Network was delighted to support a youth focused event led by Creative Wick on 22 June 2022 called, School of Activism. The event provided a rich and interactive forum of inspiring presentations and discussion from young campaigners, local developers, and engagement led by The People Speak, including an overview of east London histories of activism by Professor Nadia Valman, QMUL, School of English and Drama.
Staged as part of the London Festival of Architecture, the event partnered with Hackney Wick Community Development Trust to support and enlighten young people’s involvement in, and engagement with, their local built environment. It looked to build confidence and tools to challenge and influence local planning decisions, asking what effective neighbourhood activism is and covered areas such as: How to be an effective activist; Building networks and securing influence; Showcase of successful neighbourhood activism campaigns from pressure groups and campaigners; Community Ownership – taking control, harnessing support and influencing stakeholders.