
Greg
Simple Acts was not just a youth exchange programme, it was an opportunity for community building and for transformatory action. A community which consists of members that co-create their activistic assemblage in diverse ways and that co-create and share a common vision and passion towards queer liberation from an intersectional perspective.
A core value that was much appreciated by me during our 12-days journey in Ommen, was care; the care of the self and the care of the other and the way those are interconnected. It made me realize how self-care, detached from a neoliberal individualistic conception, is a part of care for the community, and how the care of the community in return is a part of self-care. It made me reflect a lot on the ethics of care, how they are and/or can be performed in activist groups, and how they challenge stereotyped understandings of the self and identity.
For me, the most “magical” moment was the Street Action day. Paving towards the end of the project, after our community had enough time to bond, we had the opportunity to engage with any form of street activism we wish, and address any topic we find close to us as young activists. Quickly after the directive was given, a few community members and I realized how a street action related to the genocide in Palestine is of high significance and we formed our group. After long self-reflexive discussions and dialogues, we started by creating signs with slogans and information regarding the ongoing genocide that would bring awareness about the issue, and use them as tools for non-violent protest. Besides that, we also did three performances related to the topic that gave us the chance to explore and experience what our bodies can do in an activistic context.
The whole process of topic formulation, team creation, internal fermentations of the team, signs and performance preparation were one of the most important learning experiences and set the stage for a variety of emotions, such as rage, sadness, disappointment, guilt, and anger to be productively transformed into political action on the street. It goes without saying that street action itself was one of the most powerful moments for me. The sense of community and support between the group members, the vulnerability that such an action entails, the ways in which our bodies performed and were assigned a different meaning within that context, was definitely a transformatory experience!

Anthony
Simple acts has been an immersive, other than an intensive and experiential program through which I was activated and motivated to become part of a community in which the prioritization of its collective values met each and everyone’s needs for support, care, safe space and unconditional assistance. Through this exchange, I thoroughly understood that giving does also mean receiving and sharing is not far from abstaining from things that you wouldn’t necessarily feel putting yourself into. Time management and the effective manipulation and regulation of it was also an integral part of the program. I felt blessed that the fear of missing out was not met under great expectations making me, thus, attain the maximum of the experiences lived there. It is also important to underscore the communal feeling that was and is still present around. Most of us have experienced situations where escaping from the context that constricted our identity meant to live back the judgmental and unreciprocated love of people and to an extent conduct a lonely living.
Being close to people who would be there just to listen and assist facilitated the need to be and become true and truthful to myself. One more aspect to recall is that of the intercultural competence achieved. Since there was great heterogeneity when it came to the people involved in the camp, I felt that constructive conflict was interwoven together with an intimate experience exchange and a profound need for sociopolitical discourse which fertilized actions and reactions that the program wholeheartedly invited. In particular, I cannot refrain from referring back to the activism day where I felt confident and powerful promoting things and ideas which have been built step by step and for which everyone involved felt motivated to be the change, let alone bring the change. Overall, this Erasmus+ program made me come closer to my younger self reconciling with all those past fragments of mine that helped me claim what Walt Whitman said in his “Song of Myself” (1892 version) “I celebrate myself, and sing myself”.

Eva
This 12-day journey as part of the 8th European Erasmus program “Simple Acts” in Ommen, the Netherlands, was a life-changing experience. A group of activists came together to build a vibrant community based on mutual support, creativity, and a shared commitment to social change.
From the very beginning, priority was given to creating a safer and braver space, allowing us to explore a wide range of topics with openness and depth. Time moved strangely in this space; it felt like both months and minutes passed at once. In this magical place, I discovered a profound sense of acceptance—not just from others but within myself. I learned about love, for others and for myself, about connection, and the importance of embracing emotions, even the difficult ones. I faced hard questions about identity, the need for change, my place in the world and purpose.
Through our shared experiences—outdoor adventures, reflective discussions, and artistic expressions—we brought our voices and stories to life. Whether it was through creating a collective Zine, curating exhibitions in our Queer Museum, or participating in street actions to raise awareness about critical issues close to our hearts, each moment was a testament to the power of collaboration and collective action.
Our days were filled with learning, from exploring queer identities and intersectional activism to embracing art as a tool for change. We shared knowledge, expressed our creativity, and supported each other in ways that strengthened our bonds and amplified our impact. As we navigated through a variety of activities—from theater workshops and slam poetry to digital activism and public demonstrations—we grew not only as individuals but as a united force for social justice.
This experience has sparked a stronger desire in me to create change, even if it’s just in small ways. I want to bring the same acceptance, understanding, and care that I felt in this project to the world around me. As I reflect on this intense journey, full of joy and moments of introspection, I feel my heart full of love, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, I feel that we can make a difference, and I am even more determined than ever to continue this work in my community. This experience has been unforgettable. Let’s keep the spirit of our queer paradise alive, wherever we go.

Jo
The Simple Acts Camp was a truly transformative experience that left a lasting impact on my heart and mind. Over the course of 12 days, I found myself immersed in a community rooted in mutual support, creativity, and a shared commitment to social change. Through a variety of activities, from thought-provoking discussions to artistic expressions and outdoor adventures, we created a safe and brave space where everyone could freely express themselves and learn from one another. Every conversation, every laugh under the stars, and every artistic creation felt like a small piece of magic, weaving us closer together. It was a place where I felt deeply connected, not only to the people around me but also to Prato, which is crazy how Prato has been a little bundle of comfort for so many people, they’re always there to lift spirits!
Personally, this program came at a time when everything in my life was shifting, moments of uncertainty seemed endless, and the chaos was chaoing, as they say. These 12 days became something like a safe bubble, a place where I could pause, reflect, and process everything without feeling overwhelmed. It was as if I had stumbled upon a space that allowed me to breathe deeply and find a bit of clarity amidst the whirlwind. The program gave me the time and space to face life’s challenges in a way that felt supportive and healing. It was not only a transformative experience but a necessary one, giving me the tools to carry forward with resilience and a stronger sense of self.
The connections formed in such a short time have proven to be invaluable, even after the program ended. In moments of need, they were there—offering words of encouragement, a listening ear, and genuine support. Knowing I can reach out to them has been a tremendous comfort, a reminder of the strength we built together. This community has shown me that the bonds we created aren’t limited to the program but extend into our lives, a lasting network of understanding and care.
