This course for FLINTA individuals (women, lesbians, inter, non-binary, trans, and agender people) is divided into two parts: In the first part, you’ll learn how to set boundaries and tap into your strength in a Wendo class. Where do my boundaries even begin? And what in my mind is stopping me from saying no?
You’ll learn a wide range of effective strategies for putting a stop to boundary violations early on—whether through body language, your voice, or self-defense techniques. The course addresses various types of challenging situations: in relationships, at work, at demonstrations, and during encounters with the police. You’ll become aware of your own strength and learn to use it effectively: Wendo is both violence prevention and empowerment.
The second part focuses on moral courage and verbal self-defense. Violent actions, discriminatory remarks, and domineering conversation styles often push us to the limits of our own capacity to act. We ask: What’s actually happening here? Do I look the other way? Do I step in? Do I dare to say something—and if so, what? Recognizing your own sphere of influence and taking action requires self-reflection, empathy, courage, and practice.
Modules
- Recognizing and Identifying Boundary Violations and Violence
- Use of Voice and Body Language
- Awareness Exercises and Role-Playing: Assessing and Practicing Situations
- Striking and kicking techniques
- Asserting Yourself Confidently in Political Activism
- Exploring gender-specific socialization, information on support services, relaxation exercises
- Practicing Argumentation Strategies
- Exploring Options for Action for Those Who Witness Discrimination or Inappropriate Behavior
This course is for you if...
- You are a FLINTA person and want to defend yourself against situations where someone gets too close to you, yells at you, touches you against your will, or misgenders you.
- You’re politically active and want to remain capable of taking action even in difficult situations. Wendo means: Everyone can defend themselves.
- You are a FLINTA person and feel affected by sexism, transphobia, queerphobia, or other forms of boundary violations.
- You’d like to practice taking a stand in everyday life—at home, at work, and in public spaces—when you witness discrimination.
- you want to try out strategies and learn when it makes sense to step in, take a stand, or say “stop.”
Speakers
Instructors
Nana Melling (no pronouns) and Aylin Kortel (she/her)
Nana and Aylin are certified Wendo instructors (2.5 years of training at the Wendo Association in Giessen according to BvFest standards). They bring experience in anti-racist, anti-capitalist, and memory-based educational work, as well as mediation. Their trauma-informed and empowering courses support gender-diverse people and women, teach concrete self-assertion and self-defense strategies for everyday life, and create safe spaces for diverse life experiences.
Speaker
Lux Pratter
Lux Pratter is a trained political adult educator with years of experience in the fields of critical media education and media literacy, educational work on the politics of memory, anti-fascist and queer-feminist activism, and community building.
Are you sure this course is right for you?
Then sign up right away! The sooner you sign up, the sooner you'll secure a spot.
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.