Welcome to INTERDIAC

a learning community for Christian social action which you are invited to join.

Engage with us

Learn with us

Welcome to learn with us. Our learning programmes support new approaches to practice and work for change.

News & Events

17th- 20th September 2024 - INTERNATIONAL CODE Forum 2024 Prague, Czechia 06. 05. 2024

17th- 20th September 2024 - INTERNATIONAL CODE Forum 2024 Prague, Czechia

17th- 20th September 2024 Prague, Czechia CODE Forum 2024 Community Development and Diaconal Identity - responding to disruption and uprootedness  Welcome to the bi-annual CODE…

 Webinar: Inspiration for diaconal churches in Europe 07. 04. 2024

Webinar: Inspiration for diaconal churches in Europe

10 Apr 2024 Open to All A new learning program to support the work of churches During this workshop, diaconal practitioners from LWF member churches in Europe will be introduced to a new…

 Easter Card 25. 03. 2024
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Research with us

Research is an integral part of what we do in local and international contexts.

01

Research Forum

A space to engage with our network of people and organisations for supporting research and development.

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02

Research Themes

Explore our themes and issues and read about research findings.

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03

Practitioner - Researcher

Our strategic goal is to develop research in practice.

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Meet our core team

Tony Addy

Tony Addy

Programme Advisor tony.addy@interdiac.eu
Oksana Prosvirnina

Oksana Prosvirnina

Programme and Research Leader oksana.prosvirnina@interdiac.eu
Miroslav Sedláček

Miroslav Sedláček

Programme & Event Manager mirek.sedlacek@interdiac.eu
Meet whole team

Our story

This is an invitation to undertake a journey with interdiac from its foundation up to today. 

Follow these steps which continue to impact the life and work of those who have been involved in interdiac. 

You are invited to continue the journey with interdiac by joining our learning community.

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June

  • 1st Curriculum development Workshop

    1st Curriculum development Workshop

    June 2008

    18. – 20. 6. 2008
    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)


    The 1st Curriculum Development Workshop with experts from interdiac partner organisations took place. The meeting laid the ground for the curriculum of the Pilot Module “Social inclusion, participation and diaconia.”

    Cesky-tesin

December

  • Foundation of interdiac

    Foundation of interdiac

    December 2008

    10. 12. 2008
    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)

    Interdiac was founded in Český Těšín. The founders are two social service providers, Slezska Diakonie (Czech Republic) and Helsinki Deaconess Institute (Finland).
    Diaconia University of Applied sciences (Diak) becomes the Programme Supporter of interdiac.

    Cesky-tesin

June

  • Cable Workshop

    Cable Workshop

    June 2009

    12. – 17. 6. 2009
    Odessa (Ukraine)

    The CABLE (Community Action Based Learning for Empowerment) workshop used an interactive programme, which tested the participatory and person centred approach of the CABLE approach for Diaconia in Central and Eastern Europe.

August

  • Pilot module on “Social inclusion, participation and diaconia.”

    Pilot module on “Social inclusion, participation and diaconia.”

    August 2009

    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)
    1 Contact Teaching
    31. 8. – 11. 9. 2009
    2 Contact Teaching
    2. – 4. 10. 2009
    3 Contact Teaching
    13. – 15. 11. 2009

    The Pilot course, accredited by Diak, developed multi–perspectival understandings of Social Inclusion and Participation. It analysed the impact of globalisation on local contexts and on diaconal work. Based on the good practice of this learning model, the three and half year study programme at degree level was elaborated.

    Cesky-tesin

January

  • 4 Contact Teaching

    4 Contact Teaching

    January 2010

    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)
    23. – 25. 1. 2010

    Cesky-tesin

March

  • Social Exclusion in Central and Eastern Europe – challenges for churches and societies

    Social Exclusion in Central and Eastern Europe – challenges for churches and societies

    March 2010

    14. – 18. 3. 2010
    Bratislava (Slovakia)

    The Bratislava conference fed into the development of interdiac development by contributing to the formulation of the training, research and development programme. It was also a moment to celebrate the completion of the first one semester course and launch new initiatives. The Declaration was a public statement concerning policy on social inclusion in church and society.

    vecteezy_book_1200106Publication: "Bratislava Declaration" as output

    Bratislava

June

October

  • 2nd Mobile Workshop ‘Innovative Training for social cohesion for and with youth’ – Make Change Yourselves!’

