On May 4 and 5, a two-day co-creative workshop, PeaceACT LAB, took place with the participation of eight young people. The workshop was designed as a combination of non-formal education, group work, and the co-creation of upcoming activities within the PeaceACT project.
In the first part of the workshop, participants explored what peace actually means, what peace actions are, and the difference between negative and positive peace. A special focus was placed on positive peace — peace understood not only as the absence of conflict, but as something we all actively build together every day through our words, actions, relationships, gestures, and the way we live together in our communities.
Through workshops and activities developed within the PeaceACT project, participants reflected on how small actions can contribute to a more connected and inclusive society. Group work, active listening, cooperation, and other democratic skills played an important role throughout the process.
An important part of the workshop was also dedicated to co-creating the event Peace in Your Hands, which will take place on Saturday, June 6, as part of the Neighbour’s Day, event organised by Center Rog. Together, we developed the concept of the event, its structure, messages, and activities, while also preparing for the creative cotton tote bag printing workshop.
The young participants shared their perspectives on what attracts their generation, what kind of approach feels meaningful to them, and what they value most in participation and engagement. Together, we realised that personal one-to-one interaction and genuine human connection matter the most. In addition to the main activity, we also brainstormed ideas for smaller accompanying initiatives, such as keychains, stickers, and other peace messages for passers-by.
We were especially honoured to host our project partner Antti from the youth research and development department XAMKwho delivered a workshop: future thinking . During the workshop, we also tested newly designed PeaceACT activities.
The workshop concluded at Studio Muminowhere participants learned about screen-printing techniques in a practical way. A representative of the studio will also join us at Neighbour’s Day, where visitors will be able to create their own cotton tote bag — or even better, gift it to someone else. This is exactly why we named the workshop Peace in Your Hands.
PeaceACT LAB provided young people with a space for connection, teamwork, the development of democratic skills, and the joint preparation of activities through which we hope to bring a simple but important message to the public in June: peace begins with small actions in everyday life.
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