More than just the climate is changing in the world today. Governments are falling one by one to fascism and far-right political parties. With them comes an institutionalisation of doubt, denial, and a turn away from collective solutions to our shared problems.
This class will explore the impacts of that transition and what we can do about it. What can we do to protect our scientists? How can we transform the climate movement into one that can rise to the scale of the needed change. And most of all, what should the climate movement do to fight fascism and ensure a livable planet for everyone.
Guest speakers include Bill McKibben, Amy Westervelt, James Renwick, Ketan Joshi … and more to come!
For more information and registrations, visit: https://makinghope.lilregie.com
How this course works
Taking inspiration from the long history around the world of folk education, particularly the Scandinavian and Appalachian traditions, this course is designed to offer a fun, affordable and rigorous experience–that serves the needs of working adults.
Like all folk education, liberation and movement building is at the core of the course. We save ourselves together–and we educate ourselves to build solidarity, share tactics, and create a shared vision for a better future for all of us.
There’s no grades, no assessments, no credentials.
This is about learning for the love of learning and the love of each other.
More than just the climate is changing.
Governments around the world are falling one by one to fascism and far-right political parties. With them comes an institutionalisation of doubt, denial, and a turn away from collective solutions to our shared problems.
This class will explore the impacts of that transition–and what we can do about it. What can we do to protect our scientists? How can we transform the climate movement into one that can rise to the scale of the needed change. And most of all, what should the climate movement do to fight fascism and ensure a liveable planet for everyone.
Your Facilitator
Mandy Henk is a co-founder of Dark Times Academy and long time climate activist. Her 2014 book, Ecology, Economy, Equity: The Path to a Carbon Neutral Library (ALA) was the first book for librarians focused climate change. She’s an educator, librarian, writer, and activist focusing on tech, climate, and counter disinformation.
Zoom sessions
17 September – 12 November
NZST: Wednesday 10:00 am
EDT: Thursday 8:00 pm
PDT: Thursday 5:00 pm
AEST: Wednesday 8:00 am
Note: Daylight saving time will happen in multiple places during this course! We will follow the time change in Aotearoa New Zealand. Please check the time for each week below using the link to confirm for your location!
Class Outline
This class is different from our usual offerings!
Each week will have a new expert guest in to answer the question “How did we get here?” and “What do we do now?” Students will be sent a short, recorded interview with the guest before class, and then we will sit down as a group and talk with the guest about their ideas, their work, and what they think we should all be doing in this moment. If you’ve been feeling hopeless or unsure how to help, this class will leave you with a broad range of evidence-informed perspectives and ideas for what you can do to create a better world.
Week 1 17 September Let’s make hope!
This week will be a getting to know you week for everyone. We will focus on discussing the climate movement to date, our own experiences as people who care about climate, and how we have been impacted by the rise of far right governments. This class will also be the one where we decide how we want to welcome our guests and work to create a vibrant classroom environment.
Week 2 24 September TBD
Week 3 1 October
Week 4 8 October
15 October Break week!
Week 5 22 October
Week 6 29 October
Week 7 5 November Bill McKibben
Time Zone Finder Link
Week 8 12 November Wrap-up!
Time Zone Finder Link
Class Project
Classes like this can feel heavy sometimes–but action helps us to redirect our energy into doing the work of making a better world. As part of this class, we will be offering the opportunity for the class to decide on shared optional project aimed at making a cooler world. We will discuss the options and make a plan together–in the past Mandy’s classes have created learning games, planned events, and developed submissions to political leaders. What we do will be up to the students who enrol!
Code of Conduct
Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaged learning community where we all prioritise learning and building relationships with each. This course and all Dark Times Academy classes and events aim to be accessible to all people regardless of age, disability, sexuality, background, religion, gender or ethnicity.
A respectful, open attitude towards others is expected from all. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in your removal from the course.
Life is hard enough as it is, leading with kindness and patience is key to a great learning experience, one that ensures all members feel welcomed.
Anxiety, Busyness, and Stress
Doing an online course on top of your full-time job, care responsibilities, and other life stuff is really hard. It’s ok to fall behind! Please don’t let anxiety or stress lead you to avoid engaging or cause you to feel inadequate.
Do your best, it will be good enough. Ask for help if you need it. We are always happy to support you as best we can.
Accessibility
Please email Mandy with any accessibility needs. We are happy to work together to make this class work for you