Memory beyond Rhetoric,the WWI and the growth of the pacifist movement in Europe

Looking back 100 years to understand the present we face and build the future we yearn

World War I changed forever the course of the history, and marked the start of the 20 th

century in many ways. One of its main consequences was the growth of nationalism and violent contraposition between the European countries. But at the same time, some thinkers and visionaries dreamed about a united Europe.

Today Europe is mired in a deep crisis. Citizens no longer trust the European project, and quick solutions for the social and economic problems are sought without success. It’s in this context that remembrance became inspiration for our future. And it’s in this context too, that the project “Memory beyond Rhetoric, the WWI and the growth of the pacifist movement in Europe” wants to raise awareness about and remembrance of WWI, and promote a mature idea of peace, anti-militarism and non-violence. At the same time SCI will deepen the link between WWI and the origins of the organisation, which arose (indeed) from those who dream a peaceful Europe. Or as a slogan in one of the activities of the project says: Paths which once separated us, shall unite us today.

Objectives

Starting from a deep reflection on WWI and its catastrophic effects, developed in crucial locations connected to the war itself, “Memory beyond Rhetoric, the WWI and the growth of the pacifist movement in Europe" aims at

promoting peace, anti-militarism and non-violence encouraging active participation at European Level Contributing to citizens' understanding of the

Union, ____its its history and diversity.

Its main purpose is to endow citizens with significance

knowledge about that part of our history, exploring the links between WWI and the creation of bodies that would avoid such a tragedy to happen again.The project reflects on the importance of memory but also on how memory is built and transmitted, trying to deconstruct the myth of the sacrifice of soldier-hero and bringing the idea of war back to where it belongs: mass-destruction and eruption of violence.

Activities

The combination of practical and theoretical work carried on in a wide and open European environment, also in key places connected with WWI, fosters intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, establishing a common ground for looking at the future of Europe.

16-19/10/2014 Preparation activity - Lozen, Bulgaria 06-13/05/2015 Training for Multipliers - Folgaria, North of Italy (along the front

of WWI) 18/07-01/08/2015 Bilateral Study Camp (IT-AUT) - Open Air Museum of WWI,

on the Kleiner Pal (Plöcken Pass) 15-25/08/2015 Multilateral Study Camp - Berlin, Germany 23-30/08/2015 Multilateral Study Camp - Ypres, Poperinge, Mesen &

battlefields in Flanders, Belgium 11-14/11/2015 International Seminar - Verdun, France 19-21/02/2016 Final Visibility Events - Barcelona, Spain