GASP! – Youth, Activism, and Participation Strategies

The Mindchangers program, promoted by the Piedmont Region, placed a spotlight on the urgent climate crisis. This issue is a frequent topic of discussion, with various civil society movements—both student-led and scientific—dedicated to highlighting its critical nature and pushing governments toward concrete action. The tangible effects of the crisis are unmistakable: prolonged droughts, increasingly extreme weather events, communities displaced from their lands due to uninhabitable environmental changes, and the pervasive “climate anxiety” that affects so many of us.

So, how can we confront such a monumental challenge?

The GASP! project sought to provide an answer. By bringing together numerous associations across Italy and Piedmont, the project offered young people aged 15 to 35 the opportunity to not only understand the climate crisis but also to learn the tools of active citizenship necessary to organize, advocate, and create change.

StraLi’s role in the GASP! project, spearheaded by Associazione Eufemia, took shape in two distinct phases:

  1. Online Training Sessions
    The first phase included six online training sessions focused on strategic litigation and broader legal tools for combating the climate crisis. Three sessions introduced methodological approaches for developing strategic legal pathways, while the remaining three explored the application of these tools to specific fields, including environmental law, artificial intelligence, and migration. All sessions are available on our YouTube channel.
  2. Residential Workshop: “Swipe Rights”
    The second phase culminated in a three-day residential workshop called “Swipe Rights,” held from Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26, 2023. Hosted with the support of Associazione Eufemia, the workshop gathered a diverse group of young people from Piedmont, including members from other participating associations.

Swipe Rights was an innovative endeavor.

  • A Unique Format: The workshop’s residential structure allowed participants to fully immerse themselves in the experience, staying overnight to create a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. This format enabled deeper engagement with the material and fostered connections through shared meals, social time, and extended discussions.
  • Collaborative Content: With guidance from Eufemia trainer Ilaria Mardocco, participants explored the key principles of strategic litigation (SL). They then worked in groups to apply SL to real-life cases. With support from trainers Benedetta, Emanuele, Greta, Laura, and Nicolò, participants developed three potential strategic cases in environmental law, crafting comprehensive legal and communication strategies.

The workshop concluded with group presentations to a panel led by Professor Pepe Garcia from the University of Valencia, showcasing creative and impactful proposals for addressing environmental challenges through SL.

A Warm Thanks
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, Professor Pepe Garcia, and Associazione Eufemia for making this an engaging and inspiring weekend in the beautiful setting of Open 011.

Project Completed in 2023

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