Youth Radicalization – How to Understand It and How to Prevent It?
We are increasingly witnessing polarization, radical attitudes, and growing social tensions in our communities. In response to these challenges, we invite you to join a project designed for people working with young people – teachers, educators, youth workers, trainers, and leaders of youth organizations – who want to better understand the mechanisms of radicalization and strengthen young people’s resilience to extremist influences.
This project combines theory, practice, and action. Participants will take part in a training cycle and implement, together with young people, social, educational, or informational initiatives. The process will be supported by experienced trainers and through individual and group consultations.
Planned Activities
Two-day residential training (November 2025) – building group connection and introducing the topic of radicalization. We will discuss the mechanisms behind radicalization, risk factors, identity, feelings of injustice and alienation, and the role of adults in preventing the process.
A series of six in-person trainings in Gdańsk (December 2025 – May 2026) – each session will last 4 hours and will focus on a specific aspect of the topic:
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Typologies and ideologies of radicalization
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Psychological mechanisms of the process
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Risk factors and particularly vulnerable groups
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Radicalization in the online and offline world
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Building resilience and a sense of belonging
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Risk assessment and ethical aspects of intervention
The trainings will be conducted in a workshop format, with case analysis and practical tools for working with young people.
Two-day final residential training (June 2026) – evaluation of the entire process, exchange of experiences, and development of joint recommendations for the City of Gdańsk regarding future actions in the field of radicalization prevention.
Youth-Led Actions
During the project, participants will collaborate with young people to implement small-scale social projects promoting openness, dialogue, and inclusion. These may take the form of information campaigns, creative workshops, artistic activities, or projects that strengthen belonging and community among peers.
The process will be supported by consultations and supervision to assist with planning and implementation. Between meetings, participants will also receive short microlearning materials – articles, videos, and inspiration for further learning and practice.
What Will You Gain?
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Understanding of the mechanisms of radicalization and polarization
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Tools for early detection of risks
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Skills to strengthen young people’s psychological resilience
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Support in developing and implementing your own initiatives
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A network of professionals from diverse educational and social backgrounds
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A certificate confirming completion of the full training cycle
Who Can Apply?
We invite teachers, psychologists, pedagogues, educators, youth workers, and leaders of social organizations – anyone who cares about creating environments based on dialogue, trust, and mutual respect.
Join us by filling out the registration form by November 21, 2025
📅 Start: November 2025
📍 Location: Gdańsk and surroundings
The project is co-financed by the City of Gdańsk.