European states are divided by the refugee crisis. While on a state level the opinions diverge and states representatives seek a common policy, the civil society is fastly acting as a relief for the overwhelmed authorities and refugees alike. The press and social media show a vast number of charitable volunteer actions. The role of civil society in receiving and welcoming refugees has increased due to the slow reaction of the European and national authorities. Moreover, civic initiatives and larger movements also organise in order to contradict racist and nationalistic action.This project has one activity: "Civil Society Welcoming Refugees in Europe", a forum for young adults from civic initiatives or interested in civic initiatives that support refugees in Europe, held in Berlin between the 23rd and 29th of February 2015.Participants: 50 overall, will be between 21 and 35 years old from the following countries: Germany, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria interested in the topic of migration and forced-migration and in the political and societal process triggered by it.Format: Forum with debate, sessions for sensitization for diversity (exercises of embodied and experiential learning, debriefing), input on best practices from CSOs for supporting refugees, networking, field visits, exchange of experience, group work for knowledge transfer into project ideas.Aim: understanding of the refugee topic, empowerment, multiplying of initiaves and civic engagement for refugee support Key objectives of the Activity are:> sensitization to social, racial, ethnical, religious, sexual diversity> enabling an informed debate on the issue of refugees in Europe (between countries affected by transition or arrivals of refugees)> exchange of ideas> learning about good practice through presentations from initiatives in Berlin and field visits> empowerment and motivation to initiate or join welcoming projects for refugeesThe impact on the local and regional levels are improved aid organisations for refugees in the transit and target countries, mostly in in Serbia, Macedonia and Croatia. Furthermore the local impact is carried mostly by the participants and their empowered, open-minded attitude that will multiply to their peers and families. On an European and international level the impact we envision is a better understanding of the situation and the comprehention of its complexity will enhance tolerant attitudes and open reception and well-treatment of refugees. A culture of solidarity and compassion will spread. The participants will have a cross-country, cross-European view on how the refugee influx is tackled by political and by civil society actors. A network of individuals and organisations from 7 countries will contribute to the weakening of fears that could lead to repressive and inhuman behaviour, hysterical reactions and hostile attitudes. These civil society actors will be connected on the issue resulting in better cooperation, more effective reactions to acute needs, more joint projects. An informed debate on the issue of refugees in Europe will be enabled (between countries affected by transition or arrivals of refugees) - on all levels: local, regional and international