Preparation Activities

Preparation activities play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, inclusion, and smooth implementation of the "Make It Alive" Youth Exchange. All partner organizations will actively engage participants in structured preparation tasks between May and September 2026, allowing them to arrive motivated, informed, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the project.

These activities will support participants in getting to know each other in advance, understanding the project theme, strengthening digital and intercultural competences, and contributing creatively to the common project identity.

1. Personal Posters

Deadline: 15 July

Each participant will create a personal poster introducing themselves to the group. The poster will include basic information (name, country, interests), personal motivations for joining the project, expectations, and a short reflection on what "social change" means to them.

These posters will be shared in the project's online spaces (Facebook group / WEBPAGE) to:

  • Encourage early bonding among participants

  • Reduce anxiety before the exchange

  • Foster a sense of belonging and diversity within the group

An example of personal posters of other project in the link: https: //cant-you-sea.webnode.page/participants/ 

2. Participation in the Logo Contest

Deadline: 15 July

Participants will be invited to actively contribute to the "Make It Alive" Logo Contest, creating visual designs that represent the project's core values: restoring nature, climate responsibility, community solidarity, youth empowerment, and intercultural cooperation. 

This activity:

  • Strengthens participants' sense of ownership of the project

  • Encourages creativity and digital expression

  • Helps establish a strong visual identity for dissemination

The winning logo will be used across project materials, the website, social media, and dissemination outputs. Regulations of the Logo Contest that will take place in all countries at the link: https: //digisc2.webnode.page/logo-contest/  

3. Research on the Theme of the Project

Deadline: 30 September

Participants will conduct individual or small-group research on topics related to the project theme, such as:

  • Environmental challenges in their local communities (e.g., wildfires, pollution, loss of biodiversity, climate impacts)
  • The main environmental issues affecting their country and their causes
  • How climate change is impacting their country (nature, communities, economy)
  • Examples of environmental restoration or sustainability initiatives in their country (NGOs, local projects, community actions)
  • Everyday sustainable practices used in their country or community

The aim is to help participants arrive with:

  • A shared understanding of environmental challenges across different countries
  • Concrete examples from their own national and local contexts
  • Awareness of how environmental issues affect both nature and communities
  • Ideas and inspiration for activities and discussions during the Youth Exchange

4. National Team Posters (4 Posters per Country)

Deadline: 30 September

Each national team will prepare 4 thematic posters presenting:

  • Key environmental challenges in their country (e.g., wildfires, pollution, climate impacts, biodiversity loss)
  • The impact of these challenges on local communities and ecosystems
  • Existing initiatives, projects, or good practices in their country related to environmental protection, restoration, or sustainability
  • Messages, ideas, or calls to action they want to communicate about climate responsibility and environmental care

5. Preparation of the Intercultural Night

Each national group will prepare an Intercultural Night, showcasing elements of their culture such as:

  • Traditional food, music, dances, or games

  • Short performances, videos, or storytelling elements

  • Cultural symbols and customs

This activity promotes:

  • Mutual respect and intercultural dialogue

  • Active participation and teamwork

  • A safe and joyful space for cultural exchange

Coordination and Support

All preparation activities will be coordinated by the project coordinator in cooperation with group leaders. Clear guidelines, templates, and deadlines will be provided, and all materials will be uploaded to the shared project folder. Partner organizations will support participants locally and ensure inclusivity, accessibility, and active engagement throughout the preparation phase.