ADVOCATE is the fourth step of the LCPA learning model and stands for the Project Result 4 of the Songs for Change project: Songs for Change BROADCAST. It is a combination of advocacy tools and activities to promote and discuss EU values through music. This includes a guide on how to set up an advocacy strategy and campaign based on online and offline tools and channels such as local community events, a web radio and a (social) media campaign.
Through Songs for Change BROADCAST and the combination of tools (web radio, songs and videoclips), channels (local media, social media) and activities (community events) young people will be able to reach out to and influence community members and stakeholders including politicians and policy makers.
The aim is to create more awareness around the EU values at a local and international/EU level.
The Songs for Change advocacy guide translated from English into Portuguese, Italian, Greek, and Slovakian can be accessed here. (German version coming soon)
Songs For Change Radio
Welcome to "Songs For Change Radio," where we embark on a journey to explore the profound relevance of the six core values of the European Union—Human Rights, Democracy, Freedom, Equality, Dignity, and the Rule of Law—in our everyday lives. With a special emphasis on the transformative power of music, we delve into how melodies, rhythms, and lyrics can serve as potent tools to champion these fundamental rights and principles.
The Songs for Change Radio features engaging conversations with community leaders, young people and experts, providing fresh and enlightening perspectives on these important topics. Join us on Spotify to listen to these fascinating discussions and learn something new about the EU Values!
Community Events
Slovakia: Apple Festival
In the Fall of 2023, Association for Better Life organised an Apple Festival in the community garden in Rankovce, Slovakia. Their young musicians held a concert and shared their Songs For Change, Kamadži phuv and Dživipen, with the local community.
Later, they sung and played Roma songs and performed traditional Roma dance - which was a lot of fun! Youngsters of all ages danced together, adults chatted and everyone enjoyed the Goulash and cola cooked by the community members.
Everyone from the community came together to make this special event possible - providing space for the youngsters to present themselves and their work that they’re proud of and also to provide an event for local residents to diversify their life and motivate them to action. It was also attended by many local organisations, including: Projekt DOM.ov, Cesta von, Lutheran church Rankovce.
Check out this highlight reel of all the best moments.
Netherlands: A community evening of unity and harmony.
After Het Wilde Westen’s empowering Songs For Change workshop series, they held a very successful concert, performing their songs to an audience of 100 people. To add to the evening, musicians from the different asylum seekers centres in Utrecht were invited to play songs that were close to their hearts.
After the concert, the bar opened for drinks and a lively jam session kicked off around the piano in the foyer.
For the participants, the concert was great motivation to keep fine tuning their songs and was a great team building moment. The audience also enjoyed the evening, finding the theme ‘Songs For Change’ very meaningful and resonated on a personal level.
The event was co-organised with Muzicaz @musicazc.utrecht, an organisation that makes music in different asylum seeker centers in Utrecht.
Portugal: Embracing the Spirit of Change.
In Lisbon, Young Educators unveiled the culmination of their Songs for Change project, spotlighting a treasure trove of resources including toolkits, handbooks, tutorials, and podcasts. From showcasing the vibrant music training in H'erlany, to the dynamic youth exchange in Utrecht, every step resonated with the rhythm of empowerment.
The main goal of this event was to demonstrate and disseminate all the work that they’ve achieved as a team, in a way that allowed for young people to feel inspired to reflect upon the issues associated with the EU values that are represented in the songs. Also, it aimed to bring young people closer to European Union values and emphasise the importance of them in all of our daily lives.
Italy: United Beyond the Ocean
On September 22, 2023, YEPP Italia had the privilege of participating in the 'United beyond the Ocean' event, collaborating with various associations in the Albenga area. The initiative aimed at fostering intercultural connections, reconnecting schools in Albenga and Africa to the concept of global citizenship.
During the event, YEPP Albegna showcased two impactful video testimonies centered around the theme of music as a bridge between cultures. A captivating mini-documentary featured insights from young participants of the Songs for Change workshop, exploring the influences between African and Western music. They presented the work of the renowned West African musician Petit Solo Diabate, who’s been living in Italy for many years, and the writer Marino Muratore was also invited as a guest speaker.
In the evening, Petit Solo Diabate delivered a mesmerising concert, as well as YEPP Italia’s talented young musicians. Their Song For Change: 'Space and Time' was also shown to the local community. The diverse audience included students, teachers, families, and representatives from the Albenga administration, such as Local Councillor Martina Isoleri, and collaborating organizations Sjamo and Migrantes - who made this event possible.
The event sparked a rich exchange of perspectives on embracing diverse cultures. Alongside our video contributions, partner schools shared testimonials, drawings, stories, and exercises, creating a memorable tapestry of shared experiences.
Greece: Human Rights Theatre
“I want to fly so that no one catches me
I want to live my life by my own rules
I want to be free
I want to be myself
I want to have time to play
I want to be loved and taken care of
I want to express my opinion freely
I want to grow up in a world without violence”
The powerful words were written by children in Athens from the 49th Primary School during a community event organised by Network For Children’s Rights. Last year they created a theatre production about Human Rights and EU Values, which they presented to their local community. The students (12 years old) undertook the role of rights advocacy and created a banner with words in different languages, some of which you can read here.
Inspired by the Songs For Change group Believe Wings, both the children and young musicians sang the empowering song Stay Unique together.
👉Have you listened to Stay Unique yet? Head over to our youtube channel to watch the full music video!