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 this. Held in Warsaw from July 12 to 14, this event teaches civic educators, activists, and others how to run strong dialogue programs that bring divided groups together.
What Is the NECE Lab 2026?
The full name of the event is “Working with Polarised Groups in Civic Education.” It takes place over three days in Warsaw, Poland. Organizers from the New Community Foundation and THE CIVICS Innovation Hub run it. They get support from the German Federal Agency for Civic Education and funding from the European Union.
This lab goes beyond talks and lectures. It mixes expert sessions, workshops, and real practice in dialogues. The goal is to build skills for handling tough talks in civic education. Participants learn to create systems that make dialogues last and grow.
Why Civic Dialogue Matters Now
Europe faces growing splits in views and ideas. These divides change how people discuss public issues. Many see dialogue as a fix, but it needs more than good talking skills. You must plan well, include different people, use fresh methods, and turn talks into real change.
The NECE Lab 2026 focuses on “dialogue infrastructure.” This means the steps to set up, grow, and keep civic talks going. The New Community Foundation brings real examples. They have run over 120 dialogue sessions and 100 workshops in Poland.
Key Skills You Will Gain
Attendees get practical tools for their work. Here are the main areas covered:
- Design and run civic dialogue programs: Learn to plan events that work well.
- Reach hard-to-join groups: Find ways to include people with different or extreme views.
- Frame tough topics: Present sensitive issues in ways that spark good talks.
- Handle online and in-person formats: Practice both digital tools and face-to-face meetings.
- Share results for impact: Tell the story of your dialogues to make a bigger difference.
The lab uses a mix of online and live methods. This helps you adapt to any setting or group.
Build Your Own Project
A big part of the NECE Lab 2026 is hands-on work. 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 attendees must run a follow-up dialogue in 3 to 6 months. This spreads what you learn to more people in your community.
Support for Travel and Costs
The program helps people from across Europe join. Selected participants can get up to 500 EUR back for travel to and from Warsaw. You can apply even if you pay your own way.
How to Apply
Applications close on April 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST. Show your drive to start dialogues in your area. People in Poland should contact the New Community Foundation directly.
Apply through the official link to join this chance to fight polarisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NECE Lab 2026?
The NECE Lab 2026 is a three-day event in Warsaw, Poland, from July 12 to 14, that teaches civic educators and activists how to run dialogue programs for polarized groups.
Why does civic dialogue matter now?
Europe faces growing divides in views, and strong dialogue programs help turn talks into real change by planning well and including diverse people.
What skills will participants gain?
You will learn to design dialogue programs, reach hard-to-join groups, frame tough topics, handle online and in-person formats, and share results for impact.
How can I apply and what support is available?
Apply by April 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST through the official link. Selected participants get up to 500 EUR for travel to Warsaw.
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