NECE Lab 2026: Build Dialogue Skills for Polarized Groups in Civic Education Warsaw
In today’s world, deep divisions in society make it hard for people to talk and understand each other. The NECE Lab 2026 offers a way to fix that. This event in Warsaw helps civic educators and activists learn how to run strong dialogue programs that bring divided groups together.
Why Attend the NECE Lab 2026?
Europe faces growing splits in ideas and beliefs. These divides affect public talks and make civic education tougher. Many see dialogue as a fix, but it takes more than basic skills to make it work.
The NECE Lab 2026 focuses on “Working with Polarised Groups in Civic Education.” It runs from July 12 to 14, 2026, in Warsaw. The goal is to teach real skills for planning, running, and growing dialogue efforts. You will build what they call “dialogue infrastructure.” This means setting up systems to keep civic talks going strong over time.
Key Skills You Will Gain
The program mixes talks from experts, hands-on workshops, and real dialogue practice. It draws from the New Community Foundation’s work. They have run over 120 dialogue sessions and 100 workshops in Poland. You get proven methods that work.
Here are the main things you will learn:
- How to design and run civic dialogue projects.
- Ways to reach people with different views, even those hard to involve.
- Tips for talking about tough or divisive topics in a positive way.
- Skills for both online and in-person formats.
- How to share results to create real change in society.
A special part is trying both digital and live methods. This helps you adapt to any group or place.
Work on Your Own Project
The lab goes beyond just listening. You will create your own dialogue project idea. Experts and other participants give feedback to make it better. By the end, you have a plan ready to use.
After the lab, picked participants must run a follow-up dialogue event. This happens 3 to 6 months later. You share what you learned with more people in your community. It builds a bigger network of civic workers.
Travel Help and Costs
The organizers want people from all over Europe to join. They offer up to 500 EUR to cover travel to and from Warsaw. You can apply even if you pay your own way. This makes the NECE Lab 2026 open to more folks.
Who Runs the Event?
The New Community Foundation leads it. They team up with THE CIVICS Innovation Hub. Money comes from the German Federal Agency for Civic Education. The European Union helps fund it too. These groups bring trust and wide reach to the program.
How to Apply
The deadline is April 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST. Apply soon to show your drive to start dialogues back home. If you live in Poland, reach out to the New Community Foundation directly.
People from other places follow the online process. Explain why you want to join and how you will use the skills. The NECE Lab 2026 picks those ready to make a difference against polarization.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the NECE Lab 2026 held?
It takes place from July 12 to 14, 2026, in Warsaw, Poland.
What skills will participants learn at the NECE Lab 2026?
You will learn to design civic dialogue projects, engage diverse views, handle tough topics positively, and use both online and in-person formats.
How do I apply for the NECE Lab 2026?
Apply online by April 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST; explain your interest and plans to use the skills. Polish residents contact the New Community Foundation directly.
What support is available for travel to the NECE Lab 2026?
Organizers offer up to 500 EUR for travel from across Europe, and you can apply even if covering your own costs.