NECE Lab 2026 in Warsaw: Master Civic Dialogue and Address Polarisation Across Europe

In an era marked by increasing societal divisions and ideological polarisation, the need for effective civic dialogue has never been more urgent. The NECE Lab 2026, titled “Working with Polarised Groups in Civic Education,” offers a unique opportunity for civic educators, activists, and changemakers to gain hands-on experience in designing and scaling impactful dialogue initiatives.

Scheduled to take place from 12–14 July 2026 in Warsaw, this immersive lab is designed to move beyond theory and equip participants with practical tools to foster meaningful conversations across differences.

Why Civic Dialogue Matters Today

Across Europe, rising divisions are reshaping public discourse and creating challenges for those working in civic education. Dialogue is often viewed as a solution to bridge divides, but successful dialogue requires more than facilitation skills. It demands strategic planning, inclusive recruitment, innovative formats, and the ability to translate discussions into real-world impact.

The NECE Lab addresses these challenges by focusing on building “dialogue infrastructure”—the systems and processes needed to organize, scale, and sustain civic engagement initiatives.

What You Will Learn and Experience

Participants in the NECE Lab will engage in a dynamic blend of expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and immersive dialogue experiences. Drawing on the extensive experience of the New Community Foundation, which has facilitated over 120 dialogue sessions and 100 workshops in Poland, the program offers real-world insights and tested methodologies.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Designing and implementing civic dialogue initiatives
• Reaching ideologically diverse and often hard-to-engage audiences
• Framing sensitive or polarising topics constructively
• Managing both online and in-person dialogue formats
• Communicating outcomes effectively to maximize social impact

A distinctive feature of the Lab is its dual-format approach, allowing participants to explore both digital and on-site dialogue methods. This ensures adaptability and relevance across different contexts and communities.

Hands-On Project Development

Beyond learning, participants will have the opportunity to develop their own dialogue project ideas. These projects will be refined with feedback from experts and peers, enabling participants to transform concepts into actionable initiatives.

Importantly, selected participants are expected to organize a follow-up dialogue activity within 3–6 months after the Lab, sharing knowledge with a broader network of civic educators and engaged citizens.

Financial Support and Accessibility

To ensure accessibility, the program offers financial support for participants traveling from across Europe. Selected participants may receive travel reimbursement of up to 500 EUR for journeys to and from Warsaw.

Even if applicants are able to cover their own travel costs, they are still encouraged to apply.

Organisers and Partners

The NECE Lab is organised by the New Community Foundation in cooperation with THE CIVICS Innovation Hub.

The initiative is financially supported by the German Federal Agency for Civic Education and co-funded by the European Union, reinforcing its credibility and impact within the European civic education landscape.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications for the NECE Lab 2026 are open until:

Deadline: 26 April 2026, 11:59 PM (CEST)

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early and demonstrate their motivation to implement dialogue initiatives in their communities.

For applicants based in Poland, direct contact with the organizers is required via the New Community Foundation.

Final Thoughts

The NECE Lab 2026 is more than just a training program—it is a platform for building the future of civic dialogue in Europe. By equipping participants with practical tools, real-world experience, and a strong network, the Lab empowers individuals to actively combat polarisation and foster inclusive, constructive public discourse.

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