Aim:
to promote the dialogue between young people across the whole European continent, strengthen their perception of solidarity and raise their awareness for cultural sensitivity by working on the concept of the Solidarity Action Day which, in addition to this, shall lead to deeper connectedness among European youth and prevent the emergence of conflicts in the first place.
Objectives:
First objective: To familiarise participants with the concepts of the Solidarity Action Day, peacebuilding, conflict transformation, intercultural dialogue, cultural diversity, solidarity.
Second objective: To understand the work of the Council of Europe in the field of intercultural dialogue and how it can be applied in the work of the participants and in the SAME network and its member organisations.
Third objective: Create space for reflection over the concept of the SAD and to empower participants to be involved in the multiplication of the concept in their communities and youth organisations, including democratic and participatory elements of the SAD in their local communities.
Fourth objective: Create space for participants to experience education and reflect about interculturality, sharing visions of a diverse, and inclusive Europe and offering guidance for youth participation in their local communities.
Fifth objective: Stimulate networking with and within the SAME network through, for example:
- connection of the participants with the upcoming activities of the SAME network
- connection of SAME as a European youth network further with the Council of Europe and its work in the youth policy field
- connection SAME with the youth organisations of the participants.
Sixth objective: to encourage participants to develop at least 5 action plans for local youth initiatives, including the implementation of SAD, in their local or regional community and/or national organisation
Organisers
Solidarity Action Day Movement in Europe (SAME) is a youth-led European network that brings together several youth organisations carrying out an annual Solidarity Action Day (SAD). On this day, pupils get the chance to exercise a job of their choice instead of going to school. They donate their salaries to youth-related projects all over the world. Throughout Europe, about 300,000 young people participate annually in the SAD. When organised according to our principles and values, this day is more than a fundraising tool. It is a meaningful instrument of youth participation and intercultural dialogue which inspires active citizenship, promotes human rights and can have a direct impact on conflict-ridden regions.
SAME`s vision: As active citizens, young people act in solidarity with their peers and stand up for democracy, equity, human rights and intercultural understanding. SAME empowers young people to make their voices heard. We believe in the power of youth and encourage them to become a driver of societal change in their local and the global community. Our organisation and activities are done for, with and by young people.
One of our major aims is to spread the SAD concept and support new SAD organisations and campaigns across Europe. For this purpose, we offer SAD start-up seminars, workshops and mentoring for interested youth initiatives. Additionally, we offer an intercultural education programme. This includes our annual conference “Act.ival for Future” with 200 young people from all over Europe, regular seminars and workshops and summer camps for young Europeans, as well as trainings for our member organisations.
SAME member organisations strengthen each other through the exchange of experiences and best practices. Furthermore, they are connected by a joint understanding of the SAD based on our Basic Common Principles and Quality Guidelines.
SAME consists of nine member organisations in eight different countries: Asocijacija srednjoškolaca u Bosni i Hercegovini (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Operasjon Dagsverk (Norway), Operation Dagsværk (Denmark), Operation Daywork (Italy), Schüler Helfen Leben (Germany), Social Day (Italy), Unija Srednjoškolaca Crne Gore (Montenegro), Unija srednjoškolaca Srbije (Serbia), Youth for Change and Action (Belgium) and our candidate organisations Youth Can (North Macedonia) and TOKA (Kosovo).
The SAME General Assembly is the highest decision-making body of the organisation with every member organisation having one vote. The Council is the second highest decision-making body composed by representatives of all member organisations. Its main task is to control the Board and to represent the interests of the member organisations in the management of the organisation. The Board is elected by the General Assembly for two years and runs the organisation on a daily basis.
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