How to Create Meaningful Encounters: Bringing People Together in Challenging Times

In times of societal tension and uncertainty, creating spaces for genuine human connection is more important than ever. We believe it’s possible to connect people across differences and to build understanding even when times are challenging. If you want to be part of this experience, then we warmly invite you to join our international seminar. Because it starts with you!

The principles of Theme-Centred Interaction (TZI) will help us to create an environment where dialogue and acceptance will be possible. Through workshops, experiential learning, and group reflection, you’ll gain tools to foster meaningful encounters in your personal and professional environments. TZI is an internationally recognized approach to group work and leadership.

What to Expect:

• you’ll connect authentically with participants from different backgrounds
• you’ll reflect on what turns a meeting into an inspiring connection
• you’ll explore the core ideas of TZI and experience them in action
• you’ll consider how to encourage dialogue, even in divided or tense contexts

The seminar will be held in English. Don’t worry if you’re not a native speaker, most of us aren’t! We’ll support each other and make sure everyone feels included.

Who can participate?

You can apply if:

• you live in Germany, Georgia, or you are from Russia and have your permanent residence outside of Russia
• you’re at least 18 years old
• you’re active or interested in youth work, community building, or social engagement
• you’re motivated to bring people together and reflect on your role in society
• you’re willing to communicate in English

Accommodation & Travel
The seminar takes place at the YES! Youth, Education & Sport Center, located at: Ahrenshooper Str. 5, 22147 Hamburg, Germany

You will stay in shared rooms separated by gender (max. 5 people). All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided. Towels and blankets are included. The house offers free Wi‑Fi, common lounges, and sports/recreation facilities. The building is not wheelchair accessible.

Travel Cost Reimbursement
We aim to ensure that people with low incomes can also take part in the seminar. Therefore, we will reimburse travel expenses according to the following guidelines.

Travel cost reimbursements for participants from Russia and Georgia will be arranged individually once the travel price is fixed. We reimburse up to a maximum of 80 percent.

German participants may receive up to €50 toward their travel expenses
More details about the reimbursement process will follow once participants are selected.

Participation Fee
Your personal contribution is 80 Euros.

Deadline to Apply
Ready to be part of an international group of people who care about connection, reflection, and social change? Then don’t hesitate! Apply now and join us in creating meaningful encounters that matter. The application deadline is September 20th 2025. A response regarding your participation will be provided by October 2nd. For participants who need a Visa applications will be processed on a rolling basis. 

Please note: Application does not automatically guarantee participation.

Visa
Russian participants might need a Visa. We will provide you with a confirmation letter to support your application for your Visa.

How to apply
Please use application form. For questions please contact
Anita Vogelmann.

A project by
Foundation for German-Russian Youth Exchange and Agfj e.V.

Disclaimer: As of September 2025, the Foundation for German-Russian Youth Exchange will be renamed the Juve Foundation. This change will also come with an updated focus for our work. More information will be available on our website and social media starting September 2025. Stay tuned!

Funded by
The German Federal Ministry for Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth