Youth against fascism

Project owner: Mladí, o.z. (Youth civic association)

Responsible person: Marek Mach

2021

2,000 Euro Prize

SK

Civil Society / Social Economy

Challenge

Extremist political views are reaching their highest levels of support among the youth in modern Slovak history. Across surveys and in student mock elections, the extremist political party, building on the legacy of the fascist WWII Slovak state, has been at the forefront for several years. Young people are often vulnerable to support the extremist views of these parties.

Idea

Youth against fascism (“Iniciatíva Mladí proti fašizmu”) focuses on engaging young people through online social networks. Our initiative aims to reach young people through social media before they become interested in politics and reduce their risk of radicalisation. We also publish short and easy-to-understand information online on human rights and democracy.

Actors

The project was founded by Marek Mach when he was 15 years old and is based on the “from young to young” principle. The project shares information adapted to young people ages 12 and older. Our largest audience is between 18 to 24 years old.

Impact

In over 4 years, the project has reached more than 100,000 followers on social media platforms. During election campaigns in Slovakia, we helped organize anti-fascist protests across the country attended by thousands. Pupils made anti-fascist and pro-democracy banners in art classes. Tens of thousands of students also watched discussions organized by our organization.

Transfer

Since the project is primarily online, it is possible to transfer it to almost any country in Europe and internationally adapt it to a country’s specific political climate.

Appreciation of the Jury

Young people inform each other about political issues with short, easy to understand information through popular social media channels. Youth against fascism is run by and for youth, which best connects and serves as a credible source amongst their peers. Youth against fascism mobilises with convincing arguments against right-wing extremist groups online and on the streets. The project developed into the most important platform addressing right-wing extremism and fascism among young people in Slovakia. A socially innovative learning process.