connecting theory to action for movement building

Introduction: The Decolonial Activist Program is designed for individuals who want to contribute to the decolonial movement and seek a deeper understanding of the roots of colonialism, its ongoing impact on society, and the critical need for reparations. Whether you’re new to this subject or already actively involved within a specific community or social movement, this program offers you the opportunity to strengthen your insights, develop skills as a movement builder and connect with like minded people who want to join the movement for justice and reparations.

The next Decolonial Activist program wil be organised in october and november 2025.

Watch trailer-aftermovie for an impression of our 2025 Decolonial Activist program:

What is the Decolonial Activist Program
The Decolonial Activist Program is part of an educational initiative centered around the Pan-Decolonial Reparations Manifesto, which emerged from Aralez’s annual decolonial reparations conference in April 2024. This manifesto articulates reparatory demands directed towards Dutch institutions and state actors in relation to the global South and former as well as present colonies.

The Decolonial Activist Program consists of 5 bi-weekly sessions that offer profound insights into the history and present-day manifestations of colonialism, as well as concrete strategies and tools to actively contribute to change.

Each session blends theoretical knowledge with practical strategies. We offer participatory gatherings that combine lectures, interactive exercises, group discussions and individual reflections. Additionally, after each session, participants will receive a learning question to reflect on at home, allowing us to learn not only from the sessions but also from each other’s experiences and insights. We encourage participants to commit to the full program, enabling us to delve deeper and build a stronger collective movement.

What is the content of the Decolonial Activist Program about?
The five sessions cover the following themes:

1. Understanding Colonialism through Decolonial Theory and History
2. From Colonialism to Neo-Colonialism: Liberation Movements from the Global South
3. Unpacking Holistic Reparations and Their Application to Our Social Movements
4. Strategies for Change: How Can We Influence Our Social Movements?
5. From Theory to Action: Tools for Organizing, What Can We Do?

More info about the sessions and trainers can be found here.

Dates of the sessions:
Session 1: October 5th, 2025 from 13:00-17.00
Session 2:  October 19th, 2025 from 13:00-17.00
Session 3: November 2nd, 2025 from 13:00-17.00
Session 4: November 16th, 2025 from 13:00-17.00
Session 5: November 30th, 2025 from 13:00-17.00

Practical information:
*The sessions are bi-weekly and include a total of 5 sessions, we expect participants to be able to join the whole series when signing up.
*The Session will take place in Amsterdam in person.
*Each session will be 4 hours in total, as well as some 2-3 hours prep reading and watching materials for which we will provide a curriculum.
*Participation costs 50 to 100 euro in total depending on what you can mis, for people participating through an organizational fund the cost is 250 to 500 euro. In case you are not able to pay, you are free to mail us for a free spot.  
*We have a broad definition of activism, anyone is welcome in whatever shape or form they contribute to social justice.
*You can sign up here

More information can be found below.