    2nd Mobile Workshop ‘Innovative Training for social cohesion for and with youth’ – Make Change Yourselves!’

    October 2010

    11. – 15. 10. 2010
    Novi Sad (Serbia)

    The workshops introduced new analytic and methodological approaches to working with excluded young people. The programme expanded and diversified participants’ capacity for promoting social inclusion and enabled the transfer of this to their respective countries.

    • Publication: "Make change yourselves!" as output
    • Publication: "Handbook for working with marginalised young people" as output

    Novi-sad

April

  • Growing Through Mutual Sharing & Learning

    Growing Through Mutual Sharing & Learning

    April 2011

    10. – 15. 4. 2011
    Yerevan (Armenia)


    The training contributed to gaining new knowledge, skills and competences on how to approach to marginalised young people and how to work with them. The new Handbook and the accompanying DVD, which is a part of the Handbook, were used for this purpose and further developed. Further, the project created a resource bank of trained trainers.

    Yerevan

June

September

October

  • From local action to engagement with the wider society – Input to wider society from local engagement by young people in the neighbourhoods

    From local action to engagement with the wider society – Input to wider society from local engagement by young people in the neighbourhoods

    October 2011

     10. – 14. 10. 2011
    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)


    The study visit was a follow up learning event of study visit in Helsinki. A special focus was put on developing the culture of voluntary action and the recognition of the developmental dynamics that support voluntary and community engagement.

    • Publication: "New directions in voluntary action and community engagement" as output
    • Publication: "Community Development and Diaconia" as output

    Cesky-tesin

     

December

May

November

January

March

April

  • 2nd Workshop: Exchange & support networks for a use of the Handbook ´Make change yourselves´ with young people in their communities

    2nd Workshop: Exchange & support networks for a use of the Handbook ´Make change yourselves´ with young people in their communities

    April 2013

     8. – 12. 4. 2013
    Tallinn / Pilistvere (Estonia)


    Exchange & support networks for a use of the Handbook ´Make change yourselves´ with young people in their communities The seminars built on the outcomes of the learning process initiated and undertaken with the partner organisations through the Mobile Workshops in Tbilisi and Novi Sad and the follow up training in Armenia. In particular, the project drew out the strategies and developed a process for the ethical use of the interdiac Handbook ´Make Change Yourselves´ and to create a support & exchange network for the multiplicators.

    Publications as outputs:

    • Ethical orientation on social work and work with young people, Guidelines for Practice and Training
    • The Sparkle Project: working with young people
    • Reports from seven initiatives by workshop participants

    Talinn

     

June

  • Reviewing the Past and Looking to the Future (Evaluation seminar)

    Reviewing the Past and Looking to the Future (Evaluation seminar)

    June 2013

    2. – 6. 6. 2013
    Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine)


    Participants in the interdiac ´Mobile Workshops´ in Tbilisi (Georgia), Novi Sad (Serbia) and Yerevan (Armenia) and Seminars in Suruceni (Moldova) and Pilistvere (Estonia) prioritised participation, empowerment, inclusion and the value based approach as key issues to be dealt with in the light of an overall theme ´Social inclusion, participation and empowerment of marginalised young people´.

    Dnetropetrovsk

November

  • Diaconia in community – working with people for change

    Diaconia in community – working with people for change

    November 2013

    25. – 29. 11. 2013
    Odessa (Ukraine)


    The meeting drew on the process of development of the strategies for community work and creating networks locally and nationally. Specific focus was put on community economic development.

    Odessa

January

  • European diaconal process

    European diaconal process

    January 2014

    14. – 17. 1. 2014
    Rummelsberg (Germany)

    Seeking Conviviality. Re–forming Community Diakonia in Europe

    Rummelsberg

April

  • Active Action through Sharing & Learning

    Active Action through Sharing & Learning

    April 2014

    28. 4. – 2. 5. 2014
    Dnepropetrovsk (Ukraine)
    The idea for the feasibility visit was developed at the Evaluation seminar in Dnepropetrovsk. The evaluation dealt with the issues of personal and professional learning with interdiac, the improved competences for personal and professional life and the possibilities for dissemination.

