»Exploring Transnational Realities« – Movement Learning Catalyst Online Course – Session 3

This Weeks Journey

This week we take a look at different transnational realities that can exemplify what we mean when we talk about a 'transnational' dimension. 

 

1. Imagine 

Remember that this section provides material for imagination. This week we propose you two inspiring readings:

1. Resistance as a place of learning: the story of Lützerath on a photo-essay

The eviction of Lützerath: the village being destroyed for a coalmine
In the photo, a person sits at the edge of the Garzweiler mine. Source: Social-Media-Hub Lützerath 

2. »Engaging with Europe«
 

Anti-Facist Flashmob in Finland. Source: CC BY 4.0

Now, we invite you to read Some Lessons for Transnational Activists based on the research report 'The Rise of Insurgent Europeanism'.

Curious to read and explore further?

The article proposed is based on an academic report titled 'The Rise of Insurgent Europeanism'. You can download it here. 

 

2. Reflect 

In a simple definition, transnationalism suggests a weakening of the control a nation-state has over its borders, inhabitants, and territory. It includes all the economic, social, political, and cultural processes that extend beyond the boundaries of nation-states. But we believe that the concept entails much more than this; that is why for this week we have put together for you a series of video case studies that we hope can help you reflecting on the complexities of what transnational activism entails.

The examples we bring to reflect on this are two:

1. Interview by Seema Syeda to our friend Kalina Drenska, from the magazine and platform LeftEast, who talks about her personal experience being an activist at a transnational level.

2. A short discussion between our colleagues Ophélie Masson and Georg Blokus, who talked about transnational assemblies as a tool for engaging citizens in democracy. 

Serve your self a cup of your favorite drink, get comfortable, and enjoy the watch!

The conversation between Ophélie Masson and Georg Blokus was recorded in the context of the Transnational Assembly of Workers' Solidarity: Towards Ecological Syndicalism!

3. Create

We hope all this didn't get you too tired. As you know, the last section of every week's journey is the most hands-on, in which today we invite you to going in depth into your own transnational reality. Let's go ahead:

• Please, close your eyes;
• take some time to breath,
• now, think about your own experience: what is your personal mapping of experiences in the field of transnationalism? What connections have your made with other parts of the world, personally, professionally or in your activism? What things had in common all these different places? What made you feel in connection with them? What tools did you use to strengthen these connections? 

Now that you've reflected about all these questions, we would like you to open the app of notes in your phone and please: 

• Write down your answers to the questions above.
• Select 5 photos from your photo gallery that can illustrate and represent these questions.

This is a very personal exercise, but if you feel like sharing it, we would love to receive your answers at info@euroalter.com.

Moving forward

We are almost done with the 4 weeks course! It's really being a pleasure to accompany you on this journey.
As you know next week we'll look at the last chapter of the course on Challenges to Transnational Organising & Branching out.