Newcastle University played host to the interactive workshop collective on 6th December. Leeds Maelstrom anti repression social centre on the 8th and two dates at Leeds University are the next stops on the tour with dates at MERCI in Manchester and Nottingham’s Sumac Centre booked for the following week. Check the events diary for more details.

We are a popular education collective which aims to provoke debate and inspire positive social change through interactive workshops and social events. The current focus of TRAPESE is informing and mobilizing around the issues behind the G8. The G8 group of nations are holding their annual meeting at Gleneagles in Scotland in July 2005. We see this event as an opportunity to strengthen existing networks and raise public awareness of alternatives to the current status quo. We hope to inspire and empower people to take action in their groups and communities and become part of the grassroots "movement of movements". We plan to continue our work far beyond the July 2005 summit and believe that it is the everyday forms of resistance and strengthening alternatives that are the most powerful opposition to the global elite.

To us popular education means developing a critical awareness about the world we live in – promoting social and environmental justice over economic gain – valuing creative, emotional knowledge rather than just facts.

In practice this involves knowing the group and its context beforehand and adopting our sessions to meet their needs. Working with existing experiences and knowledge within groups in a non-hierarchal way, stimulating debate and free thinking rather than dictating facts. Helping with future action plans, looking at local opportunities for organizing, networking contacts for training etc. All done with bags of energy and fun.

If you would like to host or come along to a TRAPESE roadshow event contact us at  roadshow@riseup.net or 07904 452297