Volkshilfe has been organizing its symposium with a focus on child poverty for 12 years. This year the focus is on the topic of poverty and democracy. Various contributions examine the social and political participation of children and young people at risk of poverty. This year the symposium is taking place for the first time in the Art Nouveau Theater of the Otto Wagner Areal in Vienna. Hundreds of participants are expected again.
More than every fifth child in Austria is at risk of poverty or exclusion. Financial barriers lead to social exclusion, make active participation in society and thus also political participation more difficult.
“An unequal distribution of socio-economic resources also results in unequal participation in democratic processes in our society. This is particularly problematic in childhood and adolescence, a phase of life in which political participation begins and is tested,” says Erich Fenninger, Director of Volkshilfe Österreich, who will shed light on the role of NGOs in democracy at the symposium.
In terms of content, the invited experts build on this point. The political scientist Tamara Ehs, democracy consultant for cities and municipalities, will talk about her research on the connection between income and voter turnout. Magdalena Schwarz, expert on youth policy, analyzes the results of the Chamber of Labor’s Youth Monitor. Fabian Reicher, author of “Die Wütenden” talks about his experiences with young people in de-radicalization work. And Judith Ranftler & Hanna Lichtenberger, part of the social science team at Volkshilfe, provide current research insights into the political and democratic perspectives of children affected by poverty.
In addition to the lectures, various youth organizations such as bOJA, WineXtra, the Federal Youth Representation and the Children’s Friends will also be available on site to provide specialist information.
This year the symposium will take place for the first time in the Art Nouveau Theater of the Otto Wagner Areal in Vienna. The event will also be broadcast live on puls24.at and 4gamechangers.io.
The symposium is sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection.
Volkshilfe Symposium: Child Poverty
The topic: Democratic participation of children and young people at risk of poverty The speakers: – Erich Fenninger, director of Volkshilfe Österreich – Tamara Ehs, democracy advisor for cities and municipalities – Magdalena Schwarz, expert for youth policy at the AK Vienna – Fabian Reicher, social worker at the extremism advice center and author – Judith Ranftler, head of the social work, social research and social policy department at Volkshilfe Österreich – Hanna Lichtenberger, social scientist at Volkshilfe Austria
Datum: November 18, 2024, 2:00 p.m
Ort: Art Nouveau Theater Otto Wagner area
Baumgartner height 1
1140 Wien
Austria
URL: https://kinderarmut-abschaffen.at/symposium