The Inclusion and Social Justice (ISJ) TIG at STARS EU is dedicated to fostering a society where all individuals, irrespective of their background, identity, or circumstances, can thrive. Our work prioritizes social equity, accessibility, and community engagement, addressing systemic inequalities to create lasting, positive change within the European Union and beyond. Guided by EU priorities, the ISJ TIG actively contributes to a vision of a more inclusive, fair, and prosperous Europe. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and resources necessary for full societal participation. We focus on initiatives that tackle social exclusion, economic disparities, and limited access to essential services, such as education and legal support. By fostering reflection and dialogue, we seek actionable solutions to empower political, social, and economic actors in addressing systemic barriers. Key initiatives include promoting equal access to legal aid, supporting inclusive education and assisting marginalized groups, such as migrants, individuals with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged families. Efforts range from offering targeted legal services and developing intercultural education programs to advancing inclusive policy recommendations that empower communities. The ISJ TIG is built on collaboration. By future partnering with other thematic interest groups (TIGs) within the STARS EU network, we will extend the reach of our work, integrating the principles of inclusion and social justice across diverse sectors. From enhancing digital literacy among underserved populations to promoting sustainable practices and encouraging cultural diversity through the arts, every initiative is driven by the core values of equity and social responsibility.

Strategic Cooperation Agenda for 2024-2027

Looking ahead to 2024-2027, the ISJ TIG will lead reflective discussions and develop actionable strategies to address systemic inequalities. This includes identifying and dismantling the barriers that prevent full societal participation, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life—irrespective of gender, race, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status—have equal access to legal protections, educational opportunities, and social services. A key principle of the ISJ TIG is acknowledging the persistence of systemic inequalities. Many marginalized communities face barriers that deny them the same rights, opportunities, and protections enjoyed by others. Over the next three years, the TIG will focus on dismantling these barriers. Through a multi-faceted approach, the TIG will work to create pathways for marginalized groups to participate fully in society. One of the primary areas of focus will be access to legal assistance, ensuring that vulnerable communities have the support they need to seek justice. Legal aid is crucial for protecting rights, preventing exploitation, and addressing discrimination. The ISJ TIG is committed to providing the legal resources necessary to empower these communities. Education is a powerful tool for social mobility, yet for many, accessing quality education remains a significant challenge. Financial constraints, geographical isolation, discrimination, and a lack of specialized support for individuals with disabilities or learning difficulties all contribute to the barriers preventing many from achieving their academic potential. The ISJ TIG works to ensure that educational systems are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs of students. By developing programs that encourage intercultural competence and inclusivity, we aim to create learning environments where all students feel valued and can thrive. Additionally, we are promoting Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs) that combine flexibility and academic rigor, offering students the opportunity to learn in an inclusive, supportive setting. These initiatives are crucial for improving educational equity, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. One of the critical challenges we aim to address is social exclusion. Marginalized groups, such as migrants, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged families, often face exclusion from key aspects of society. This exclusion leads to limited access to vital services like healthcare, housing, and employment, further perpetuating poverty and inequality. The ISJ TIG focuses on developing initiatives that foster the integration and participation of these groups in all areas of life.  A key component of this work is promoting community engagement and civic responsibility; by encouraging volunteerism, active citizenship, and organizing community-driven initiatives, we create environments where marginalized individuals feel empowered to contribute and thrive. For marginalized individuals to access effective services, professionals in education and law must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the unique challenges faced by these communities. The ISJ TIG is committed to enhancing the capabilities of educators and legal practitioners through specialized training programs and workshops. These professional development opportunities will focus on inclusion, cultural competence, and equitable service delivery. Our goal is to create a network of well-trained professionals who are not only experts in their fields but also champions of social justice, ensuring that all individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, have access to compassionate and competent services.

Collaborative Opportunities within the other STARS EU TIGs

Collaboration is central to the Inclusion and Social Justice Thematic Interest Group (ISJ TIG) to achieve its goals. By partnering with other STARS EU TIGs, we aim to amplify our impact. For example, we will improve digital literacy with the Digital Transformation TIG , promote sustainability with the Circular Economy TIG, foster cultural inclusion through the Arts and Creative Industries TIG, ensure access to renewable energy with the Energy Transition TIG, and support initiatives to address the needs of ageing populations. Together, researchers, educators, and students in the ISJ TIG will continue working to address systemic inequalities, improve access to legal and educational resources and foster social inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of social justice.

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