    Dnetropetrovsk

May

  • Make Change Yourselves – new possibilities for ´forgotten people in forgotten places

    Make Change Yourselves – new possibilities for ´forgotten people in forgotten places

    May 2014

    25. 5. – 31. 5. 2014
    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)

    The Workshop promoted learning in support of the development of personal capacity and empowerment of ‘forgotten people’ in multicultural settings and learning for intercultural education.

    Cesky-tesin

March

May

  • Steering group of the Initiative: Solidarity Group for Ukraine

    Steering group of the Initiative: Solidarity Group for Ukraine

    May 2015

    20. – 23. 5. 2015
    Odessa (Ukraine)


    The Steering group aimed to support the staff and volunteers of GELCU and Living Hope in their responses to the consequence of the war and to develop and implement the mini projects addressing the needs of the people on grass root level. Since early 2016 there has been no response from the leadership GELCU to follow the conclusions as agreed at the steering group.

    Odessa

November

Year 1 Semester 1

  • Český Těšín (8.9. - 12. 9. 2015)
  • Český Těšín (5. 10. – 9. 10. 2015)
  • Český Těšín (2. 11. – 5. 11. 2015)
  • Český Těšín (7. 12. – 9. 12. 2015)

February

  • European Diaconal Process: Workshop on Conviviality and Theology

    European Diaconal Process: Workshop on Conviviality and Theology

    February 2016

     22. – 26. 2. 2016
    Tallinn (Estonia)


    This consultation process organised by the Lutheran World Federation in partnership with interdiac ´Seeking Conviviality: Re–forming Community Diakonia in Europe´ was launched by the so called solidarity group, the pan–European gathering of pastors, deacons and social or diaconal workers, students and teachers are exploring their work in diverse local contexts across Europe and in training and support for diaconia. This process started with thematic discussions on: Diaconia as a faithful response to God´s call through the ‘other’. Diaconia as an approach to life in community. How Diaconia combats inequality and injustice. How Diaconia opposes the consuming society and market driven economy.

    • Seeking Conviviality, Evaluation and Commentary from the European Solidarity Group

    Talinn

     

December

Double degree programme 

Year 1 Semester 1
25. 1. – 26. 1. 2016 Český Těšín
Year 1 Semester 2     27. 1. – 30. 1. 2016     Český Těšín
14. 3. – 19. 3. 2016     Český Těšín
4. 4. – 9. 4. 2016 Český Těšín
13. 6. – 15. 6. 2016 Český Těšín
Year 1 Semester 2     5. 9. – 9. 9. 2016 Český Těšín
10. 10. – 14. 10. 2016 Český Těšín
4. 4. – 9. 4. 2016 Český Těšín
13. 6. – 15. 6. 2016 Český Těšín

January

February

  • 3rd transnational meeting: Education for volunteers in cultural and religious sensitive accompaniment of migrants and refugees

    3rd transnational meeting: Education for volunteers in cultural and religious sensitive accompaniment of migrants and refugees

    February 2017

    24. 2. – 26. 2. 2017
    Český Těšín (Czech Republic)


    interdiac was a partner organisation of the project: ‘Education for volunteers in cultural and religious sensitive accompaniment of migrants and refugees’ coordinated by the Society for Intercultural Pastoral Care and Counselling (SIPCC). The project aimed to qualify professionals in adult education so that they can empower volunteers with the cultural and religious sensitivity to accompany of immigrants and refugees.

    Cesky-tesin

May

  • LWF European Assembly, Liberated by God’s Grace version

    LWF European Assembly, Liberated by God’s Grace version

    May 2017

    10. 5. – 16. 5. 2017
    Windhoeck (Namibia)


    Seeking Conviviality, Re–formation of Community Diakonia in Europe: presentation of the outcomes The outcomes of the consultation process were presented at the LWF events of respective governing and operational bodies.

