[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
This Wednesday, Blackpool’s Activist Alliance is launching a series of workshops that will help young people learn about activism and community organising.
The first event has been organised by Blackpool-based community arts organisation Aunty Social and will include a variety of experts and local activists. The idea is to help young people explore and take action on the social issues that affect them. They may want to take action on climate change, they could be worried about feeling safe or they might not be getting the support they need to stay healthy or in education. These workshops will help them get started and make connections with others who can support their cause.
The event on Wednesday 10 August will feature discussions led by the Ella Baker School of Organising who specialise in training community activists based on concrete examples of struggles faced across the UK. The group will look at all kinds of activism: from petitions to toppling statues, from ‘salt marches’ to sit-ins. They’ll also explore types of power, how it’s held and how that balance can be changed.
It’s not all talk though! Blackpool-based artist Brendan Bunting will share how he uses social and politically inspired art to get a message across. Brendan will run a hands-on workshop on the theme of climate change and the environment using collage as a tool for activism.
The Skate Like A Girl Collective will also be there to talk about their work and how they got started. They were called ‘ramp tramps’ and ‘skatepark slags’ and their interest in skateboarding was misconstrued as interest in male skaters. Now the collective is reclaiming the derogatory language that surrounds their hobby, empowering a group of women in Blackpool to proudly skate like a girl. They’ll also demonstrate how they make their skate videos to share on social media.
The Activist Alliance came about as a collaboration between Boingboing CIC and community partners. Boing Boing’s work is centred around the concept of ‘Activism for Resilience’, the idea that people taking action towards social justice can help their mental health and wellbeing, both in the doing itself and by helping others.
The Alliance is steered by a group of young people who said:
“We’re creating a space for other young people in Blackpool who want to make a change, so they can connect with like-minded people so they don’t have to figure it out all alone. We’re really excited to be launching the Blackpool Activist Alliance with this event. Our ambition is to unite like minded young people in Blackpool with the passion to MAKE A CHANGE, because we are stronger together!”
“It’s an opportunity to broaden your knowledge, meet new people who share similar passions to you, and have an all round fun-filled day!”
Grace from the Activist Alliance
The Make a Change launch takes place from 10am on Wednesday 10 August at Art B&B (180 North Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 1RJ). It’s a free event with a pizza lunch provided. Suggested age range is 15-20 years, but all are welcome.
For more information and to book a place, please visit: https://MAC-launch.eventbrite.co.uk
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
