The conference “Union Activism and Mobilization” offered participants a unique opportunity to experiment with new, creative forms of action and gather valuable impulses for their future union work. In four different workshops, participants not only learned about innovative methods but were also inspired to plan and implement their own actions.
A highlight of the event was the flash mob workshop, led by two representatives from the “Theater of the Oppressed.” Here, it was demonstrated how powerful this form of activism can be in public spaces. Marc introduced participants to how they can create their own actions using simple resources and creative materials. His practical methods encouraged effective staging of union messages with minimal means. Oliver Hangl, known for his impressive performances in public spaces, provided exciting insights into how art and activism can merge in public to draw attention to important issues. The event was rounded off by the ÖGB communication team, which showed in a workshop on digital preparation and follow-up of actions how digital media can be used to sustainably disseminate and document actions.
I visually accompanied the entire event and had the opportunity to dive into not only exciting but also very practical workshops. The illustrations not only supported the reflection on what was learned but also served as a conclusion and summary of the conference, motivating participants to apply creative approaches in their own union contexts in the future.
Afterwards, a detailed booklet with all graphic recording images and photos from the event was compiled for the participants. Here you can download the booklet.