    Nambie

  • Workshop on Research on Diaconia in the Central and Eastern Europe

    Workshop on Research on Diaconia in the Central and Eastern Europe

    May 2017

     30. 5. – 2. 6. 2017
    Prague (Czech Republic)


    The research platform contextually based in the Central and Eastern European region was established. This initiative will enable the continuous gathering, analyzing, reflecting and sharing of research on:

    • People on Move
    • Youth on the Margins
    • Ecclesiology & the theological understanding of diaconia

    Prague

     

July

  • 1st seminar Diaconia creates conviviality

    1st seminar Diaconia creates conviviality

    July 2017

    1. 7. – 3. 7. 2017
    Kiev (Ukraine)


    Considering the nature of diaconal action in light of the conviviality process, this initiative aims to build a new profile of diaconal practice, built on the concept of conviviality through raising awareness, networking, training and developmental actions related especially to the challenge of the diversity of uprooted people in the local context.

    Kiev

November

  • Seeking Conviviality – Faithful Living in Diversifying Europe

    Seeking Conviviality – Faithful Living in Diversifying Europe

    November 2017

    13. – 16. 11. 2017
    Balatonszárszó (Hungary)


    The ‘Kick–off’ meeting for the third phase of the ‘Seeking Conviviality’ process took place 13th – 16th November 2017. The new process will focus on Faithful Living in a Diversifying Europe. The first European meeting will be in Sibiu, Romania in autumn 2018.

    Balatonszarszo

December

 Double degree programme

Year 2 Semester 2
& one semester
professional course
13. 2. – 17. 2. 2017     Český Těšín
3. 4. – 7. 4. 2017     Český Těšín
22. 5. – 26. 5. 2017     Český Těšín
26. 6. – 29. 6. 2017     Český Těšín
Year 3 Semester 1
& one semester
professional course   
4. 9. – 8. 9. 2017     Český Těšín
9. 10. – 13. 10. 2017     Český Těšín
27. 11. – 1. 12. 2017     Český Těšín

March

  • Short course in professional development: Models of Management - ethical and diaconal considerations

    Short course in professional development: Models of Management - ethical and diaconal considerations

    March 2018

    22.-23.3.2018, Český Těšín (Czech Republic)

    The seminar explored how different diaconal and ethical perspectives in organisations and projects can be implemented. In particular the seminar focused on approaches to the ethical and theological issues and criteria for developing and managing projects.
     

April

  • 1st Workshop: Learning programme Developing Innovative Practice for Diverse Communities

    1st Workshop: Learning programme Developing Innovative Practice for Diverse Communities

    April 2018

    9.-13.4.2018, Gyumri (Armenia)
    The Programme aimed to develop the knowledge and skills for practice, which will enable participants to engage effectively with marginalised or uprooted people in their multi-cultural & multi-denominational/ multi-faith contexts and to work for change.
    Therefore, in the learning process, through personal capacity building and by implementing the approach to convivial community development, we aimed to start with the creative involvement of the people affected and seek the ways in which the resources on the spot can be engaged effectively for innovation and change.
    The Programme was developed by the interdiac Team and was accredited by the Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Finland (Diak), Open University (40 ECTS).
     

May

  • Short course in professional development: Use of Media

    Short course in professional development: Use of Media

    May 2018

    8.5.2018, Český Těšín (Czech Republic)
    The workshop explored the use of social media in work with service users by diaconal organisations and NGOs and by the organisations themselves. In particular the seminar focused on developing the use of social media as a means to reach and interact with specific service user groups.

June

  • Short course in professional development: Advocacy and Campaigning as part of Diaconal Work

    Short course in professional development: Advocacy and Campaigning as part of Diaconal Work

    June 2018

    20.6.2018, Český Těšín (Czech Republic)
    The seminar considered the development of advocacy as part of the work of Diaconia, NGO and civil society organisations, locally and nationally. In particular the seminar focused on creating and sustaining networks of active people and organisations to work long term on specific issues, especially concerning churches and diaconal organisations working with civil society.

October

  • Diversity – Conviviality – Unity: 10th Anniversary conference

    Diversity – Conviviality – Unity: 10th Anniversary conference

    October 2018

    8.-11.10. 2018, Kyiv (Ukraine) 
    interdiac celebrated 10 years by gathering about 60 participants for a Conference in a green suburb of Kyiv. 
     

