ABOUT THIS PROJECT
“[T]he more radical the person is, the more fully he or she enters into reality so that, knowing it better, he or she can transform it. This individual is not afraid to confront, to listen, to see the world unveiled. This person is not afraid to meet the people or to enter into a dialogue with them. This person does not consider himself or herself the proprietor of history or of all people, or the liberator of the oppressed; but he or she does commit himself or herself, within history, to fight at their side.” ― Paulo Freire , Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Fact 1: I am honoured to have been invited to the international ‘Thinkwell’ training in Tanzania as one of the ‘Training for Transformation’ alumni to share best practice - to reflect, be inspired and deepen our learnings amongst leading human-rights activists from around the world. I completed the human-rights programme Training for Transformation (TfT) diploma in 2014 and it was by far the most inspiring training programme I have ever been lucky enough to do.
Fact 2: As a freelance activist committed to grassroots collective empowerment the vast majority of my activism in unpaid with communities affected by economic and social injustice, living at the sharp-end-of-the-knife.
Fact 3: Only with your help will I get to the ‘Thinkwell’. I need to raise £1000 to attend the training this September which will cover travel and visa costs and the space to curate and disseminate the learnings throughout the UK thereafter. I am seeking your support with anything you can afford which is deeply appreciated - dan XXX
About the the ‘Thinkwell’ - Activist Global Summit at Training for Transformation
Training for Transformation (TfT) is a course designed for community development workers. TFT is founded on the philosophy that there is a need for a new generation of leaders in development who are self-motivated and whose thinking and practice is grounded in communities’ realities. Training for Transformation (TfT) is based on a number of approaches to change. The core of this work is the development of critical consciousness and creativity. It was developed from Paulo Freire’s radically different approach to adult education which helped people “to read their reality and write their own history” , and motivates them to action that transforms their life situation. TfT has nourished the belly of movements for justice all over the world. TfT has inspired activists and communities all over the world. To mention just a few – the Black Consciousness Movement, Centre for Human Ecology , Abahlali – the South African Shack Dwellers Movement , Centre for Youth Resources Foundation Network (CRYfoNe), Mamelani , the Brazilian Landless Workers Movement (MST).
http://www.grailprogrammes.org.za
AND THIS IS WHY
I am an activist, facilitator artist, performer and writer involved in a range of human rights, healthcare, LGBTQIA+, anti-fascism and other movements for change. My recent programmes involve MC'ing 'Shafted?!' a speakeasy led by people with HIV, HIV / HEP C Blind Date , the ' Never Again Ever! Beyond UKIP Cabaret in Nigel Farage's boozer and co-founding ‘Queer Tours of London - A Mince Through Time’ .
Suffering is not highly respected today. Much of our culture considers the pain of suffering the province of losers, something to be avoided, a punishment for making mistakes in life. Those affected by trauma are then doubly-damaged by being silenced on a subject considered taboo. How do we maintain hope and faith in desperate times? Direct action and the community work that I do, attempts to do this. These spaces then create community and perpetuates a spirit of hope and speaks to the human condition, to the innermost core of people where everyone is coming from the same place.
More details at www.theglassishalffull.co.uk and at alright@theglassishalffull.co.uk - Twitter #danglassisfull
“Dan’s enthusiasm and passion is impressive and infectious. An engaging, well-considered and formidable presenter and campaigner… ” —Linda Butcher, Chief Executive, Sheila McKechnie Foundation
“A unique voice from the heart of several significant storms who’ll inspire your socks off. The exuberance Dan’s passion for change is matched only by the depth of his rage and the warmth of his intellect .” Liz Snook, Plane Stupid
“Dan Glass is the most creative, brilliant, world-changing activist, giving people a voice who would otherwise be silenced. His genius is in the celebratory nature of his activism. He has battled for LGBTQI+ rights, HIV rights, against the spreading of hate from people like Nigel Farage, refugee rights and more. He is an inspiration. One of the most caring and dedicated people I know.” Ruth Daniels, In Place of War
“Truly inspiring leadership training and techniques to engage low income communities.” Tim Oshodi, participant at the ‘Let Freedom Ring!’ programme
What will your donation help create?
By attending the Thinkwell I will
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Provide the methodology and strength for a year long series of ‘training for transformation’ trainings throughout the UK. With rising inequality and compounding oppressions throughout society, there is a serious need to continue to build a strong popular education based movement to transform our world.
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Inform the continuing strategy of the activism I am involved in - to continually push boundaries that operate out of our normal comfort zones. This will manifest across the UK, through radio shows, protests, performance, investigative journalism, television shows, slam poetry and trainings we bring our dreams to life.
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Be written and disseminated through a series of blogs from straight after the training and throughout the rest of 2017.
“Co-facilitating and training with Dan Glass has been a creative and fully involving experience. He has a vast experience of participatory techniques to push people to analysing structural problems from different angles and explore the causality links between events, to identify root problems. He works together with people to look at how experiences of oppression interconnect, and develop radical collective responses.” Silvia Petretti, Deputy CEO, Positively UK
“What most stand out for me in the course of nearly 2 years of everyday working with Dan around bringing equality, visibility and lasting voice to the LGBTQI+ community are his visions and ability to bring creativity into activism, trainings, workshops, events, inspirational talks and many more that he delivers in the community.” Aderonke Apata, African Rainbow Family
'Dan Glass is a fearless visionary and charismatic leader, and presenter who will change the world.” Jeremy Goldstein, theatre producer
XXX THANK YOU AND LOVE SO MUCH PALS XXX
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