Dates: June 30 – July 3, 2025 (arrival day June 29, departure day July 4)
Location: Trenčín, Slovakia
Organized by: The No Hate Speech Network with the financial support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe
Costs: 30 EUR participation fee. Travel costs are reimbursed, food and accommodation are covered.
Working language: English
Application deadline: April 17, 2025, 23:59 CET
This international conference will bring together 35 young activists and youth NGOs from different countries in Europe and beyond. The focus of the event will be on equipping participants with the skills and knowledge to combat hate speech, build networks, and develop tools for campaigning.
During the conference participants will form national committees for their country. Each national committee will plan and implement local or national pilot actions—such as awareness-raising activities, campaigns, educational resources, or other projects—based on the specific needs and context of their country.
Participants will also:
✅ Dive deeper into the state of hate speech in Europe.
✅ Share experiences and good practices from different national contexts.
✅ Network and collaborate with other activists and organizations.
✅ Define strategies to work together effectively and develop a platform for national coordinators to support young people in addressing hate speech.
Aim of the Conference
To mobilize and develop the competencies of youth activists and NGOs to act as national coordinators against hate speech, using human rights education and developing national pilot actions based on current issues and needs.
Objectives
🔹 Build the capacity of participants to recognize hate speech, understand its impact on human rights, and differentiate it from freedom of expression using human rights education.
🔹 Equip participants with the skills to use EU and CoE tools to address hate speech and apply them in national contexts for effective advocacy.
🔹 Strengthen participants’ ability to network and collaborate across different national realities and identify opportunities for common actions against hate speech.
🔹 Develop participants’ capacity to create action plans and pilot projects to combat hate speech at the local and national level.
🔹 Establish a sustainable peer-mentoring system between national coordinators, fostering long-term engagement and collaboration in activism against hate speech.
Who Can Apply?
We are looking for motivated individuals who:
✅ Are between 18 and 30 years old and reside in a Council of Europe member state or a country that was part of the former No Hate Speech Movement campaign committee.
✅ Are able to work in English.
✅ Are committed to develop and implement national campaigns against hate speech.
✅ Have a basic understanding of hate speech and strategies to counter it.
✅ Can fully participate in all project activities, including:
- Being physically present during all days of the conference on June 30 – July 3 (arrival day June 29, departure day July 4).
- Establishing a national committee on countering hate speech.
- Implementing national pilot actions during July – September.
- Attending online organizational meetings and workshops for implementing national pilot actions.
- Attending a national committee meeting planned for October-November 2025.
✅ Have relevant experience in managing projects, running campaigns, or organizing awareness-raising activities.
✅ Can mobilize and engage national networks and partners in their work.
✅ Having worked with or belonging to a marginalized group is an asset but not a requirement.
We encourage applications from all candidates who meet the activity’s specific requirements, regardless of gender, disability, marital or parental status, race, ethnic or social background, age, skin color, religion, beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Practical Information
Costs:
- Travel costs will be reimbursed based on the distance band calculation of the Erasmus+ program after the full participation in the conference and submission of required travel documents.
- Accommodation and meals during the conference will be fully provided by the organizers.
- Participation fee is €30, which will be deducted from the reimbursed travel costs.
National actions: Each national committee will have access to a micro-grant of 500 EUR to support the implementation of their pilot activities. Costs will be reimbursed upon receipt.
Language: The working language of the conference will be English. Participants should have a good command of English to engage effectively.
How to Apply?
To apply, please fill out the application form following this link:
Deadline to apply: April 17, 2025, 23:59 CET.
For any questions, feel free to contact us through email: nohatespeechnet@gmail.com. All the questions should be sent at least two days before the deadline with the subject “Conference “Changing Narratives: Taking Actions against Hate” – Question”.
Join us in changing narratives and taking action against hate!
This document was produced by the No Hate Speech Network with the financial support of the European Youth Foundation of the Council of Europe. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Council of Europe.