  • Research Platform Workshop

    Research Platform Workshop

    October 2018

    11.-12.10.2018, Kyiv (Ukraine)
    The partner organisations of interdiac have recognised the need for a platform to support the
    development of research on diaconia in Central and Eastern Europe and the first workshop was organised in 2017 in Prague.
    The planning of the interdiac Research Platform continued in Kyiv. Working groups followed up the results of the previous meeting and developed the programme ideas related to the identified challenging issues: People on the Move, Youth in the Margins as well as the need to research the concept of Diaconia in different traditions & contexts. This opportunity brought to the table many practical experiences and questions from international contexts. The outcomes of the discussions were shared in the plenary and the steps for the future action were defined. 
     

November

December

  • Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World federation Workshop: People on the Move – Bridges or Walls?

    Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World federation Workshop: People on the Move – Bridges or Walls?

    December 2018

    11.-14.12.2018, Sibiu (Romania) 
    The workshop was welcomed by the Lutheran Church which is a partner in the process. The location was chosen especially because the local context is affected by different flows of in and out migration and the Lutheran church itself is a minority in the Romanian context. 
    This proved to be a very rich context for learning for all participants. Following interdiac practice we began with personal experience and use this as a basis for analysis. The first focus was on the ways in which we understand both borders and boundaries and what helps to cross borders overcome them. The second step was to analyse different experiences of ‘People on the Move’ and the reasons people have for moving. Based on this sharing, the group then worked on ideas for practice and policy and theology and spirituality. 
     

Double degree programme 

Year 3 Semester 1
& one semester
professional course   
15. 1. – 18. 1. 2018     Český Těšín
Year 3 Semester 2
& one semester
professional course
12. 2. – 16. 2. 2018 Český Těšín
19. 3. – 23. 3. 2018 Český Těšín
22. 3. – 23. 3. 2018 :
open seminar on
Models of Management
– ethical and diaconal considerations
Český Těšín
7. 5. – 11. 5. 2018 Český Těšín
8. 5. 2018 : open seminar on
Use of media
Český Těšín
  20. 6. 2018 : open seminar
on Advocacy
and Campaigning
as part of Diaconal work
Český Těšín
Year 4 Semester 1 10. 9. – 14. 9. 2018 Český Těšín
5. 11. – 9. 11. 2018 Český Těšín
3. 12. – 7. 12. 2018 Český Těšín

January

March

  • Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World Federation Workshop; People on the Move – Responding to Growing Diversity

    Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World Federation Workshop; People on the Move – Responding to Growing Diversity

    March 2019

    19.-22.3.2019, Driebergen, (The Netherlands)
    The overarching theme for the period 2018 - 2020 was ‘People on the Move’. 
    ‘People on the Move’ relates to issues which arise from migration and uprootedness
    and from asylum seeker and refugee movements. It also relates to the understanding that personal identities are also ‘on the move’ in response to the changes in society and new understandings around the issues of identity in general. 
    The workshop focussed more clearly on diversity and aimed at creating the basis
    for a concrete work programme for 2 years, including a third workshop in spring 2020 with a focus on convivial theology and the development of the future publications as well as considering the future of the process overall. 
     

April

October

November

  • Kick off Workshop: Learning programme Peace building for Convivial Life Together

    Kick off Workshop: Learning programme Peace building for Convivial Life Together

    November 2019

    11.-14.11.2019, Tallinn (Estonia)         
    Participants from 14 countries came together to open the topic of the conflict starting from biographical reflection on their experience of conflicts, their nature and the impact on personal identity. The visit to a prison opened the perspective for reflection on the picture of society which solves conflicts through the isolation and stigmatization of the individual. Consequently, in the process of working together, the participants developed ideas for the content of new learning programme and relevant competences.
     

