TIPS FOR ARTIVISTS
Guidelines for youth workers and peacebuilders on using artivism as a new educative language for transformative social action
Created at the YPAN project “Artivism. Touching the heart of complexity. (“Artivism. “Tocando el corazón de la complejidad”).
“Reach out to those you fear. Touch the heart of complexity. Imagine beyond what is seen. Risk vulnerability one step at a time.” — John Paul Lederach
In YPAN, as young peacebuilders, we are aware then we urgently need action to promote respect for human rights with special focus on empathy and understanding. According to Global Peace Index “global peacefulness improves for the first time in five years, but the world continues to be less peaceful than a decade ago.”
However, for many young people violent movements might still seem to be more attractive, moving, providing more adrenaline and sense of meaning. Peace, on the other hand, is often portrayed as static, calm and therefore way less appealing. With such perceptions — peace is way less appealing to young people and the society than violence. This tempting vision of violence may also be the reason on engagement of young people in the radicalisation movement. We believe there is a need to create a space where working for respect of human rights and peace will become an attractive alternative.
With the “Artivism” project we designed educational spaces for youth pARTicipation and exploration of the concept of ‘active citizenship’ connected with creative learning, valuing the identities of historically underrepresented groups, and a sense of belonging to local communities.
How did we adddress social inequalities and violations of human rights?
Via collective effort and use of artivism.
As art goes beyond binary oppositions and fosters critical thinking. Sometimes simplifying appears to be the only way to deliver a message. Peaceful artivism helps to present not only statements but also dilemmas and might be a counterbalance for violent oppositions and a space for engagement of young people working towards more human rights and dialog oriented societies.
With this project we were aiming to develop the competences of young peacebuilders and their interest in art and activism, equipping them with peacebuilding and artivism skills in order to address the European human rights issues by organizing local transformative social actions and scaling them across the continent.
One of the objectives of the project was to create with participants the guideline for youth workers and peacebuilders on using artivism as a new educative language for transformative social action.
Here is the outcome of our collective effort.
Guidelines for youth workers and peacebuilders in using artivism as a new educative language for transformative social action
The golden circle — why, what, how
This is closely related to research and knowing the context but these three questions need to be answered before performing any kind of artivism. They are helpful because they allow you to have a clear plan for every step of your action.
Time management is important
We would love to live in a world where time does not put any constraints on us, but unfortunately this is impossible. Knowing how much time you have and how much your action will take is crucial. Check it honestly in advance with yourself and your team.
Research thoroughly and make sure you know the context
Not knowing the context of the space you are working with/in can be not only hindering your chances for a successful project but also to put it bluntly — dangerous.
Trial run
If there is a possibility for your project to have a trial run that’s always an advantage. It doesn’t always mean that you have to do what you have planned on the same scale and in the exact same environment (although of course, if you can — good for you!), but even presenting your idea to a couple of local people or setting up your tools to see if they work in the space you chose can make a positive impact on your artivism.
Don’t get discouraged by skills limitations or scarce resources
We have all been there. You have this great idea that you just don’t know how to execute yourself or you might struggle with performing it because there are skills needed that you never had anything to do with. There is power in working in a group and there are always amazing people who are willing to get involved in projects that can make an impact on social change. Try to ask around, search the internet, call some people. There are some who are just waiting for your call.
The same goes for funding. Even if you did not get that grant you applied for, maybe you can set up a GoFundMe or connect with someone who is willing to help you out for free.
If this does not work, don’t get fed up. There are good chances that your action plan can be scaled down or adapted to the resources available to you.
Use the resources around you
Unlock this potential of working with whatever resources you can find around you, be that people, physical tools, skills and knowledge, landscape, political context etc.
Think small
Sometimes we think that our artivism in order to have tangible impact needs to be big, loud, have high-end objectives and be all round impressive. This can stall the progress of our action plans because when these prove to be challenging we refuse to scale down. It also blocks some great ideas that are smaller from being executed.
Always have a backup plan
There is no way on earth you can foresee everything that can go wrong and trust us when we say — things can take an unplanned direction.
Don’t be scared to improvise
Forget perfectionism and learn how to go with the flow.
Don’t do it for the ego
Advertise your actions, share your tools.
Trust others while remaining critical.
Empathize with your group.
Be mindful of the risk of a burnout.
The truth is it’s impossible to live as a perfect artivist.
Even as ‘imperfect artivists’, we all still hold the right to demand action on social and climate change and visualise a healthier planet for all. Let’s say YES to healthy discussions to inspire changing behaviour — The ultimate goal is to feel empowered to make any changes you can, rather than feeling judged that you’re not doing enough!
Note to self
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done to build a fairer future? Remember you are not alone in this feeling.
We have so many activists within this community and it’s important to remember:
✓ It’s okay to need rest
✓ It’s okay to take time away from social media
✓ It’s okay to practice your boundaries on & offline
✓ It’s okay to challenge your friends on climate issues
✓ It’s okay to not engage with climate news everyday
✓ It’s okay to remember that activism can be done quietly too
✓ It’s okay to celebrate the small wins
✓ It’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes
✓ It’s okay to call on your friends for support
✓ It’s okay to prioritise your mental health
Here are a few online communities that make us feel positive about the future
@intersectionalenvironmentalist @earthrise.studio @futureearth @atmos @chicksforclimate @extinctionrebellion
Get inspired here
See below for some resources to read, watch, listen and follow for different areas of sustainable living. Hope some of them inspire you to fill your brain with the good stuff, enjoy!
Responsible Fashion /
1. Read: Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas
2. Watch: A Rich Life With Less Ted Talk
3. Listen: Wardrobe Crisis by Clare Press
4. Follow: @fash_rev @fashion_act_now @mrspress
Environmental /
1. Read: The Hidden Life Of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
2. Watch: Our Planet, Netflix Documentary
3. Listen: Outrage and Optimism by former UN Chief Christiana Figueres
4. Follow: @trashisfortossers @bbcearth @plantbasednews @guardian @survivalinternational
Mental Health /
1. Read: Notes On A Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
2. Watch: Minimalism documentary on YouTube
3. Listen: I Weigh by Jameela Jamil
4. Follow: @mattzhaig @positivenewsuk @jameelajamilofficial
Business & Innovation /
1. Read: Start With Why by Simon Sinek
2. Watch: Livia Firth in conversation with Satish Kumar: “Every Crisis Is An Opportunity” on EcoAge
3. Listen: The Entrepreneurs by Monocle
4. Follow: @bof @vevolution_ @bcorporation
Spiritual Wellbeing/
1. Read: Well-being The Five Essential Elements by Tom Rath
2. Watch: Why Governments Should Prioritise Well-Being Ted Talk
3. Listen: On Purpose by Jay Shetty
4. Follow: @stalkalice @jasminehemsley @dcopperman
“Artivism. Touching a heart of complexity” is a project financed by the European Union’s Erasmus+ Programme.
The content of page represents the views of the author only and is their sole responsibility. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.
