We live in systems that perpetuate deep inequalities among people. Some of these are obvious. We are fighting against them. Some inequalities are invisible: Whom do we listen to, what do we recognize as knowledge, and what principles guide our thinking? We are all entangled in these systems of “hegemonic thinking”—whether we want to be or not.
If we truly want to bring about change, we must start with ourselves and our groups: We need to critically examine how power and dominance structures become entrenched in our thinking, our bodies, our relationships, and our actions. We must examine our actions and thoughts, challenge assumptions, and recognize patterns. And building on that, we must actively develop a practice that does not follow the same logic.
In this course, we ask ourselves difficult questions: What conscious and unconscious principles and paradigms guide our activism? How can we unlearn hegemonic patterns without reproducing new forms of exclusion and power dynamics? And how can we shape activism and organizing as a practice of care and collective responsibility?
“We need to flood the entire system with life-affirming principles and practices, to clear the channels between us of the toxicity of supremacy, to heal from the harms of a legacy of devaluing some lives and needs in order to indulge others.”
– adrienne maree brown
We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice
Modules
- Self-reflection: What reasons, circumstances, and motivations lead us to get involved?
- Perspectives Critical of Power and Political Practice
- Dominant group cultures & alternatives
- Coalitions and Alliances
- Strategies that break the patterns
- Care as a political practice: bodies, relationships, and collective responsibility
This course is for you if...
- you’re interested not only in learning, but also in putunlearn
- you’re interested in learning that’s based on activist practice and doesn’t just engage the mind: exercises that incorporate art, poetry, and the body, drawing on feminist, anti-racist, decolonial, and body-oriented approaches, as well as inspiration from maiz’s everyday practice
- you want to advocate for justice and equality, no matter what issue your group is working on.
Speakers
Course Instructors
Instructors will be announced
maiz, the autonomous center by and for migrants, was founded in Linz in 1994. Since then, maiz has been active in six areas (counseling, education, culture, youth, Sex & Work, and Research/Knowledge Production) with the goal of improving the living and working conditions of migrant and refugee women and FLINTA individuals in Austria, promoting their political and cultural participation, and bringing about change in existing, unjust social conditions. Two trainers from the collective are co-teaching this course.
Are you sure this course is right for you?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do all courses last a week?
Yes, all courses at the Impuls Academy take place at the same time and last one week. They are part of a supporting program that complements the courses and facilitates reflection, deeper understanding, and networking. It is therefore essential to be present on site for the entire week.
Who is the Impuls Academy intended for?
Our program is designed primarily for people who are active in grassroots groups or who work in associations and nonprofit organizations. We also cater to individuals from labor unions, academic settings, and other institutions who are socially and politically engaged.
How much experience should I already have?
The Impuls Academy does not generally require a specific level of experience. However, it is primarily intended for participants who have been politically active for some time. Above all, it is important that participants have a desire to apply what they learn in practical ways afterward. Most of those who participate in the Impuls Academy have been active for several years.
When and how often does the Impuls Academy take place?
The Impuls Academy has been held since 2024, typically once a year in the spring. In addition, the organizations Humus and radius—which jointly organize the Impuls Academy—offer other continuing education programs, such as the “Tipping Points” workshop weekends. There are also occasional shorter-format events associated with the Impuls Academy.
How much does the Impuls Academy cost?
Who organizes the Impuls Academy?
The Impuls Academy is organized as part of a collaboration between the organizations Humus and radius. These organizations bring diverse experiences in the civil society sector to the table and complement each other well. The team shares a deep passion for progressive political work and extensive experience in social movements.