our approach

our approach

We use the expression ‘activist education’ to describe our work. This has implications not just for what we consider important for community organisers to learn, but how we believe we/they learn most effectively. We’ve facilitated discussions and workshops with other social movement trainers and facilitators to explore just what might be involved in working as activist educators. The educational principles and practices (or pedagogy) guiding our work include:

	experiential and empowered learning
	listening and reflection
	questioning, not telling
	peer support and mentoring
	exercises linked to real and contemporary change work
	building a ‘container’ or learning environment characterised
	by trust, openness, honesty, self-critique, mutual respect and support.

	Go to our activist education page - for more details on activist education, our views, roots and influences.

"Some people naively think that if they simply assert their goal strongly and firmly enough, long enough, it will somehow come to pass. Others assume that if they remain true to their principles and ideals, and witness to them in the face of adversity, then they are doing all they can to achieve them. Assertion of desirable goals and remaining loyal to ideals are admirable, but are in themselves grossly inadequate to change the status quo and bring into being designated goals..."

Gene Sharp
The Importance of Strategic Planning in Nonviolent Struggle