Dr Caroline Lucas, Professor of Practice in Environmental Sustainability at the Sussex School for Progressive Futures brought students together last Wednesday 4 March for an interactive workshop examining how political and social change happens in practice.
More than 40 undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students attended the session in the Library Teaching Room, which was facilitated by Peter Newell, Professor of International Relations and Theme Lead in Environmental Sustainability.
Drawing on her experience as an activist and former Leader of the Green Party, MP for Brighton Pavilion for 14 years and Member of the European Parliament for 10 years, Caroline discussed strategies for influencing change both within institutions and through activism and community-led initiatives.
Students worked in groups to explore examples of effective change, ranging from local action to national movements in England, Sri Lanka and Spain. The session encouraged students to reflect on what makes change successful, and on the conditions that can help or hinder progress.
After the workshop, students praised the insights shared and highlighted how they felt inspired after hearing about Caroline’s activism, with one student commenting:
“The talk reminded me of how I used to feel, it was genuinely inspiring. Considering how actions can have broader effects makes this work feel worthwhile. Being reminded of the importance of community has prompted me to look into more collaborative work.”
Another student reflected:
“Having been an activist most of my adult life, I enjoyed being part of an event that highlighted ways that change happens. Caroline, as always, was inspirational. I look forward to more events of this type to support and inspire students at Sussex.”
See a gallery of images from the workshop.
Since joining Sussex as Professor of Practice, Caroline has contributed to a wide range of events and public discussions across and beyond the University, including the Bennett Institute symposium, the Strategic Adaptation to Food Breakdown event organised by the Sussex Citizen Adaptation Forum, and the recent From Despair to Action event, part of the SSPF launch series, whose highlights video will be released soon.