School of Activism 2.0
3-18 April 2021
After a full year of lockdown delays, the PRSC is delighted to welcome all new and returning pupils to the School of Activism.
Scroll down to see the full curriculum, or click here to view the timetable.
We define activism as ‘Active Citizenship’.
The process of taking care of and taking part in your community.
You are not a victim of circumstance.
So change it.
The tools of transformation are already in your hands – and the School Of Activism is here to show you how you can start forging a new future. We’ll let you in on a badly kept secret: Activism is a doing word (although strictly speaking, it’s a noun). We can change things, we can make them better. And after all, knowledge is power – so, let’s share it.
The People’s Republic of Stokes Croft invites you to the School of Activism 2.0 this Easter – from 3-18 April 2021 we’re running three weeks of workshops, events and activities designed to galvanise and empower every age group. In doing so, we can foster our own future – and make it something we’re all proud to be a part of.
School of Activism coordinator Lisa Furness, states the event is “designed to enable the people of Bristol and beyond to gain skills, confidence and practical tools to address the issues that concern them, whether that be campaigning for greater equality or fighting against land injustice”.
Positive change is not created with one-size-fits all solutions, and we have an eclectic mix of artists, activists and academics sharing their secrets to reflect that. Topics are just as varied as our inspiring change-makers: we’re covering everything from policy change, to radical history, housing rights, to art as a tool for transformation. We’re even running a workshop called ‘Philosophy for Kids’!
Regardless of age, background, ethnicity or income everyone can be a change-maker. That’s why we’re donation based with a pay-what-you-can model.
School of Activism 2.0 – Curriculum
List of Events
Philosophy For Children
Workshops to provide young children the opportunity to engage in philosophical discussion, develop their ability to think and reason with others, foster independent learning. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
‘Class Power on Zero-Hours’ book presentation by Angry Workers
Join Angry Workers, a small political collective from London, to talk about finding new ways of building class power in tough times. What next for working class politics and revolutionary strategy? Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Battling for Bristol: Film Screening with Q&A
A short documentary on Bristol’s history of social justice struggle, followed by a Q&A session with director Colin Thomas. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
The Strategy and Tactics of a Direct Action
This workshop, presented by Bristol ACORN members, will get you actively planning a direct action of your own in response to an issue facing you and your community, with an overview of negotiation, roles on a demo, how to show power, tactics, escalation and more. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Introducing Bristol Antifa
Learn about Bristol Antifascists, a group of local people committed to opposing fascism and all that it stands for. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Know Your Rights: Dealing with Police at Protests
In this session Bristol Defendant Solidarity will share experience, knowledge and lessons learned to increase confidence and solidarity when we come up against the police. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Video and Activism
Activists from Base join us to talk about how to use video effectively for activism and the principles of self-organised spaces. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
CANCELLED: The Wordplay Workshop
CANCELLED: Come along and stretch words into a wiggle wash paddle wack of fun! This engaging workshop will allow people of all ages from 6+ to explore the power of poetry through play. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Who Owns the Land?
Land ownership in the UK reflects the huge inequalities in the country. The battle for land and housing rights is a fundamental one that can impact on almost all other struggles. Nick Hayes and Keith Cowling present the two very different approaches they have taken to finding solutions. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Street Photography with Colin Moody
See the city afresh with this three hour workshop from a passionate and prolific Bristol street photographer Colin Moody. Peer into the hidden corners of Stokes Croft and search for the true spirit of this unique neighbourhood. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Know Your Rights: A Guide to Squatting in Bristol
Members of the Bristol Housing Action Movement will be sharing their insights into the complicated question of squatting and the law. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Know Your Rights: Vehicle Dwelling and the Law
In this session the Van Dwellers Community will talk you through the national legal situation, Bristol City Council's local policies, and how these approaches play out day to day on the streets. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Rebel Story Time for Kids
A classic story reading session for children - across two mornings Lisa and Sue will be reading a story of social justice or rebellion to fire the imagination. After the reading there will be a creative challenge - drawing your favourite character or writing what will happen next. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
It’s not the end of the world (or maybe it is)
A comedic look at the science of climate change by Jon Matthews. Why do some people believe climate change is natural? What does crystallised rat urine have to do with climate science? What happens when three climate change deniers walk into a bar? Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Philosophy for Children in Bristol? Planning Meeting for Families & Educators
The School of Activism is hosting two taster sessions of Philosophy for Children, as well as this meeting to discuss how this course could be rolled out as an ongoing programme in Bristol. If you would like to get involved, help out, or are just curious, join this online planning meeting. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Art for Social Change
When done well, art can give voice to the voiceless and bring visibility to those that are hidden. Art is a powerful tool to change the world. Photographers Anthony Luvera and Rory Carnegie have both created fascinating collaborative projects in partnership with rough sleepers. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Adblock – Art In Ad Places
