How to use the Inclusionary Toolbox
The Inclusionary TOOLBOX is a collection of methods and activities compiled to assist youth workers, facilitators and other professionals in using creative and artistic methods with the youngsters they are working with, especially those with fewer opportunities. We, the authors, think that anyone can be empowered to facilitate art-based workshops and activities in an inclusive way with the right tools and guidelines, no matter the prior knowledge and experience with the artistic field. This TOOLBOX is meant to help facilitators of all levels, whether they have many years of formal training or are at the beginning of their journey into youth work or young people who want to become facilitators themselves.
The activities and methods will be useful to anyone who wants to create an inclusive space where all individuals have equal opportunities to participate fully, regardless of their background, abilities or circumstances. We hope this TOOLBOX will give you the right tools to create safe and brave spaces where everyone is welcome.
Regarding the structure of the TOOLBOX, it is separated into 4 Modules:
- Needs analysis
- Music and movement methods
- Visual arts methods
- Theatre-based methods
Use the top menu to navigate through the introduction, modules and all activities
Each module has also a secondary menu to help you navigate in the different sections of it.
If you only want to check the activities, you have them all together in the “All activities” menu.
Each individual activity has symbols and custom section to guide you in your learning process
It starts with the Needs analysis module, where you can find different methods that would help you assess the needs of your group through different approaches, from the classic surveys and focus groups to more creative ones, such as photovoice.
And then continues with 3 modules focused on different artistic methods from 3 different art fields: music and movement, visual arts and theatre methods, all of them created and adapted to be used with young people with fewer opportunities, with different backgrounds, different abilities and opportunities.
You can choose any activity independently, based on the needs of your group, the needed materials, complexity or theme.
Variations for all the activities are also provided, giving you the opportunity to use and adapt the activities according to the people you are working with, their needs and the objectives of the workshop.
In our project, we focused on three main barriers faced by the young people our organisations and institutions are working with, especially disabilities, cultural differences and geographical barriers.
Themes, Symbols, and Types of Activities
The following section presents a breakdown of all the categories and symbols our collection of practical activities includes so that the youth workers, facilitators and other professionals can quickly identify what they need and select the activities that best fit their participants, settings, and goals.
Each activity follows the same clear structure so you can easily understand how to prepare, organise, and adapt the methods to different groups:
Theme
This category refers to the thematic and use of the activity, so you can choose which type of activity you would like to delve into and can vary from self-expression to inclusion, team-building, identity, diversity, belonging, community and intercultural dialogue.
Complexity
The activities are categorised according to complexity for the participants, meaning how complex the activity is for the participants, whether they need prior experience or knowledge with the thematic or method, whether the activity is more guided or the participants have to take initiative and ownership of the process. This categorisation helps you choose the most appropriate activity for your target group and your intended learning objectives for the group. However, all the activities can be adapted and simplified and different variations are provided in the instructions.
Beginner
Designed for young people with little to no prior experience. Instructions are simple and tasks are clearly formulated and the activity requires minimal skills or prior knowledge. The focus is on having fun, exploring, and gaining confidence in a safe setting.
Intermediate
Suitable for young people who have some prior knowledge or are familiar with the activity’s theme. The task may require a bit more creativity, collaboration, or problem-solving. Although facilitators provide guidance, participants are encouraged to take initiative and express their ideas more freely.
Advanced
Challenging activities for young people who already have some skills, knowledge, or experience with the activity’s theme or the methods used. The tasks may involve complex thinking, critical reflection, or teamwork. Participants take more ownership of the process, and facilitators act as guides rather than instructors. Adaptability and self-expression play a key role.
Number of participants
his category helps you have an idea about the recommended number of participants that could take part in the activity, for some activities there could be less people, but not more.
Age
The recommended age of the participants for this activity. Even though the activities could be implemented with any target group, we focused on the age of 13-30 years old, which is the considered interval defining young people in the European Union’s framework.
Time requirements
This is the recommended time for the activity, but depending on the group, it could take a shorter or longer time, so you should see this category as a recommendation.
Materials needed
Some activities will require some materials, some more specific than others, but as we wanted to make the activities as accessible as possible for everyone, we tried to suggest materials that are low budget and accessible.
Variations and adjustments
This category suggests different ways in which the activity could be led to help you create an inclusive space for the different groups. Sometimes other materials are suggested for accessibility or different approaches altogether.
Disclaimer
This section appears when there is something you should be extra careful and pay special attention to the needs of the vulnerable groups you are considering implementing the activity with. It informs the you of the points that could be sensitive for one group or another. It was mostly designed with a focus on the young people from rural areas, with a migrant or refugee background and with different disabilities.
Contact
Iuliana Adriana PAVEL (project manager)
iuliana.pavel@a4action.ro
A4ACTION – Antim Ivireanu Culture House, Islaz Alley, Ghermănești, Snagov, Ilfov District, Romania, 077170
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.
The project is conducted by the following organisations: A4ACTION (Romania) – coordinator, Udruga Delta (Croatia), InterAktion (Austria), Asociación Espacio Rojo (Spain) and GAIA Museum Outsider Art (Denmark).