Year 4 Semester 1
14. 1. – 17. 1. 2019 Český Těšín

July

  • Orientation conference on the Learning Programme “Peace Building for Convivial Life Together”

    Orientation conference on the Learning Programme “Peace Building for Convivial Life Together”

    July 2020

    13.07.2020, on-line 

    The learning programme formed a response to the numerous challenges to peaceful living in
    this region. It aimed to revisit the underlying grounds and conditions of relations between people, seeking the answer to ‘how can we live together’ through turbulent times, what innovative practices support social justice and how can we become active peacebuilders in our relations with other people at our work, in our communities or in personal relations.
    Our goal was to reveal new ways of recognising and handling differences and diversity through work on conflict transformation. 
    The Programme also invited theological reflection on dynamic peace, based on justice and
    equality (shalom), and by doing so, develops a Biblical and theologically grounded
    understanding of peace as a basis for peace-making.

    Nine Thematic Experts from across the region contributed to the conceptualization of this innovative programme and its delivery through the year 2021 and 2022. 
     

September

October

  • Workshop: Theme Research Group on ‘Ecclesiology and Theological Understanding of Diaconia’

    Workshop: Theme Research Group on ‘Ecclesiology and Theological Understanding of Diaconia’

    October 2020

    13.10.2020 (on-line) 

    Workshop was of a result of the research process conducted throughout the years 2019 & 2020. It brought together the desk researchers from six countries and the confessional backgrounds include Lutheran, Orthodox, Pentecostal, and Reformed. 
    The first publication in the interdiac Research Series “Ecclesiology & the Theology of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice - Case Studies from Central and Eastern Europe & Central Asia” is the output of the interdiac research programme devoted to the theme ‘Ecclesiology and the Theological Understanding of Diaconia’. It gathers together chapters produced by desk researchers, some of whom are engaged in local diaconia and others who are engaged in diaconal organisations or in research. This publication provides a window into diaconia across the region, produced by people with first-hand knowledge, who take an inquisitive look at their own church and its self-understanding and practice.

    • Ecclesiology & the Theology of Diaconia and Christian Social Practice – Case Studies from Central and Eastern Europe & Central Asia” (Research Series) 
       
  • Workshop: Theme Research Group on ‘People on the Move’

    Workshop: Theme Research Group on ‘People on the Move’

    October 2020

    14.10. 2020 (on-line) 

    Workshop was of a result of the research process conducted throughout the years 2019 & 2020. It brought together the practitioner-researchers from six countries – Armenia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Ukraine Ukraine, Georgia, Slovakia, Kyrgyzstan and Estonia.   
    The theme ‘People on the Move’ brought to focus migrant and refugee experiences in Central and Eastern Europe. At the heart of the research process was the aim to investigate how churches and religious organisations meet and support ‘people on the move’ in that region.
    There is very little collected data and hardly any actual research on this issue except the
    reports produced by specific organisations and churches in their local contexts. 

    • ‘People on the Move – stories from churches and faith-based organisations in Central and Eastern Europe’ (Research Series)
  • Workshop People on the Move – Creating Convivial Theology Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World federation

    Workshop People on the Move – Creating Convivial Theology Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World federation

    October 2020

    20.10.2020 (on-line) 
    The Workshop created a space for a creative discussion about the texts of four books of 4 stories each on aspects of conviviality and diaconia.
    Alongside this, the 3 – years process (since the year 2018) with regard to personal and organisational impacts and on the process as such was evaluated and the ideas for the future follow up of the joint LWF & interdiac initiative were presented.
     

November

  • 2nd Consultative seminar: Learning programme “Peace Building for Convivial Life Together”

    2nd Consultative seminar: Learning programme “Peace Building for Convivial Life Together”

    November 2020

    10.11.2020, on-line
     

  • Workshop: Theme Research Group on ‘Youth on the Margins’

    Workshop: Theme Research Group on ‘Youth on the Margins’

    November 2020

    11.11.2020, on-line 

    Workshop was a result of the research process conducted throughout the years 2019 & 2020. It brought together the practitioner-researchers from six countries – Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia, Slovakia, Kyrgyzstan and Estonia.   
    Work on this research theme explored the practice of Youth Diaconia in Central and Eastern
    Europe and Central Asia, as reflected by the young people and professional workers. Their
    voices shared with the reader stories of development of youth work, which seeks for the ways to create inclusive empowering environments in faith-based youth organisations. In such an environment young people in the “M” experience the feeling of safety, become active
    participants in the community and form their own identity through experiencing respect and
    acceptance.

