Maintaining well-being in human rights campaigning: Activist Lab for young activists

In July 2024, Justice & Peace held the Summer Activist Lab in The Hague; an edition which focused on well-being against the backdrop of shrinking civic space and the increased polarization in an intense political and human rights climate.

On this occasion, 12 young activists from a range of backgrounds and campaigning expertise such as civil rights, political accountability, climate justice, gender equality, and economic transformation met for three days to gain knowledge about influencing policy, develop their advocacy skills, and to exchange insights with other activists. In this way, the created space aimed to provide tools to confront the shrinking civic space in the Netherlands, Europe, and other world regions.

”I really appreciated the safe space to talk about and reflect on well-being in the context of activism and global problems, as well as the practical tips for taking care of your own well-being.”

Activist Lab Participant

Resilience and positive narrative construction

The training series opened with a workshop on digital well-being which informed of larking risks and online harm. In the second part of the session, trainers delved into the dissemination of resilience strategies for emotional regulation, positive-thinking, and problem-solving skills. An interactive session focused on creativity for well-being and artivism followed, which was led by Abecor, a graphic journalist, artist, and civil rights defender from Bolivia, and resident of the Artists’ Safe Haven initiative. The youth activists were inspired to hear stories on the work of the Bolivian defender, and joined his pottery workshop, meant to guide them to create something reflecting their activism and selves.

“I acquired new tools, whether for freedom of expression or any other objectives that are important for my activism.”

Activist Lab Participant

After a powerful start to summer school, the second day employed the tools of storytelling and systems thinking. Inspired by the European Youth Forum’s Activism Inside Out training course, it aimed to empower the participants to nurture care and empathy for themselves and the world around them. The day concluded with a session which addressed countering mis- and disinformation using positive narrative construction. Many frames and approaches were presented to demonstrate how influential positive narratives can be in perceiving, interpreting, and receiving information. Given these tools, the activists moved into thematic groups and constructed alternative narratives to common misconceptions for target audiences of their choice. Those were based on communication that shares value and moves away from inciting fear, shame, and blame.

“I met other people, working on their own domain. I received some wonderful insights about changing narratives and being more kind to myself.”

Activist Lab Participant

The trainers

The summer school was led by experts on digital disinformation, civil society organizations, and media literacy. Jordy Nijenhuis, the co-founder of Dare to be Grey, an award-winning organization dedicated to countering polarization guided the sessions on constructing positive narratives. Additionally, Gaffar Rampage was a trainer, facilitator, and moderator with 10 years of experience working with European public and civil society organizations.

Activist Lab reunion

Aiming to build an active community and allow for a space of sharing and constant networking, a reunion was held in October with participants from both summer and winter Activist Lab editions. Constructive dialogue and a brainstorming session were facilitated revolving around challenges and solutions in social topics the activists were interested in. To follow up on positive narrative construction, well-being, and artivism, Javan The Poet, a Kenyan artist, human rights advocate and Artists’ Safe Haven guest, presented his work on women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ equality, and against police brutality. Finally, he invited participants to exchange best practices for organizing community events, concerts, and creative events to generate a change in perspectives.

We are always inspired to witness grassroots changemakers take the lead in shaping the world positively. We thank all participants for contributing their passion, time, and expertise to meaningful change. We look forward to welcoming you to the next Activist Lab.