The Intermestic (domestic-international) Learning Series aims to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and strategies, experiences and insights among organizers and movement builders from the United States and around the globe, offering participants the opportunity to share on defending and promoting democracy in their respective contexts. This webinar series is a Democracy Resource Hub collaboration.
Context
With authoritarianism and divide-and-rule politics resurgent and democracy backsliding in the US and globally, pro-democracy movement building and solidarity have never been more important. Research has found that investment in training and cross-border learning is one of the most effective ways to build the skills, relationships, and infrastructure needed to block anti-democratic forces and build strong and resilient democracies. Broad-based movements and coalitions have the power to prevent overturning legitimate elections, push back against extremism, and advance the rights of marginalized communities so often targeted by authoritarian leaders. As we head into a monumental election year for 54 countries and the European Union, these case studies offer opportunities to reflect on lessons learned for how movement leaders, organizers, bridge- and peacebuilders can push back against authoritarian practices and advance just, inclusive democracy.
Purpose
The Intermestic Learning Series aims to:
Strengthen relationships among activists, organizers, peacebuilders, and democracy practitioners across the globe;
Facilitate opportunities for cross-border learning around strategies and tactics for pushing back against authoritarianism and advancing diverse, just, and inclusive democracy; and
Build solidarity and explore opportunities for connection within a broader global movement to counter authoritarianism and reimagine democracy.
Explore how humor and dilemma actions empower pro-democracy movements by exposing authoritarian absurdities and fostering community resilience.Humor and dilemma actions are powerful tools for defending democracy, especially in repressive environments. By placing authoritarian regimes in “lose-lose” situations and engaging public attention, these creative tactics help counter repression and strengthen communities.
Managing internal conflicts is crucial for the success of broad-based organizing efforts, as unresolved tensions can lead to fragmentation, working at cross-purposes, and even the dissolution of movements. By strengthening internal capacity in tools that can address these challenges, movements can build resilience, foster collaboration, and maintain the alignment necessary to achieve their goals.
With the global rise of authoritarianism, civil society is experiencing an unprecedented crack down around the world. Drawing from the experiences of organizations in Florida, Brazil, and Nicaragua, this conversation explored the challenges and opportunities of organizing in contexts where freedom of expression and assembly are severely restricted.Key questions addressed were:
What tactics have proven effective in mobilizing communities under repressive regimes?
How can organizers and civil society leaders navigate surveillance and crackdowns while still building momentum for change?
How can civil society organizations monitor and be prepared for increasingly repressive attacks?
About the Democracy Resource Hub
The Democracy Resource Hub is supported by the 22nd Century Initiative, United Vision for Idaho, the SHIFT Action Lab, and the Horizons Project. The hub sits within the Commons Social Change Library which has over 1000+ resources. For more information and to access a wealth of learning resources to complement these webinars, visit the Democracy Resource Hub Collection.Do you have a topic regarding democracy and social change that offers a real question with international appeal, and that will benefit from exploration from diverse perspectives and experiences from around the world? Send proposals for future intermestic workshops to [email protected]Credit: The Artwork on the Democracy Resource Hub logo is by Veronika Belcheva (CC-BY-NC-SA).
Managing internal conflicts is crucial for the success of broad-based organizing efforts, as unresolved tensions can lead to fragmentation, working at cross-purposes, and even the dissolution of movements. By strengthening internal capacity in tools that can address these challenges, movements can build resilience, foster collaboration, and maintain the alignment necessary to achieve their goals.
With the global rise of authoritarianism, civil society is experiencing an unprecedented crack down around the world. Drawing from the experiences of organizations in Florida, Brazil, and Nicaragua, this conversation explored the challenges and opportunities of organizing in contexts where freedom of expression and assembly are severely restricted.Key questions addressed were: