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"Activism is the rent for living on this planet."
Alice Walker
WHO WE ARE
The aim of PEN is to identify the learning needs of community activists in Scotland, and elsewhere where appropriate, and respond to those needs through the delivery of learning opportunities based on popular education methods.
We will do this by:
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Consultation with community activists to identify learning needs.
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Design and delivery of learning opportunities based on Popular Education methods.
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Research of community issues highlighted by activists.
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Publishing of papers relevant to work of PEN.
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To support the development of research and learning opportunities in relation to community activism.
Safe spaces to explore our world
PEN Scotland strives to create a space for everyone, regardless of backgrounds, ethnicity, gender or ability can come together to share experiences and to envision a better way for our future. To achieve this we have adopted the Fearless Cities recommendations to create a positive group culture. Although these were identified pre the covid crisis, we would encourage everyone to adapt these in online events and treat each other with respect, curiosity and encouragement.
Recommendations by Marea Feminista, the feminism group of municipalist platform Marea Atlantica (Atlantic Tide), A Coruna
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When you arrive at the assembly, try to avoid sitting in the most important spot.
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Even when you want to sit with people who are politically most like you, try to mix with people who are less politically similar to you too, particularly women.
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When the debate is opened to the floor, don’t be the first to speak, and remember there is mothing wrong with having a few minutes of reflection for those who have greater difficulty in expressing their ideas.
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When you participate in a debate, consider whether what you are about to say has already been said by someone else and whether it’s necessary to repeat it in order to add something. In this case, make reference to the person who already expressed the idea and add your contribution without repeating what’s already been said.
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Never try to translate, clarify or interpret what someone else has said, especially a woman. If you think something is unclear, ask her to explain it again or ask concrete questions about anything you find confusing.
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When you’re responding in a debate, try to space out your contributions.
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Always try to bear in mind how many men and women are participating in the debate.
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Try to estimate how long the interventions of other men and women in the group last and try to adjust your own to the average.
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Consider your non-verbal communication, your physical position, and how you feel and gesticulate.
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Moderate your tone of voice: shouting or being forceful shouldn’t make an opinion count more.
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