Why Activist Academy


There is something wrong with the world today. This world of inequality, ecological destruction, racism and climate change is not the world we imagine for the future of humanity.


Yes, you can change it

But we need more individuals and organized groups with the skills, resources, experience and confidence to stand up for the causes they believe in. This is what we bring.


Not just an Activist Academy

We are building a community. A wave of change-makers. A haven for those burning with the desire to see positive radical shifts in our society.


For all activists

Whether you're a seasoned activist or a newbie just finding your voice, our training programs will equip you with the knowledge, strategies, and practical skills needed to drive change. 

About Activist Academy


Activist Academy is a non-profit that teaches people around the world how to take action and organize. We are here for everyone who is concerned and angry about discrimination and inequality, global warming, the destruction of biodiversity, the absence of real democracy and the rise of the far right. 

Our students are ordinary people with an extraordinary ambition: to change the world. Not doing so is not an option.

At Activist Academy, you will learn how.

Meet The Trainers

Jeroen


Wondering whether you should sweet-talk your way into power, or give ’em a good old kick in the ass? Having a tough time sorting out how to make those in power respond to your demands? Jeroen is here to confront existing power dynamics, and expand your own power.

“First, dream it. Then, put it into words. Then, find courage to fight for it. And that’s how you win.”

We’ve lost count of the number of protests, press actions, blockades and other actions Jeroen has been a part of. Through these experiences, he has come to understand the most effective path to success: bold tactics, woven into a savvy campaign.

For years now, Jeroen has been deeply involved in a diverse array of social movements, both professionally and in his free time. It’s safe to say he’s elevated activism to an art form. The art of building power around your demands, then translating that power into genuine social change—and the art of working together to make a difference for the people who matter to you.

Armed with an array of tools and tactics, a dash of creativity, and a touch of humour, Jeroen guides your group in changing its course towards a more sustainable and just world. So, where is your power? Within your people—and with Jeroen.

Ike


I’m Ike, one of the trainers of the Activist Academy. I’m happy to share my toolbox of effective tactics and action strategies with you, based on fifteen years of experience in grassroots groups, civil society organizations and mass movements.

At Greenpeace I learned the tricks of the trade of strategic campaigning. Extinction Rebellion gave me insight into the do’s and don’ts of building a civil disobedient mass movement. At Friends of the Earth I understood the importance of building diverse coalitions to win intersectional fights. The biggest Dutch workers' union thought me the power of organising. At the Ende Gelände and Code Red mass blockade actions I fully understood the meaning of ‘people power’.

I’m convinced that ordinary people are able to build movements that can overturn power and change the world. What you need is a rock-solid strategy and the skills to build a movement, organise effective actions, change narratives and win your fight. At the Activist Academy I will teach you not only how to climb on the barricade, but also to know exactly which barricade to climb at what moment to make a real impact.

Koenraad

Meet Koenraad, a steadfast warrior ready to join forces with you and create a significant impact on society. Time to strategically build up influence, smartly organise, and fearlessly take on the challenge of shifting the system — with Koenraad leading the charge, of course.

'Don’t Mourn. Organise.' (Joe Hill)

Equipped with highly developed leadership skills, Koenraad is the strategic and analytical mastermind behind Activist Academy. He’s a pro at breaking down complex ideas into simple terms, and a visionary thinker who instinctively grasps any group's needs.

With Koenraad, careful planning meets on-the-fly adaptability. If you’re dealing with complex organisational shifts, with both internal and external influences, he’s more than happy to shift into high gear. He relishes crafting all-encompassing strategic plans, especially when he gets to untangle intricate legal complexities and harmonise different perspectives on change.

Koenraad is a hardcore activist, cooperative entrepreneur, and executive director at a social-profit organisation. As an activist consultant, he’s helped over a hundred social organisations and grass roots groups.



You?

Are you passionate about social change? Do you have the skills to inspire and empower the next generation of activists? Are you looking to share your knowledge and make a lasting impact?

If yes, then the Activist Academy needs YOU!

We are on the lookout for dynamic external trainers who can bring their unique perspective, expertise, and energy to our programs.

Whether your background is in grassroots organizing, digital campaigning, social justice education, or any related field, we believe your insights are valuable.

Interested? Drop us a message with your background and experience. Let’s change the world together!

A look behind the scenes

At Activist Academy, we believe in transparency. As we hope you will join us to build power for social change, we want you to not just know where we are heading together, but also where we come from and why we started this journey.  

Where do we come from?

Activist Academy was founded by S&L, a Belgian worker’scooperative that helps nonprofit organizations and NGOs in Europe to improve their strategy and leadership to create systemic change. 

S&L is composed of experienced social advisors, activists and social entrepreneurs. 

Some of the S&L staff will continue to be involved in Activist Academy and share their experience through the Activist Academy trainings. We are also gathering a growing group of experienced trainers around the AA platform that have no connection with S&L.  

S&L and Activist Academy share a long term vision on creating levers for structural change in the world, but AA has its own strategy, operational autonomy and an independent board of advisors. 

Non-profits and NGOs are not enough

S&L supports non-profits and NGOs because it believes they are an important force to address challenges such as inequality, climate change or racism. 

But it also believe they are not enough. To make fundamental social breakthroughs, S&L grew to believe increasingly in the power of disruption. That's why S&L decided to strengthen activism and grassroots movements around the world by launching the Activist Academy. 

How is Activist Academy funded?

S&L is a cooperative where dozens of people work supporting hundreds of organizations. For that, S&L is paid by these organizations. S&L workers receive a fair wage for their work. 

Some of the S&L workers can spend some paid time to give trainings in Activist Academy. 

For that purpose, Activist Academy was established as a separate nonprofit with a start-up budget. To ensure sustainability of the project and continued autonomy, Activist Academy will start to generate its own financial resources once the initial courses have been launched. 

Activist Academy will generate its own income through the sale of membership to supporters and grants. All these funds are reinvested in Activist Academy. Activist Academy workers receive a fair income, reflecting our values.  

Our challenges

The work has only just begun. We want to take on these challenges: 

  • Develop a rapidly scalable organizational model that will allow us to train thousands of activists around the world online. In doing so, we are reaching out to those groups and individuals who might not consider. themselves activists just yet.  
  • Teaching activists around the world to move from mobilising (“getting people to show up”) to organizing (“having people step up and take up a significant role”). Because this is the only way to build a sustainable movement. 
  • Increase diversity in the team so that it becomes a better reflection of society. We share this challenge with many other groups contributing to change. We realise we aren’t representative enough as it is and see this as a challenge to prioritise.The urgency of the challenges we face in the world means we need to start today, but we are invested in bringing in committed people with different backgrounds tomorrow. We will do everything we can to bring in new people of all ethnic, class, gender and cultural backgrounds. 
  • Develop the resources to provide offline trainings in addition to online trainings 
  • Gather the resources to provide incubation of new groups in addition to training.