    • “Voices of the young people in the “M” A Study of Youth Diaconia in six interdiac member organisations in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia” (Research Series) 
       

January

May

June

  • 1st Partners’ meeting: Learning Programme ‘Make Change Yourselves: Turning Challenges to Your Advantage!’

    1st Partners’ meeting: Learning Programme ‘Make Change Yourselves: Turning Challenges to Your Advantage!’

    June 2021

    9.6.2021, on-line 
    This programme is a joint initiative of interdiac with eight partners and other organisations working with marginalised young people. 
    ‘Make Change Yourselves’ offers a unique possibility for lecturers and thematic experts to combine knowledge and practice and bring ‘first-hand’ experience into the learning process. 
    The programme is based on a ‘double learning process’ as professional youth workers and long-term voluntary youth workers will develop new approaches to their work whilst engaging young people in a change process. It supports new ways to empower them to shape their own lives and find ways to contribute to changes of their ‘living & working context’. Therefore, one outcome of this project is expected to be seen in the lives of young people, who will be involved in this programme and in their context.
     

September

  • Launch of the on-line space

    Launch of the on-line space

    September 2021

    16.9.2021, on-line 
    The on-line space is an innovative approach to using virtual space to build up the living and learning community through resource sharing and the mutual exchange of practice in Diaconia and Christian social practice globally.
    The on-line space should form the centre of a living learning community and therefore each theme has a Moderator whose responsibility is to curate the content of the theme. 
     

  • Research Conference: Conviviality in Research - challenges and prospects for diaconia in diversity

    Research Conference: Conviviality in Research - challenges and prospects for diaconia in diversity

    September 2021

    22.-24.9.2021, on-line 
    The wealth of experience and expertise shared during the sessions over these days has been built around the concept of practitioner-researcher. There was a common agreement that research should be a part of good practice and organisational development. It should embrace critical reflection on the context and the traditional ‘ways of doing’ of diaconal organisations and on the wider context. Research should be beneficial for everyone involved in it, supported by trust-building and horizontal relations between the practitioners and service-users. 

October

November

  • Launch of Four ‘Story books’

    Launch of Four ‘Story books’

    November 2021

    16.11.2021, webinar 

    During 2021 the members of the European Group which has been developing the Seeking Conviviality process finalised the last step of this phase. This involved the production of four books which are commonly known as ‘the story books’. 
    These are inspiring books which inform readers about the work being done on the local level in diverse European contexts to promote convivial life together. 
    Each book has four stories with an introduction and commentary, ending with the criteria which emerge from these stories which can inform future diaconal work. 

    • The books deal with:
    • Conviviality and the Diaconal Church
    • Conviviality and People on the Move
    • Conviviality, Church and Diakonia 
    • Conviviality and Radical Welcome

    A webinar was organised by the Lutheran World Federation in Geneva.
     

  • 2nd Consultative seminar of Thematic Experts: Learning programme ‘Make Change Yourselves: Turning Challenges to Your Advantage!’

    2nd Consultative seminar of Thematic Experts: Learning programme ‘Make Change Yourselves: Turning Challenges to Your Advantage!’

    November 2021

    29.11.2021, on-line 
     

December

  • 1st Workshop: Convivial Life in Diversity Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World federation

    1st Workshop: Convivial Life in Diversity Seeking Conviviality – Re-forming Community Diakonia in Europe’ - joint consultation process with Lutheran World federation

    December 2021

    1.12.2021, on-line 
    The LWF agreed to continue the process for a further period which will lead up to the LWF Assembly in Poland in 2023. 
    New members were nominated to the international group and several members continued from the previous group, to ensure learning was not lost. This new phase of the programme has as one main aim which is to produce a learning programme on conviviality and diaconia. The idea is to make this available on line and for people to use it locally or regionally. The interdiac on-line space will be used for accessing these resources.
     

  • 1st meeting of on-line space moderators

    1st meeting of on-line space moderators

    December 2021

    15.12.2021, on-line 
     

February

March

May

June