The current political environment presents both challenges and opportunities for progressive parties. Populist and radical-right movements have shown an ability to dominate the public conversation by offering simple narratives that resonate emotionally with voters. This workshop, aims to equip progressive movements with the tools and strategies needed to reclaim the narrative and engage citizens effectively.
Shifting the focus: how progressive parties can lead the conversation
The current political environment presents both challenges and opportunities for progressive parties. Populist and radical-right movements have shown an ability to dominate the public conversation by offering simple narratives that resonate emotionally with voters. This workshop, aims to equip progressive movements with the tools and strategies needed to reclaim the narrative and engage citizens effectively.
By combining academic insight with tested strategies from successful progressive movements, this workshop aims to empower participants to lead conversations, reclaim narratives, and connect authentically with citizens. Our goal is to build a forward-looking progressive politics that inspires confidence, shared purpose, and civic engagement.
Friday, November 14
18:00 Welcome dinner
Saturday, November 15
09:00 Opening remarks and Introduction of the event
Speakers: Maartje Schulz, Policy and Research Manager, European Liberal Forum
Afke Groen Director Mr. Hans van Mierlo Stichting
09:30 Digital connection: keeping audiences engaged with care
Speakers: Josef Lentsch Political Entrepreneur, Partisan & Political Tech Summit
11:00 Understanding the populist playbook: lessons for progressives
Speaker: Sarah de Lange Professor of Dutch Politics at Leiden University
12:30 Lunch
14:00 Leading with values: inspiring though principles
Speakers: (tbc) Bas Welling CEO We Agency & Wefilm or (tbc) Paul van Meenen Senator for D66
15:30 Stories that connect: the art of political storytelling
Speakers: (tbc) Drew Westen Professor of psychology and psychiatry at Emory University or (tbc) Rob Jetten Party leader D66
19:00 Dinner
Sunday, November 16
09:30 Speaking to everyone: politics in accessible language
Speakers: Mark Thiessen Campaign strategist/owner at Meute
11:00 (Re-)connecting with people: building trust and belonging
Speaker: Juraj Kačur Analyst at Inštitút Martina Filka