-South centre of the council Europe, during their annual UYD conference. The conference looked at using global interdependence and solidarity, with this year’s topic being ‘Young people, peace and climate’. Joining IFM-SEI were eight other global organisations, including the European Youth Forum and OBESSU. Together these organisations, with guided seminars from the North-South centre of the council Europe, looked at how to build a more sustainable world together. The joint sessions looked specifically at building connections, the theatre of the oppressed and what structures are already in place globally to tackle these issues. 

Woodcraft Folk participant Eliza (21) says:

‘It was an honour to be able to attend the UYD conference again. The experience is inspiring, and being surrounded by so many forward thinking minds is so important for a young person. The energy is was one of change, and I am so grateful that being a part of woodcraft has allowed me to be part of that’

As well as attending the conference, and IFM-SEI’s seminar, the participants were also active members of the UYD community. All Woodcraft Folk members performed in the farewell evening, with Bean being asked to also perform a piano piece in the closing ceremony. Furthermore, Woodcraft Folk were incredibly proud of Eliza and Mickey for running their own seminar for the other global organisations- looking at the topic ‘Sexual harassment, assault and rape in our differing cultures’. 

Woodcraft Folk participant Mickey (19) says:

“I went to UYD 2022 and had such an incredible time that I had to go back again. IFM-SEI and woodcraft provided such a great opportunity for me to go and make great memories and friendships. I had such an amazing time I’ll do it again in a heartbeat”

The participants also had time to see the nearby city of Malaga, enjoy a traditional tapas evening and take part in an intercultural evening. You can find out more about the Choosing Anti-racism project here.

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The ‘Journey of Youth Yeadership’ seminar looked at the previous stages of the project- highlighting their aims and successes. IFM SEI have been focussing on youth leadership for over 100 years, and the participants looked at the examples of this and created ideas to how they can keep this important idea prevalent within our partner organisations. A presentation, which included a youth aimed video and Powerpoint presentation, was shared with the other groups that attended the camp which highlighted the specific outcomes that the project had produced.

The participants were also able to run their own seminars with the young people attending the camp, showing off the skill sets that they have learnt during the seminar. Eliza and Alex ran a session on democracy, using the activity of the ‘Mock debate’ which can be found in the toolkit produced from the project. This seminar was incredibly successful, attended by over 30 young people.

Woodcraft Folk young member Eliza (21) says:

“I have had the privilege of being able to attend many stages of this project, meaning Finland was very exciting for me. The topic is something I think is not only important for Woodcraft Folk, but for the world in general. Being able to highlight our previous hard work, and to see our toolkit activities in action made me feel an immense amount of pride for my involvement in the work, and for being involved in such a youth lead and motivational organisation.”

Available on the IFM SEI website is an overview of this project, as well as the toolkit and a short documentary.

Woodcraft Folk young member  Alex (19) says:

“I had an interesting time , learning about how we can promote youth leadership within woodcraft. Furthermore the location of the project was stunning and in a truly unique region of the world.” 

Phase one of the “Choosing anti-racism” project, held in Finland, was an introduction to the topic and the project. It began to explore academic terms to describe the system of racism and participants began to think about how to deconstruct the topic. The Woodcraft Folk young members worked with and formed friendships with participants from across the world. They did a lot of group discussion so were able to share experiences and international perspectives with the group. The resources they created were used to inform the next phases of the project. This phase of the project laid the groundwork for the future phases and started to get the participants to think about how their organisation and them as individuals could be actively anti-racist.

Woodcraft Folk participant Sadie (18) says:

“Choosing to attend the Anti-racism project held in Finland was an incredibly valuable experience for me. Meeting and bonding with the other young people from around the world was so amazing and unique. Anti racism was something I was already incredibly passionate about so to see other young people eager to affect change in our respective organisations/communities was empowering.”

