We are building a free online library of videos, texts and other resources for aspiring activists. With the help of our resident activists, it is constantly updated and expanded. You may use it regardless of whether you are seeking a certificate or a residency.
Your study may be self-guided and self-paced. The residency, of course, provides opportunities to interact with instructors. You can leave out 2 classes and 2 workshops.
Philosophy and Theory
Class
Description
Why Activists Need this
Financial System
The financial system is opaque and mysterious to us, and yet defines much of what exists — and what cannot exist. There is no useful understanding of our society without an understanding of its core.
Some activist programs are so contrary to the tides and currents of the financial system that they have little chance of success. Others exploit loose links in the system. Know your system.
History of Popular Movements
If we look at movements that have worked or failed in the past, we can gain intuition about what can work in the future.
Don’t repeat obvious mistakes of the past.
History of Public Relations
Freud’s nephew, Edward Barneys used Freud’s insights about human nature to manipulate the public. Public Relations as we know it was born.
PR has seedy connotations, but it is an unavoidable part of shaping public opinion. Activists must understand how it works, why it works, and in what ways it might be used ethically.
Protest forms
Protests/Demonstrations, strikes, hunger strikes, civil disobedience, direct action.
Learn to choose the right protest form for your goals.
What is direct action?
Direct Action is means working directly on the desired goal, not extortion.
You needn’t negotiate nor plead. Seize the initiative and set the example.
Systems
Why do evil systems like capitalism work?
Systems don’t exist because they are evil; they exist because they work (for someone). Understanding this is the first step to finding weak points.
Do we need a new -Ism?
There is no -ism that will replace capitalism. But there are things you can do…
Can we out of a holding patter by thinking out side the “-ism”-box?
Public Relations
Practical workshop on managing our own PR
How to present your organization and its actions in the best light. The same rules apply to you personally.
Mind Control Techniques
PR and propaganda make use of several mind control techniques…
Persuasion, when it is unrecognisable as persuasion, is mind-control.
Basic Statistics
How to understand statistics presented in the media.
Activists must be able to back up their claims with statistics, and must be able to detect when opponents have gotten tricky with theirs.
How to Read the News
How to determine trust in news coverage.
Activists must be able to verify news articles before forwarding them.
Working Together
Class
Description
Why Activists Need This
Poles of Attraction
How can we manage and form coherent working groups without hierarchies and control?
This concept enables activists to work on what they want without having to force or push their own views or ways onto other people
Management of Similarity
It is the irony of activism that most friction occurs between people who are very close on the political spectrum.
Without alternative structures, we are doomed to mainstream problems.
Conflict Resolution
All about how to work with your entourage: Friends, allies, adversaries and collaborators.
Conflict resolution is the last resort, and usually exhausting. Avoid conflict altogether by being aware of your goals with each player.
Organization models
All about hierarchies and collective organizations.
Process groups, campaign groups, Sociocracy, decision making in small groups, and more
Decision making for Small Groups
Various collective decision making processes, and their pros and cons.
Figuring out decision making tends to be the first thing groups of activists need to work out in order to work together.
Communication Trouble-shooting & Conflict Resolution
Communicating within a group, fairly, safely, and effectively. How to avoid common problems.
Effective action follows effective communication
Understanding Indirect Communication
Diplomacy is based on indirect communication. It is the art of saying something without forcing your interlocutor to react.
When working with foreigners, understanding indirect communication is better than insisting that it isn’t happening.
Skills
Class
Description
Why Activists Need It
Basic Book Keeping for Small Projects/NGOs
Open Source software, basic management, German NGO bookkeeping regulations, tips and tricks.
Groups without book-keeping this year are not around five years later.
Podcasting
Audio recording and editing
Podcasting is one of the many ways activists can broadcast about their activities.
Videoing
Video recording, lighting, tips, tricks for cameras and phones.
TikTok/YouTube are one of the many ways activists can broadcast about their activities.
Film editing
Open Source software for phones and computers, editing tricks, effects, green screen etc.
see above
Photo Shooting
Basic skills, lighting, angle, layout/motif, arranging a Photo shooting set up (including people), light Photo editing, managing people
For any kinds of action, documenting and broadcasting via blogs and other media outlet, good lighting and setting are a great way to have more reach with media material
Graphic Design
Basic Graphic Design with Open Source Software
Flyers, Posters, Banners, Stickers
Moderating and Self-Moderation
Moderation skills
Especially when managing large groups of activists, a facilitator is required.
Grants
Applying for Grants
Some NGOs may have access to certain funds and it’s important to pounce when it happens, as deadlines approach soon.
Fundraising
Techniques to raise funds fast
Crowdfunding is a good option to fund projects, especially if they are not supported by the government.
Event management
Learn how to organize communal meals, fundraising parties or concerts & community events
Often times, activist groups organize event to connect with other activists and people and learn from them.
Facultative
Class
Description
Why Activists Need This
For programmers or those who want to learn: System Administration
Activists need system admins
There are many cool useful apps, also in the Open Source world, thanks to activists! 🙂
Video and audio recording
How to get a clean and attractive recording that does not distract from your message
Each video is one chance to put out one message
Video editing
Use open source software to edit videos
You must keep attention to deliver a message
Graphic Design
Basic Graphic Design with Open Source Software
Flyers, Posters, Banners, Stickers
Fundraising
Techniques to raise funds fast
Crowdfunding is a good option to fund projects, especially if they are not supported by the government.
