This activity highlights how digital tools and youth work practices can create safe spaces for open dialogue, reduce polarisation, and build stronger communities grounded in shared values.

• Understand the importance of dialogue in overcoming polarisation among (young) people.
• Explore the Hard Topics App and other free tools for fostering conversations between individuals with differing views.
• Reflect on how you can integrate dialogue methods into your personal, professional, or organisational context.

Get Inspired

• Young people can use the Hard Topics App and dialogue tools to reflect on their own perspectives, learn how to listen respectfully to different opinions, and practice constructive conversations in safe settings. By engaging with the tools, they can discover new ways to connect with peers across differences and strengthen their confidence in addressing “hard topics” in everyday life, school, or online spaces.
• Youth workers can integrate the Hard Topics resources into workshops, mentoring sessions, and group activities. They can use the app to structure meaningful conversations, apply dialogue methods in their daily practice, and create supportive environments where young people feel safe to share differing views. This helps reduce polarisation and empowers youth to build empathy and critical thinking skills.
• Youth organisations and managers can use the Hard Topics recommendations to develop long-term strategies for dialogue-based youth work. This includes embedding dialogue methods into programmes, policies, and organisational culture, supporting their staff with training, and building partnerships with other organisations in the Dialogue Network. By doing so, they strengthen their capacity to address polarisation systematically and promote shared values across communities.

Suggested follow up activities

• Host a Dialogue Café: Organise a safe and structured dialogue event where young people with different perspectives can meet and discuss “hard topics.” Use the Hard Topics App to guide conversations and ensure everyone has space to share and listen.
• Run a Dialogue Skills Exchange: Invite peers, youth workers, or community members to share practical methods for constructive dialogue — from active listening to non-violent communication. Match these skills with the needs identified in your group and practice them together.
• Organise a “Bridging Differences” Meetup: Bring together young people, educators, and community leaders to explore how dialogue can address polarisation in schools, communities, or online spaces. Use the Hard Topics toolkit as a framework, and invite guest speakers or facilitators experienced in mediation and dialogue.
• Join the Dialogue Network: A international community of individuals and organisations committed to dialogue, where you can join online meetings, share dialogue-related knowledge, skills, and tools, discover best practices in dialogue, showcase your work and connect with credible partners for your next project.

Claim Open Badge Recognition

1. Dialogue skills and the ability to engage respectfully across differences
2. Awareness of tools and methods that reduce polarisation in youth settings
3. Commitment to fostering inclusive, safe, and meaningful conversations

Who created this resource?