From Streets to Seats
Let's bring movement to politics—and thus set politics in motion! At From Streets to Seats you’ll gain the skills and connections you need to successfully expand your political influence.
Whose street? Our street!
Whose decision? Our decision!
Many people have lost faith in democracy. Authoritarian tendencies are gaining strength almost everywhere. But this is not happening without resistance: Social movements in a wide variety of places are standing up against the dismantling of social achievements, protesting against poor political decisions, and fighting vehemently for a better future. What is often missing, however, is the translation of these struggles into concrete political decisions—all too often, we see the pressure exerted by social movements quickly get lost in the timid, petty squabbles of institutions or die out in the opportunism of party politics. This yawning gap between our passionate activism on the streets and the bureaucratic decisions made at every level—from local councils to the federal government—leads to frustration and alienation.
With “From Streets to Seats,” we aim to help bridge this gap. Through our program of workshops and mentoring sessions, we help participants better understand political parties and parliaments and identify where activists and social movements can be most effective in bringing about change. In addition, we support activists who want to venture into party politics on their path to joining political parties, parliaments, and other decision-making forums. The goal: to directly influence more decisions while remaining rooted in civil society.
How We Support You
"From Streets to Seats " is a free course program where you can practice skills that are equally useful or necessary in civil society, social movements, and party politics. In addition, you’ll gain insights into party political processes and have a variety of opportunities to exchange ideas with activists and people who have already successfully entered party politics or built political parties. The offerings are continuously expanded to meet the needs of the participants. You can decide for yourself which ones—and how many—you’d like to attend.
The Program
Rhetoric & Public Speaking
Everything you need to know about how to speak persuasively in front of an audience, develop and convey your key messages, and reach different target audiences.
The Art of Politics
Where are decisions made, and where do specific powers lie within the political system? How do demands turn into concrete actions, and how can you strategically position them?
My Political Self
Here, we explore what your own political history and personality might look like: from your background and expertise to strategic niches.
Entering Party Politics
Here you will get an overview of the different levels of government, learn how political parties work, and find out where and with what goals it might make sense to get involved in party politics.
Founding of Political Parties
Does it always have to be an existing political party? No. Here, you will learn how to start your own political party and what you need to keep in mind.
Mentoring
The mentoring program offers you the opportunity to engage in one-on-one conversations with people who work at the intersection of activism and party politics. The goal is to exchange experiences, share networks, set realistic expectations, and develop targeted strategies for your future path.
Are you interested in From Streets to Seats? Sign up here!
Sign up for our newsletter here, to:
- receive regular updates about the program
- take part in surveys about planned content
- sign up for specific offers.
Signing up is without obligation — you decide for yourself whether and how you would like to participate in the program.
Data protection is important to us. By clicking on "Subscribe to newsletter" you agree to our privacy policy.
This project is supported by the Better Politics Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not sure if I'm interested in party politics—am I still on the right track?
Yes. The program is open to anyone who is politically or civically active.
Not all workshops deal directly with party politics. Many of them cover the basics of political strategy and communication, which are helpful regardless of how you choose to get involved.
At the same time, we’d like to provide insights into party politics so you can better assess whether this path might (also) be of interest to you. You can also use this knowledge to influence party political processes even more effectively from the outside.
Are political parties behind the program?
No. From Streets to Seats is nonpartisan and appeals to people with diverse political backgrounds.
The pilot program is funded by the Better Politics Fund. The Better Politics Fund supports nonpartisan projects around the world that strengthen democracy, promote political participation, and develop innovative ideas for citizen-centered policies.
Do I need to have prior experience in activism or party politics?
No. It's more important to us that you're committed to bringing about social change than how many years of experience you already have.
The program is aimed at committed individuals from social movements who would like to have a greater say in political decision-making processes. In addition, people who are active in political parties and wish to further their education or deepen their engagement with social movements are also welcome.
Through our workshops, mentoring programs, and discussion forums, we provide the tools needed to develop clear political demands and strategies, build connections, and find your own path between activism and party politics.
Can I attend individual workshops and events, or do I have to participate in the entire program?
You can also attend just individual workshops and events.
The course program is designed so that you can attend all workshops and events independently of one another. Through the newsletter, the website, and social media, you’ll receive regular updates on new offerings and can sign up for individual events as they become available.
Does the program cost anything?
No. Participation in all workshops and events is free of charge.
This is made possible by funding from the Better Politics Fund, which allows us to cover the costs of organization, implementation, and trainers. The project also benefits from volunteer work.
How much time should I set aside for the program?
That's up to you. You can attend exactly the workshops and events that interest you.
We are currently planning to offer about two events per month. The events usually take place on weekdays starting at 4:00 p.m. The workshops last between two and three hours.
How do I sign up?
Our newsletter will keep you informed about all upcoming workshops and events. Registration for individual events is handled separately. You can find the relevant link in the newsletter, on Instagram or LinkedIn, and on our website under "Events."
Where do the workshops and events take place?
Most of the course program takes place online.
We want to make it as easy as possible to participate, no matter where you live. Some events—especially lectures—will take place in person, but they are designed as hybrid events that also allow for online participation.
We would like to offer this program nationwide in the long term and would love to hear your suggestions for venues, topics, or speakers that you find interesting.
Is the program only for people from or living in Austria?
No. The program is open to everyone—regardless of citizenship or place of residence.
However, some workshops focus specifically on the structures and processes of Austrian party politics. In addition, the vast majority of events are held in German.
Is there an age limit?
No. The program is open to people of all ages.
We would particularly like to reach out to young people and members of politically underrepresented groups who are socially engaged or would like to become so.
Who is behind "From Streets to Seats"?
From Streets to Seats is organized by radius.
radius is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting democratic participation, socio-ecological transformation, and social change. We support civil society organizations and initiatives through professional development, strategic guidance, and participatory formats.
Our team brings experience in climate, democracy, and peace activism, research, and the process of founding political parties. These diverse perspectives also shape From the Streets to the Stands.
Who leads the workshops?
The workshops are led partly by radius members and partly by external facilitators
In our selection process, we place particular emphasis on ensuring that the trainers have personal experience with party political processes and/or civic engagement. This results in programs that operate at the intersection of activism and party politics and bring both perspectives together.
Why are you running this program?
At radius, we work closely with social movements, as well as with people in political parties and party-affiliated organizations. In doing so, we consistently observe the same gap: Many dedicated activists struggle to engage with party politics, while political parties often lose touch with the people who are driving social change.
With From Streets to Seats We want to build bridges between social movements and party politics. We create spaces for dialogue, share knowledge, and help people learn about and help shape political decision-making processes.