We are looking for participants to join the training «Digging Deep – Exploring the Roots of Ecological Breakdown«. A training for young activists, changemakers, and youth workers who want to understand, envision, and build a future rooted in sustainability and solidarity. It takes place from 4 to 11 August 2025 near Bern, Switzerland.

We have long been told that hard work within the current system will lead to success and a brighter future. Yet, this promise has always relied on the exploitation of marginalized communities and the environment—especially in the Global South. As ecological breakdown becomes undeniable—with wildfires, floods, rising food prices, and social unrest—mainstream solutions still focus on green capitalism and technological fixes, failing to address the root causes of our crises.

This exchange is about digging deeper. We invite you to critically examine the systems shaping our world, particularly capitalism, and how it is intertwined with colonialism, gender-based discrimination, and the exploitation of nature. From this understanding, we aim to envision and co-create alternative futures based on sustainability, equality, and solidarity.

What you can expect

During this exchange we would like to invite youth workers and young activists and future changemakers, who want to gain a deeper understanding of the systems that we live in. Some of our objectives are:

• Deepen your understanding of why the climate crisis is just one part of a broader ecological breakdown.

• Explore connections between ecological breakdown and other forms of violence.

• Learn how capitalism is fueled by intersecting systems of oppression.

• Develop ideas and strategies for alternative ways of living and organizing society.

Participant’s profile

We are looking for participants who are motivated to transform this world. This could be youth workers, volunteers and activists within the wider SCI network and beyond. We are looking for participants are

• 18 years old or older
• able to work in English
• motivated to implement the learned knowledge and skills in practice back home
• motivated to actively participate from the beginning to the end of the training
• ideally involved in a social change movement back at home (this is not a necessary condition though!)
• interested in deepening their knowledge on topics mentioned above (such as ecological breakdown)

Previous involvement in social change movements is a plus, but not required. We explicitly welcome participants of all genders, sexual orientations, abilities, learning styles, and ethnic backgrounds.

How to apply?

Please read the CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS. In the document, you will find all the information (requirements, financial conditions, logistics etc.).

You can apply by filling out this application form. All those accepted will later receive a detailed infosheet (incl. info on how to get to the venue, how to book your travels, more info about the agenda of the project). The deadline for applying is still open, please apply as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding the project and your application, don’t hesitate to contact Jago at marysia@portfolio.art.pl or Timo at timo.kretschmer@posteo.de. We are looking forward to your application 🙂

The team,
Timo, Jago, Leo and the SCI Switzerland team