In Depth

Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Greece, Croatia and Portugal. Last week youth workers from all of these countries came to Palermo to analyse “microagressions”, a phenomenon that is as underrated as it is widespread. Unconscious, sly behaviour, attitudes, verbal expressions and comments that convey derogatory, offensive, disparaging or discriminatory messages towards people belonging to systemically marginalised social groups. 

Although these actions are often carried out unconsciously and may seem minor (“micro”), their repetitive nature leads to a cumulative negative impact on the dignity, identity and psychological well-being of those who experience them. “Links” aimed to contribute to combatting this pervasive phenomenon, providing participants with the knowledge and skills to promote non-violent social relations and develop emotional intelligence within groups of activists and youth workers. 

In its construction of tools that are useful for recognising conflicts within intentional groups – which usually hinder the development of healthier and more inclusive social relationships based on communication –,to its critical recognition of power dynamics, prejudices, structural inequalities and the invisibility of identities, “Links” has enabled youth workers to start addressing micro-agressions and conflict in collective spaces from a bottom-up, non-formal educational perspective. 

“Links” was carried out within the framework of Maghweb’s ExChange 2025 programme, supported by the Agenzia Italiana Gioventù and organised in collaboration with  Nucleo.de.inclusao, Youth.progress, Cinergies, Asociación Cervantear e LAG Vallis Collapis. 

Folklore Futures was carried out within the framework of Maghweb’s ExChange 2025 programme, supported by the Agenzia Italiana Gioventù and organised in collaboration with Youth.progress, Cinergies, and Pueblos Remoto