Thematic
Civic spaces under pressure
[Germany – Austria – Slovakia – Hungary]
Civic spaces are an extension of the civil society, and when they function freely, they serve as a platform for our public, social and political lives. If they function properly and without restrictions, they can be the settings where social and political change can happen. Across the globe, governments are shutting down spaces for civic and political engagement. The closing of civic space is not just about people’s right to organize or protest in individual countries. With the Central Eastern route, we are going to travel across three countries where activists and civil society are suffering the harsher consequences of illiberal and neo-fascist democracies. Ahead of the European elections, we are going to travel to meet the movements and citizens that are organising to resist and confront the rise of these dangerous tendencies.
The Team
coordinator
Katarzyna Deka
I’m a a constant seeker of new inspirations from different people, areas and environments. Graduate in Psychology, I’m working as an international projects coordinator, process facilitator and educator developing and implementing international educational projects in Poland, Moldova and Portugal. Since 2016 I’m a team member of „Changemaker Course” applying the idea of changemaking in my daily life and sharing it with others. I practice, enjoy and value cooking (and eating!) as a tool of connection and sharing, experience-oriented traveling, empathy, gratitude, active listening, laughing and being „here and now”. In Transeuropa Caravans, I want to contribute to a positive civic change by promoting aware citizenship and active participation.
logistics coordinator
Lia Hamminga
I have been active in the non-profit sector as fundraiser and advisor. My experiences living in Eastern-Europe and the Balkans, combined with local LGBTQI+ activism, brought me on a path towards understanding how to be and live more peaceful as a person. Over the years I organised international trainings on conflict transformation and peace education in the Caucasus. This year I joined a Polish collective to start working on social change making and global education. Moreover, I work on nature education programs in Sweden. Being part of the Caravans, I am motivated to practice processes of connection and having uncomfortable conversations about Europe. My goal is to share and collect stories about the Europe of our dreams.
communications officer
Irene Dominioni
I am a freelance journalist working for Italian as well as international online outlets. I regularly cover a wide range of topics, ranging from migration to the environment, education and work issues, though I enjoy writing about whatever interesting story I set my eyes on. European projects are my other specialty, specifically those involving active youth participation. With Transeuropa Caravans I hope to be inspired and to inspire others.
facilitator
Georg Blokus
I’m a psychologist, theatre maker, cultural organizer, and political activist. Since school I’ve been developing long-term art projects at the intersection of activist theatre, community organizing, and participatory education with so-called »political actors« who already carry, or are willing to carry hope for a better future. I was the Artistic Educational Director of the Youth Academy of the Arts of the World/Cologne from 2014 to 2016. In 2017, I initiated the »School of Political Hope«. I’m also member of DiEM25.
Stops in route
Feldkirch
Salzburg
Open Discussion: “Why we have to fight for peace, democracy and human rights”
Lustenau
Dresden
Europa. Warum diesmal wählen?
Munchen
Vienna
Book presentation ‘Citizens of Nowhere’
Wake Up Europe Flash Mob with Amnesty International Youth
Budapest
Cargonomia visiting and documenting Local Organic Vegetable
Meeting with Pneuma Szöv
Berlin
Film screening “The Silence of Others” + Debate
Blog
Material
Check out the publications, reports, and documents related to this route.