TAKE A STEP FORWARD

During the ‘open space’ there was implemented the activity ‘Take a step forward’. This thought-provoking exercise aimed to highlight the social privileges and disparities that exist across different societies and personal experiences. During the activity, each participant was assigned a unique identity—ranging from a lesbian woman in Turkey to a homeless young man in Germany, or a single mother in Italy —without revealing these identities to others. We stood in a straight line, side by side, awaiting instructions from our facilitator. The facilitator read out a series of statements that touched on common life opportunities, such as "You can go to the movies once a week," "You are not afraid of the police," or "Your opinion is valued by society." For each statement, those who felt the described condition applied to their character took a step forward. By the end of the exercise, a clear divide emerged. A few participants had moved far ahead, a group remained in the middle, and some were significantly behind. The positions illustrated the disparities in privilege and societal treatment that different groups face worldwide. The activity sparked intense reflection and brought to life the challenges and advantages that come with different identities. 

One participant* shared that the experience left them feeling a mix of emotions. “At first, there was relief. I hadn't faced many of the challenges others had. But as the group divided, I felt a growing disconnect. It was a powerful reminder of the social divide that exists between those who are privileged and those who are not.” Another participant*, who embodied the girlfriend of a drug-addicted artist, found themselves taking many steps forward. "It felt empowering to put myself in someone else’s shoes. It didn’t take much for me to advance because I found ways to turn disadvantages into opportunities. This experience gave me a different perspective on how certain privileges can be maximized. 

A third participant reflected deeply on the broader cultural lessons from the activity. "We’ve witnessed how different living standards shape people’s lives across countries. This game made me realize that the house you’re born into really can be your destiny. Despite this, I firmly believe that people’s rights should be equal, no matter where they live. This activity highlighted the stark differences in life’s advantages and showed that what’s accepted in one country can be condemned in another." The "Take a Step Forward" activity allowed us to confront our own preconceptions, see life through the eyes of others, and realize how much work remains in ensuring equality for all. It was a powerful experience that underscored the importance of empathy, awareness, and action in achieving a greener, fairer future for all young people—regardless of their background or circumstances. As we continue with the Youth Green Deal project, this experience has reminded us of the importance of inclusion, equality, and empathy in our work for sustainable change. We look forward to more engaging activities and discussions in the days to come.