Bezavta Manual

The Betzavta Manual "Start With Yourself!"  is an experiential educational resource developed by International Young Naturefriends to support democracy, civic education and responsible leadership through non-formal learning. Created in a context of growing challenges to democratic values across Europe, the manual is based on the Betzavta method, originally developed at the Adam Institute in Israel, which uses lived experience, dilemmas and guided reflection to explore equality, freedom, inclusion and decision-making in democratic societies. Rather than offering ready-made answers, the method invites participants to critically examine their own behaviour, values and responsibilities within groups and communities, connecting personal experience with broader social and political structures. The manual brings together the theoretical foundations of the Betzavta approach, detailed descriptions of activities and training programmes, reflections from participants and trainers, and guidance for facilitators wishing to apply the method in youth work, education and civic contexts. Designed as both a training companion and a long-term reference, it supports educators and youth leaders in creating safe, reflective and participatory spaces that foster democratic coexistence, self-awareness and collective responsibility within the Naturefriends movement and beyond.