In these challenging times, workers and activists across Aotearoa are mobilising to defend our rights, protect progressive policies on te Tiriti and climate change, halt unwanted military alliances, and stop Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. The workers’ movement has always recognised the need for strong and effective organisation captured in the slogan educate, agitate, organise! As our movement grows and the challenges continue we need to educate, agitate and organise now more than ever.
In partnership with several local activist organisations–including Asians Supporting Tino Rangatiratanga, Justice for Palestine, Peace Action Wellington, Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition, Stop AUKUS and VUW International Socialists–the Wellington Workers’ Educational Association is now offering a programme of practical, skills-based education workshops.
The workshops are open to all activists in progressive organisations working on peace, justice, te Tiriti, LGBTQIA+ rights, anti-racism, anti-fascism, climate change, animal rights and any other progressive cause. There is no charge but a koha is encouraged. Please see the health and safety details below. All WWEA meetings and workshops adhere to our educational principles to ensure that discussion is inclusive, safe and non-sectarian.
We are beginning with the following four workshops.
You can book into one or more workshops using this booking form.
Organising Non-Violent Direct Action
Sunday 14th April, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Newtown Community Centre, corner of Colombo and Rintoul Streets
Non-violent direct action (NVDA) is a tool for making positive social change. It has a long history in Aotearoa starting with Parihaka, where Māori resisted forced land sales by pulling up survey pegs and ploughing fields. It has been used by different movements in different ways, because it encompasses any political action that directly intervenes in the injustice to stop it, from strikes and boycotts to blockades and animal liberation. In this workshop, we will be doing active exercises, practising what it feels like to plan and take direct action, and exploring some strategic, tactical, and ethical questions of when to use NVDA.
Lunch will be provided. Please wear loose and comfortable clothes. The workshop exercises will include close physical contact and shouting.
Workshop Leaders: Val, Ellie & Laura.
Planning a Campaign Strategy with the Organising Diamond
Tuesday 23rd April, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Ernie Abbott Room, Wellington Trades Hall, 126 Vivian Street, Wellington
Learn a simple framework – ‘the organising diamond’ for movement building and growing influence for your cause. Aimed at leftist groups with existing campaign experience, this workshop will help you take your activism to the next level to continue growing your movement and group in a sustainable way.
Our facilitators Selvi (tangata tiriti Sri Lankan Tamil descent, member of Asians Supporting Tino Rangatiratanga) and Duncan (Pākehā) will guide you through the approaches they’ve used for making change during their collective 15 plus years of experience as union organisers and educators. Throughout the workshop, you’ll be learning from one another, sharing tools, tips, and tactics as your facilitators weave these into a strategy to grow the reach and effectiveness of your cause.
Workshop Leaders: Selvi & Duncan.
First Aid for Activists
Thursday 9th May, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Newtown Community Centre, corner of Colombo and Rintoul Streets
Whether we’re a designated marshal or first-aider, or whether we’re simply looking out for our comrades in a rally or march, while we’re changing the world we might also be called on to provide a range of kinds of care for those around us. The possibilities of ways we might be called on can feel a little overwhelming: from cuts and scrapes to physical exhaustion to psychological distress to life-threatening injury or other medical emergency. This workshop will be an opportunity for collective learning, sharing, and empowerment for any rally-going leftist. The evening is suitable for anyone with an interest in the well-being of those around us, regardless of whether or not you have any previous first-aid training or experience.
Workshop Leader: Serah.
Activist Legal Training
Thursday 23rd May, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Newtown Community Centre, corner of Colombo and Rintoul Streets
Join Laura from Community Law to learn about your rights at a protest. This session will be interactive and cover your legal rights at protests, how to protect yourself and what laws are often used by police to try to shut down peaceful protest. You’ll come away more equipped to know your rights and make decisions that work for you in a protest setting.
Workshop Leader: Laura
Health & Safety
COVID-19 is still present in Aotearoa and has its worst effects on immuno-compromised, Māori, Pasifika and other POC communities. In the spirit of radical community solidarity, anti-racism and disability justice, we ask that you take the COVID precautions below.
Our commitment: We will provide ventilated spaces with a HEPA filter air purifier and masks.
We ask you to confirm you were RAT negative on the day of the workshop. Don’t attend if you are feeling unwell. Wear a mask
Justice for Palestine 