Executive Summary

Formed in July 2023, our team consisting of urbanists, climate scientists, digital rights advocates, feminist and anti-imperialist educators and activists, initiated this organisation with the mission to support and empower social movements across Europe and beyond to fight for better cities. Our connection to non-formal education (NFE) and innovative projects is supported by the diverse and extensive experience our members have from their previous involvements in a variety of projects and organisations. This includes developing educational content and methodologies, conducting research, organising trainings, and leading activities outside traditional educational settings, as well as organising on the local level, producing publications and videos.

The Pillars of Our Expertise

As a team we are driven by a shared commitment to inclusivity and knowledge sharing. Operating remotely, we emphasise the importance of transferring knowledge across various domains, including specific topics, skills, and management practices, to solidify our work and impact. Our initiatives are tailored to be culturally sensitive and widely accessible, targeting a broad audience with materials designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse experiences. We are planning to implement entry level activities, as well as more advanced projects.

Challenges and Strategic Responses

In the foundational phase of our organisation, alongside our legal establishment, we are focusing on expanding our network through online communications with potential partners and launching digital initiatives such as webinars, interactive online courses, and research projects. We are dedicated to conveying the critical opinions regarding urban development and introducing both traditional and innovative solutions for improving urban spaces. A key goal is to cultivate a sustainable team culture within our headquarters in Barcelona, focusing on internal team building, balanced collaboration and mutual support. We aim to have several part time workers starting from 2025, as well as a team of trainers that will have project based income.

Forging Opportunities for Impact

As urbanisation gains importance globally, we see a unique opportunity to lead the critical dialogue on urban issues. Our objective is to make academic and technical information accessible to a wider audience, providing not only knowledge but also actionable insights that partners can adapt to their local contexts for tangible impact. We aim to organise impactful events and foster an environment where ordinary citizens can actively participate in their communities, thereby affecting positive change in cities worldwide.

Safeguarding Our Progress

Acknowledging the scepticism that might surround non-formal education methods, we are committed to showcasing their effectiveness in broadening engagement and facilitating learning. In 2024 we are developing a comprehensive safe space policy and a political platform that articulates our worldview, operational principles, and approach to implementing projects. Furthermore, we emphasise the decolonization of learning by focusing on examples from global minorities and historical perspectives that challenge the prevailing capitalist paradigms of urban development.

Blueprint for Action

To meet our objectives, we strive to strategically utilise our vast networks for effective outreach, crafting online content that inspires and educates and hosting events that leave a lasting impact. A crucial element of our strategic work is securing the resources needed to launch and maintain our initiatives in the long run. We are dedicated to an iterative process, where regular assessments of our progress inform necessary strategy adjustments. This approach helps us ensure that Soko remains responsive to the changing needs of our communities and partners.

Community

We will strive to establish a community of progressive stakeholders around us - NGOs, political parties, youth movements, unions and others. Everyone is welcome as long as they have interest. We believe that spreading the knowledge and skills of urban community work to as many people as possible and hope to spark interest in the wider masses is a way to achieve better cities on our planet.