Tips from the Educators’ Guide to Depolarisation

Whether it’s local immigration policy, global trade tariffs or transgender policies the world seems to be at odds. As educators we often work with groups where the participants have polar opposite views on many issues. A group of people may see the world so differently but what happens when we want that group to work together, build a connection or feel safe and inclusive for everyone?

Recently IDEA hosted training on the Educator’s Guide to Depolarisation, a toolkit and guide developed by the DARE Project (Depolarisation Activism for Resilient Europe).

The room was full of energy and enthusiasm. But given the reality facing our world today feelings of concern and fear for the future were also expressed. With good reason.


The Educators’ Guide to Deploratisation, a 2-day training, looked to enhance IDEA members’ skills in successfully engaging with polarising topics and views and establishing a dialogue where before there was only opposition.

At depolarisation training we approach conflict as an interpersonal and social inevitability rather than something that should be avoided to ‘keep the peace’. We then focus on our own power to transform disagreement and diversity of views into constructive engagement.

 

How to convince people to think like us?

One of first steps many of us struggle with when we begin to explore depolarisation, even with our own professional experience as GCE educators, is letting go of the desire to make everyone think like us and agree with us. Our desire to make the world a better place can often stand in our way. This desire can prevent us from connecting with other people and their views. But connection is critical for depolarisation.

 

Dialogue vs Debate?

Some tips from the Educators’ Guide to Depolarisation training includes the ‘Debate vs Dialogue’ challenge. When you are in conversation with a colleague or facilitating a conversation with a group you need to identify is this ‘a dialogue’ or ‘a debate’. Do you know the difference?

 

Do you want to win the argument?

or

Do you want to understand different perspectives?

   

Are you listening to find flaws?

or

Are you listening to understand?

 

Are you speaking based on your assumptions about other people’s motivations?

or

Are you speaking only from your own understanding?

 

Depolarisation; No winners, only learners.

To learn more about having or facilitating difficult discussions the Educators’ Guide to Depolarisation provides tools to guide educators through uncomfortable conversations.

A group will get closer by learning and asking questions of each other rather than simply stating their own beliefs. So, what’s the origin of our different beliefs?

Is a group disagreeing on immigration/ Trump/ transgender policies?


Try to have a difficult conversation by asking both sides 5 questions. 

  1. Do you recall when you heard about or experienced this issue first?
  2. Why is this so important and difficult to just 'agree to disagree'? 
  3. Mirror as best you can what you have heard from your conversation partner- why is this so important?
  4. If you woke up tomorrow in a world where the opposite of your belief is the status quo- how would you feel?
  5. Is there a way to prevent this issue?

Finally, ask people to reflect what they have learned from each other.

 

Being able to have a dialogue that doesn’t descend into a debate with winners and losers is one big step for any group. Along the journey to depolarisation there can be no winners, only learners.


If you missed the IDEA training with Hermes, explore the Educators’ Guide to Depolarisation training, toolkit and resources here

