The #GetInvolved project develops material to promote democratic attitude and active citizenship in the VET, aiming to cause a wider change in thinking throughout the European society. The planned products shall empower teachers/trainers, students and VET-Institutions in living democracy, participation, antidiscrimination and social engagement. What circumstances led us to develop #GetInvolved?Over the last decade, Europe is struggling with growing populism and EU scepticism among political elites and citizens. In nearly all Member States (right-) populist parties gained voters in local, regional and national elections. The public discourse moves to the right and studies show that although people declare themselves in favour of democracy and diversity right-populist opinions solidified in the midst of society. Ever since the Brexit it came clear, that a lot of citizens lost trust into the political system and their representatives. Further, nationalist resentments, racist attacks and especially the open hostility towards asylum seekers in the European society show that also the European values and human rights, which the EU was always proud of, are in danger. How is #GetInvolved helping?Our project is addressing named issues as it aims to offer an approach for promoting democracy and active citizenship in the VET. The VET sector hereby reflects society at large: what is happening to students, trainers or co-workers is a direct effect of social trends. Establishing democratic thinking, participation and awareness of discrimination in this field helps to strengthen common values in the society in general.Therefor the project is developing 4 Intellectual Outputs that will empower teachers, trainers, students, staff members and VET-Institutions to build democratic structures and attitudes within their learning and working environment such as in private life. Empowering hereby means to provide them with necessary democratic competences: what kind of discrimination does exist and how do we recognise it? How can we participate in decision-making processes? How can we shape our social environment and take responsibility? How can we build up an open and democratic work environment? In concrete, what Outputs and activities is #GetInvolved developing?Based on a State of the Art Analysis the partnership will develop the following Intellectual Outputs:1)Train the Trainer Workshop – aim is to train VET-teachers and trainers in democracy and to provide them with concrete methods, which they can implement in their teaching. 2)Handbook “Students’ competitions” – practical guidelines that explain to VET-Institutions, schools and companies how to organise contests for students, to motivate them in developing projects and ideas regarding democracy and social engagement.3)Self-Monitoring Tool – VET-Institutions can examine democratic processes in their own structure and figure out problems and points worthy of improvement. 4)Concept of a certification process – design of the #GetInvolved label and a concept of how to certificate that VET-Institutions and/or companies have proven to be a “democratic institution”. Over the course of the project, we will conduct one teaching activity for teachers, trainers and (HR) managers to present the material and teach its usage. This way we will train approx. 10 staff members and qualify them to act as multipliers. Further, we will collaborate with associated partners and VET-schools to conduct at least 4 students’ competitions with at least 70 VET-students involved. The competitions shall motivate the students to conduct social projects by themselves. These can be projects in the neighbourhood, projects against racism or other topics. Aim is to get them involved and make clear that they have the power to shape the world they are living in. In the end of #GetInvolved we will organise in each partner country one Multiplier Event during which we will award the best student’s projects conducted within the competitions. What impact will #GetInvolved have?On its completion, the project will lead to concrete outcomes observable among project’s participants. Here to mention are:•more awareness regarding discrimination, racism, sexism and populism; •more awareness regarding participation possibilities; •knowledge of common values and citizenship;•a democratic attitude;•The ability to analyse structures of own institutions regarding above-mentioned topics. •The project will create new role models in VET-Institutions On the long run, these outcomes will help to lead to a change in thinking among society: they will support democracy and active citizenship in general as we expect the project participants (staff members such as students) to transfer their new democratic experience also into other areas of life. Who experienced to have impact and influence in working life finds also motivation to engage in social life.