Women in Action is a new project that uses drama and creativity to harness women’s resilience, leadership and activism in their communities. Over two years, the project will provide opportunities for women aged 19+ to reflect on the role women play in community organising – by taking part in training, gathering and sharing seldom heard stories, and organising for positive change.
The Women in Action project was developed before the coronavirus pandemic. However, rather than postpone it we have refocused our plans in recognition of the ways this has already changed many women’s lives.
In the first year of the project, we will focus on the kind of activity demanded by the current situation. This means increasing women’s confidence and capacity for participating remotely, supporting those who are especially isolated, and developing ways of being creative while keeping a necessary physical distance from others. As well as engagement via online platforms, the project will explore use of telephone, post and radio. There are two strands to Women in Action:
Training Programme: Confidence Through Creativity
An accredited, arts based training programme for women over 19 who have not been in work, education or training for at least 6 months. Sessions will take place online twice a week: on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, starting Tuesday 14 July 2020.
Using a variety of fun, creative and arts-based approaches including simple drama, film and radio, participants will have the opportunity to explore themes of female confidence, empowerment and resilience, and will produce creative work including a monologue, a short film and devised drama.
The training will be delivered online and participants will be introduced step-by-step to the digital skills needed to take part e.g. using Zoom.
Before the course begins, each participant’s current digital skills and access to IT will be assessed to identify their support needs. Tablets can be provided to enable participation, and participants will be able to keep the tablet on completion.
To sign up or for more information about the training programme contact amy[@]collective-encounters.org.uk or call 07811 175 095
Deadline for expressions of interest: 5pm on Friday 10 July 2020.
Heritage Programme
A range of creative opportunities to explore stories of resilience, activism and community organising by women in Merseyside. This will include:
– gathering stories through social media platforms and telephone interviews
– a series of creative activities, primarily for isolated older women, that provides engagement via familiar ‘offline’ platforms such as telephone, radio and post
– in 2021: a new touring performance and radio ballad, to share and celebrate the stories gathered
If you have a story to share or would like more information about getting involved in the heritage programme, contact tessa[@]collective-encounters.org.uk
Women in Action is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, European Social Fund and LCVS.