An online workshop looking at physical interventions and ad-covering techniques used by Adblock Bristol and other anti-advertising groups. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
CANCELLED Influencers: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Discussion
A round table discussion on how influencers influence our culture - looking at the pros & cons of a world in which social and cultural influence is formalised and commercialised. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
PAF Artists Video Collection
Screening of short films from the People's Art Fair artists about what they have been up to during lockdown. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Draw your own nude: YOU ARE ART
A life drawing event with a twist, from Bristol-based artist & activist Ru. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Creative Workshop with Gemma Lawrence
Expand your creativity and show how your imagination works when it’s given no limitations with this fun and artistic workshop. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Know Your Rights: Painting Bristol – This Is Not Legal Advice
Join an experienced activist and street artist for a look at the complexities of the law and culture of painting on the streets of Bristol. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
PAF Artists Video Collection
Screening of short films from the People's Art Fair artists about what they have been up to during lockdown. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
CANCELLED: The Wordplay Workshop
CANCELLED: Come along and stretch words into a wiggle wash paddle wack of fun! This engaging workshop will allow people of all ages from 6+ to explore the power of poetry through play. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Conflict in Activist Groups
the session will mindmap the most common reasons for conflicts, discuss solutions and share some of the ways these situations can be handled.
CANCELLED: Rebel Story Time for Kids
A classic story reading session for children - across two mornings Lisa and Sue will be reading a story of social justice or rebellion to fire the imagination. After the reading there will be a creative challenge - drawing your favourite character or writing what will happen next. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Know Your Rights: A Guide to Homeless Services in Bristol
The questions of where people are and aren't allowed to sleep, and what services are available to them have become ever more urgent. Step forward Richard Drake of the Bristol Homeless Forum who will use this session to offer a personal view on services available pre-COVID, what's changed during COVID and how it might change coming out. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Sleeping Rough – Screening with Q&A
Sleeping Rough is a community-based docudrama about street homelessness. Film screening and director-led discussion around the issues of homelessness. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Becoming an Activist for Drug Policy Change
Training session on becoming an active campaigner for safer drug laws. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Technologies of Re-Enchantment
How can we communicate heavy issues in a way that brings people in? The incredible Pete the Temp leads this workshop for writers of all abilities and genres who want to develop ninja skills to enchant, provoke and persuade. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Rebel History: The Struggle to Reclaim Our Past
Join poet Lawrence Hoo, mentorist Michael Barnes-Wynters, author Mike Manson and publisher Richard Jones in a discussion of the history we choose to tell, and who gets to tell it. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Philosophy For Children
Workshops to provide young children the opportunity to engage in philosophical discussion, develop their ability to think and reason with others, foster independent learning. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Digital Witness: An introduction to Storytelling and Advocacy
Stories can connect people to others who share their experiences and generate the ability of individuals and organisations to act. This session will introduce and demonstrate the Seven Steps of Digital Storytelling. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Is it Time for a Data Union?
A thoughtful, interactive discussion about what internet rights, digital direct action and data unions might look like. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
School of Chativism – Review Session
An opportunity to look back on the lessons learned and the questions raised through the School of Chativism experiment - an alternative social media created for the School of Activism. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
CANCELLED – Tech Manifesto Writing Workshop for Young People
A creative workshop for young people that explores the use of manifestos, experimental writing and political action to transform society's relationship with technology. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Digital Health: Are Doctors Ready for the Digital Patient?
A talk exploring the implications of technological developments on the doctor patient relationship. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Invented Futures: Speculation, Visionaries and Modern Mythologies
Invented Futures is a collective that tears apart the narratives that fuel the development of new technology. We take a look at how tech innovation has got to where it is by examining how the role of speculative thinking can show us how there are alternatives to given tech cultures. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Digital Mini Projector Workshop
In this workshop we will build and program an experimental digital mini projector. The projector is based on a very low res, Nokia mobile screen and can project text and simple images. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
PRSC vs The Future
Want to know what goes on behind the scenes at the People's Republic of Stokes Croft? Keen to understand why we do what we do and how you can get involved? Join the PRSC as we look forward, and explore how we try to shape our future. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
What can we do to end male violence?
In this workshop we will hear about some of the preventative work being done, including work with young people around gender equality and gender norms, bystander interventions, community education and campaigns. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.
Self-defence with PunchUp
Radically inclusive self-defence session for activists of all ages. Part of the School of Activism 2.0 curriculum.