The events of last year appear to show a Europe that is deeply divided. Divisions between rich and poor, young and old, minorities and majorities, are dominating headlines and having major effects on political processes. Rather than trying to heal these divides and work together towards a more equal and just society, populist and rightwing forces are seeking to increase these divisions and use them to their advantage. Divisive “us and them” rhetoric is threatening the foundation of our communities and the stability of our societies. As the European antiracist movement, we must stand together and call on the people of Europe: Don’t be divided, Stay UNITED!
Every year, UNITED coordinates a weeklong Europe-wide campaign around 21 March to protest against all forms of racism and discrimination, and celebrate the diversity that enriches European societies. European Action Week Against Racism 2017 will take place from 18-26 March, with the slogan “Don’t be divided, Stay UNITED!”
There are loads of ways to join the campaign: organise activities, involve your city government, like the Facebook page, support others, and spread the message. Join NGOs, civil society groups, grassroots associations, schools, universities and city governments all over Europe to prove that unity beats division, and that we stand UNITED against racism in all forms.
This year we have three suggested activities that we encourage civil society organisations to organise to mark the action week:
Street action/ flashmob 
Human library 
Theatre of the Oppressed
As well as providing campaign material for you to use to organise and promote your activities (see below), we will also provide tips and best practice information on how to organise these activities – find them at this link. Of course, you are also welcome to organise any other kind of activity as part of the campaign, such as a workshop, a film screening or a concert. If you need inspiration, have a look at the list of best practice examples on the Week Against Racism website.
Just like every year, UNITED is ready to support your organisation in organising Week Against Racism activities by sending you free campaign materials and promoting your activities online. Fill out our online order form on the website and we will send up to 2kg of free campaign material for you to use in your activities! If you want us to send you materials by post, make sure you send your order by 17 February at the latest. You are also free to use these online materials, and to print/reproduce/adapt them for your activity.
Don’t forget: Even small acts can change the world!
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This campaign has been made possible with support of the Council of Europe (European Youth Foundation) and the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
The information contained herein does not necessarily reflect the position nor the opinion of our sponsors. Sponsors are not to be held responsible for any use that may be made of it.
