The Journalism for Democracy project supports the development of civil society in Poland, builds social sensitivity and awareness among young citizens about respect for human rights, and climate change.

Experienced journalists from Euractiv.pl, activists and community activists will conduct social-journalism workshops for students from Poland in three topic areas.

As part of the event's workshops, students will learn what the work of an independent editorial journalist involves. They will cover topics of social importance that expose the situation of minorities and discriminated groups. The young generation of journalists will gain the necessary knowledge to cover issues of social concern with integrity and objectivity. Students will participate in development of the knowledge-based tolerance in civil society.

Journalism for Democracy project thematic areas

I Counteracting social exclusion, including experienced by the LGBT+ community

According to Miłość nie wyklucza association, the LGBT+ community in Poland counts about 2 million people. However, under Polish law, such people do not exist. They currently do not have rights as equals as heteronormative couples and families; they cannot marry or adopt children. More than half of Poles (51 percent) believe that while homosexuality should be tolerated, they also consider it an exception. 42 percent believe that non-heteronormative people should not be accepted by society at all.

One of the main goals of The Global Political Network Foundation is supporting an inclusive and equal society. We believe that by advocating dialogue and proper education, it will be possible to create a tolerant and equal society that will have an impact on the total acceptance of LGBT+ people in Poland.

II Spreading public awareness and understanding towards the refugee situation

The number of refugees residing in Poland is much smaller than in Western European countries - according to the UNHCR. Statistic says that only 2,800 people applied for political asylum in Poland in 2020. Only 392 migrants received international protection. Attitudes toward refugees are often negative. In 2021, the migrant crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border began, and people were used as weapons. Over 30 percent of Poles said that refugees who have crossed the border and requested international protection should not automatically be subjected to asylum procedures.

Polish society's understanding of the refugee experience is critical to integration and acceptance. It can be achieved, through education and awareness-raising. Many NGOs support this by debunking myths based on prejudice, allowing Poles to understand and accept otherness.

III Climate change education

Climate change is currently one of the greatest threats to civilization. Poles' awareness of their perception has increased significantly in the last decade. Despite this, part of the population still downplays environmental and climate protection issues.

Education about our impact on the environment plays an extremely important role. It aims not only to change daily habits to greener ones, but also to deepen knowledge of the actions of politicians who support positive change. This allows us to participate in the public debate, uninterrupted by disinformation and fake-news. We should be fully aware of how to prevent climate change and be able to make rational decisions during elections.