Join the No More War open assembly now!

Why?

We are witnessing a massive resurgence in militarism. The normalization of brutal genocides, the ongoing global arms race, defence budgets at record highs, the resurgence of conscription in several countries, and conflicts causing devastating humanitarian crises are clear signs of this. This needs to change.
We also see militarism as inseparable from other forms of injustice that are happening. There are strong connections between militarism and violent border regimes, the patriarchy, the rise of far-right in the West, the climate crisis, pinkwashing, and others – and sometimes, it feels like we don’t know how to tackle all these at the same time.
Young people are at the forefront of antimilitarist movements but often experience burnout, isolation, and hopelessness. Many work mainly online, and don’t have a physical community where they live. And many feel the need to meet more fellow activists and are interested in building global solidarity.
No More War is an already established global collective connecting antimilitarist activists and educators, and we are organizing a physical event to open our doors to more people!

We are inviting anyone working or wanting to work against militarism from diverse localities and backgrounds to come and connect, exchange, expand their network and skills, learn from others, and be a part of the community we are building!

What, where, when?

The project comports two phases:

• No More War Open Forum in Bankya, Sofia (28th April – 5th May)  and No More War Festival open to the public, Sofia (30 April – 1st May)
  In this 5-day Forum, we will focus on empowering activists to enhance their antimilitarist actions through skill-building, networking, and collaborative action in real-life situations, fostering an international network united against war, genocide, and militarism.
  The Open Event in Sofia will be exploring the various intersections of militarism with border violence, pinkwashing, surveillance systems, extractivism, and the climate apartheid of the Global South, and organize together film screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and anything else each of us wants to bring in. The detailed program of the festival will be announced soon!
  Our working methods are: experiential learning, community building, critical pedagogy, collaborative action and art.

• Follow-up Phase, taking place offline and online with an active strategy to engage people in antimilitarism. You will be able to also apply for a microgrant to support your action’s practical costs.

Who can apply?

The Open assembly and the public event aim to bring together 30 people with diverse profiles, so this is for you if you are:

• Over 18 years old – we will focus on having 75% of participants aged 18-30, but it’s open for everyone! Able to express yourself in (basic) English – if you need interpretation this is also available, let us know your application

• Living in a Council of Europe Member State, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Palestine, or Tunisia;
  Ready to learn or already know about antimilitarism; Ready to engage in conversations, learning, and actions about antimilitarism, and embark on a journey to campaign against war and military oppression
• Bonus if you are already part of an antimilitarist or similarly aligned group/organisation!

The selection will take into consideration inclusiveness principles such as gender balance (including + groups), accessibility for people with disabilities and ensuring geographical, ethnic and socio-cultural diversity. The selection procedure will also follow the internal CVS-Bulgaria procedure for selection of participants in Erasmus+ Programme.

Please check the detailed Call for participants where you can find more information about the application procedure, program, accommodation and travel reimbursement. We encourage you too apply as soon as possible by filling the Application form and no later than 30th March 2025!

This International Activity is a part of the Erasmus+ Accreditation plan of CVS-Bulgaria for 2024 and co- funded by the European Union (Actions for Peace // 2024-1-BG01-KA151-YOU-000237317).