August 25, 2025
The Irish Development Education Association (IDEA) has joined a growing coalition of Irish civil society groups in endorsing a critical open letter, urging the Irish government to formally join the Hague Group and push for an end to the genocide of the Palestinian people. The appeal, initiated by IDEA members Comhlámh and Afri, demands that Ireland act decisively ahead of the Hague Group’s 20 September deadline, coinciding with the 80th UN General Assembly. Ireland has already sent a representative to participate in a recent Hague Group meeting, signalling its engagement with this urgent international initiative. However, civil society organisations stress that formal membership and full endorsement of the Group’s six measures is now essential if Ireland is to match its words with action. Halting arms transfers to Israel. Preventing military transit and servicing of vessels carrying such goods. Enforcing shipping controls, including penalties like de‑flagging. Reviewing public contracts to eliminate state support for occupation. Pursuing national or international investigations for serious international crimes. Enabling domestic prosecutions using international jurisdiction. The open letter outlines grave concerns over escalating atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank, including settler violence, land dispossession, home demolitions, and forced displacement. It points out that, while UN efforts have been blocked, the Hague Group offers an immediate and tangible path toward justice. For IDEA, the call is also about upholding the principles of Global Citizenship Education (GCE). At its core, GCE is an educational process that helps people of all ages understand global interdependence, think critically about injustice, and develop the skills to take meaningful action. It cultivates empathy, solidarity, and responsibility, encouraging learners to connect local and global struggles. Supporting the Hague Group is therefore not only a matter of foreign policy, but also an expression of Ireland’s commitment to educate for justice and to model these values in practice. Ireland has until 20 September to join the 13 countries that have already committed to six concrete pledges at the Hague Group summit. As the deadline approaches, this coalition is calling on all TDs and Senators to publicly back Ireland’s membership, advocate for the six pledges within government ranks, and ensure that formal commitment is secured before the UN General Assembly convenes. Find out more here.
August 11, 2025
Budget 2026: Investing in Global Citizenship Education is Investing in Global Solidarity “Ireland has received international recognition for its development education strategies… Without additional investment, we cannot seize the opportunity to turn development-aware children into development-aware adults.” - OECD DAC Peer Review of Ireland Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here . For over half a century, Ireland has invested in Global Citizenship Education (GCE), enabling people across the island to explore complex issues such as climate justice, human rights, and equality - and to take informed action for a more just and sustainable world. Between 2021 and 2024, €33.6 million was invested in programmes reaching over 1.2 million people, helping to embed GCE across schools, communities, and other learning spaces. This investment has made Ireland a European and global leader in the field. But in today’s turbulent context - with rising disinformation, polarisation, climate emergencies, and deepening inequalities - the need for GCE has never been greater. As Minister of State for International Development and the Diaspora, Neale Richmond, told the IDEA Annual Conference in May 2025: “Now is the time to focus on the hard issues… These are among the greatest challenges of our time.” Why Now? Budget 2026 comes at a critical moment. Ireland is: Running out of time to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Preparing a new national GCE strategy for the next five years. Operating in a global context where democratic values, human rights, and multilateral cooperation are under unprecedented strain. The OECD has commended Ireland’s strong GCE strategies but has also warned that without additional investment, we risk falling short on SDG Target 4.7 - ensuring all learners acquire the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development. Our Key Budget 2026 Asks:  Increase investment in GCE Move towards the widely recognised target of 3% of Official Development Assistance (ODA), using a cross-departmental approach and accounting for inflation. Current spending is 1.2% of ODA - far below the €26 million annually needed to reach the 3% target. Boost GCE/ESD funding under “ESD to 2030” Provide adequate and dedicated funding for projects led by organisations, schools, and higher education institutions to ensure the successful delivery of the Second National Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development. Create dedicated GCE/ESD funding lines Integrate and resource GCE/ESD within the SDG National Implementation Plan, Climate Action Plan, and National Action Plan Against Racism, recognising that climate justice and anti-racism are core components of global citizenship. Increase Ireland’s ODA Commit to a €300 million increase in Budget 2026 to make tangible progress towards the UN target of spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA by 2030. Adopt Coalition 2030 recommendations Implement budget measures that ensure resources reach those furthest behind first, and align budget lines with specific SDG targets. Beyond Funding – Policy Coherence and Decent Work In addition to resourcing, GCE requires stronger coordination across government departments and better integration into policies, institutions, and networks. GCE practitioners must also have secure, decent working conditions in line with SDG 8, ensuring that expertise is retained within the sector. The Opportunity for Ireland Ireland is respected globally for its principled, values-based approach to international development. By investing in GCE now, we can: Strengthen civic trust, participation, and resilience in our society. Equip citizens to navigate complex global challenges. Ensure Ireland remains a strong, independent voice for justice, solidarity, and human rights on the world stage. Budget 2026 is our opportunity to protect the progress made, scale up impact, and deliver on our commitments. IDEA and our members are ready to work with Irish Aid and across government to ensure Ireland continues to lead with integrity, foresight, and global solidarity. _______________________________________________________ Read IDEA’s full Pre-Budget 2026 submission here to explore our recommendations in detail and see how, together, we can strengthen Global Citizenship Education in Ireland and beyond.
Smme
August 2, 2025
Catch-up on a Summer of Learning!