Newspaper Theatre

Newspaper theatre is the earliest branch in the Theatre of the Oppressed tree of methodologies. It draws on activist techniques devised by theatre artists living in totalitarian regimes where free speech was under threat. In this workshop we will explore how we can use these forms today to dispel misinformation that is spread through social media sources. How can we use our creativity to reveal what isn’t being said? 

Facilitator: Chriszine Backhouse, Creativity & Change. Helen O’Keeffe will graphically harvest the workshop. 

Navigating the Grey Space

As polarisation and division threaten to undermine social cohesion, hate and division often thrive not through overt hostility, but through subtle manipulation, misinformation, and emotional appeal.  'Navigating the Grey space' is an interactive workshop designed to unpack the strategies used by those focused on division - and equipping educators with practical approaches to tackle these narratives —especially in everyday conversations and educational settings. 

Participants will explore the tools used to normalize hate and division, with a particular focus on migration and Trans people's rights. Participants will be supported to recognize and engage with the “grey zone” where these ideas are seeded— and bring different perspectives into a conversation while holding the line against overt racism and discrimination. Attendees will gain practical tools to engage in these conversations, challenge harmful ideas, and help guide groups you work with toward more constructive, inclusive perspectives. 

Facilitator: Niamh McDonald, Hope & Courage Collective

Singing for Change 

In this workshop you will learn about and experience the power of group harmony singing to engage participants at a somatic, emotional and cognitive level in ecological and social justice issues. Rachel has been leading singing workshops for wellbeing and change for many years and will share some of the benefits of harnessing music and song in GCE and movement building, how it is done around the world and share about a new project, Singing for Change Ireland. You will come away feeling extremely energised and positive following a collective musical experience with Rachel, as well some tips on leading simple songs even as non-singers, and access to songs to share with groups for singing/listening. Open to all, regardless of singing experience.

Facilitator:   Rachel Dempsey, Full Circle Change

Meaningful Action for Palestine

Meaningful action is a vital component of Development Education/Global Citizenship Education. Now more than ever, we need action from everyone! This workshop will explore meaningful action, particularly in regard to Palestine, using creative methodologies.

Facilitator: Lizzy Noone and members of the IDEA Development Education on Palestine working group.

Interactive Space Session

Pause, Explore, Flourish

Pause, Explore, Flourish is a project that offers a space for you to explore and nurture your wellbeing. It is a co-created space developed in MTU in collaboration with artists and students. It draws on research about various means and aspects that support wellbeing. 

It is common for activists and global justice educators to experience social justice fatigue, or feelings of helplessness in the face of global crises and eco-anxiety.  We see creativity as both a tool for transformation in the world and a tool to support inner transformation, resilience building, and as a source of joy.

 
Visit our Creative Wellbeing interactive area at the conference. In this space you will find some inspiration through words and images and a nurturing space for your own creativity and wellbeing. Feel welcome, to sit, breathe, engage or just be. You can also find an online version of the creative inspiration and prompts here.  We invite you to take time to support your own wellbeing in a way that works for you! 

Facilitator: Creativity & Change, MTU Crawford