On top of the two seminars, the young people were able to enjoy the intensely beautiful Finnish countryside. They all camped, sharing a space and creating important friendships with other IFM SEI organisations- such an NKK, Rote Falken and other woodcraft delegations. In their free time, they took part in a hike through the Finnish wilderness, took part in a football tournament and performed multiple songs in the closing ceremony. 

Woodcraft Folk participant Mickey Lowe (19) says:

“The finland trip was a once in a life time experience, I’m so grateful I was able to have this opportunity. I’ve made some life long memories, friends and skills because of the incredible seminar”

Woodcraft Folk participant Bean (16) says:

“I was extremely excited to participate in an event like this, and my expectations weren’t just met, but exceeded. It was a great introduction and I’m very happy with my decision to go as I learnt a lot about the topics, but also about the friends I made along the way.”

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During the three day event there were many discussions about the challenges the different membership organisations face; including environmental and financial sustainability as well as the changing nature of volunteering. Groups at the meeting made a commitment to share practice and to participate in seminars to explore future opportunities.

The meeting also confirmed that the Austrian Falcons will host the next IFM-SEI camp in 2025. The camp will take place immediately before Woodcraft Folk’s own centenary camp, Camp100. The two organising teams are collaborating and will offer a discounted participation fee for those who wish to participate in both events.

As a membership network committed to equality and fighting discrimination, the group voted overwhelmingly in favour to support our Israeli and Palestinian friends to undertake work to educate our organisation on anti-semitism.

And finally, the highlight of the event was a formal dinner, hosted by the Mayor of Vienna, to celebrate 101 years of IFM.

To find out more about Woodcraft Folk’s international work please visit the international opportunities page of our website.

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The goal of the trip was to bring all organisations involved in the youth exchange together to begin planning for the project start in the summer. On the first day of the trip, the group were treated to a tour of the town, visiting all the centres and outdoor spaces where the project activities will be held in July which included outdoor tennis courts, a swimming pool, indoor climbing wall, sports hall and community centre. The group also met the mayor of Alvito, where introductions with shared and a talk given about the youth exchange and why Alvito was chosen as the hosting location.

The mayor was thrilled that young people would be staying in the small town as part of the project as the majority of the town’s population is ageing. In the evening, the group learnt more about the culture of Portugal with a highlight being watching a band practice traditional folk singing. The group discovered the song held a lot of significance, as it was used during the revolution.

The following day was mainly focused around planning the exchange project followed by a trip to nearby town, Evora. Evora is a city with a lot of historical sights and venues. It is a spectacular town partially enclosed by mediaeval walls and historical monuments including a Rome temple. In the evening, the went group went back to Lisbon where they were hosted by APCC with a fantastic dinner.

Woodcraft Folk prides itself on creating international opportunities for its young supporters through its partnerships and projects which has had members travel to locations across the globe. Winds Of Change is one of many international projects the youth charity is currently running with others including Kids Got Rights, Peace Communicators and also international camp, Common Ground which is taking place later this summer. You can find out more about Woodcraft Folk’s international opportunities here

Want to get involved with Winds of Change?
The summer exchange will be taking place from 3rd-12th of July and is open to young
people aged 18+ years.

For this project we are looking to take 5 young people and 1 leader.

The international opportunity will provide young people with summer memories they will treasure forever. Attendees will make new friends, explore parts of Portugal and experience new cultures. The exchange will also provide a fantastic opportunity to gain international experience and develop skills for young people’s CV for higher education.

Activities on the exchange will include: icebreaker games, team building activities, energisers, working in small and big groups, individual reflection, debates, visits, video creation and editing, presentations, role plays, canoeing, swimming, painting, walking as well as active participation projects within the community.

Further Information about the opportunity in July:
Date: 3-12th of July 2022
Location: Alvito, Portugal
Age restrictions: Must be aged 18+ years
Number of places available : 5 young people needed!

If this opportunity sounds like something that you would be interested please fill in this
google form or if you have any questions then please reach out to: Eireny.akubeze@Woodcraft.org.uk.

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