Elected Changemakers

For decades, democracies have faced declining political participation and falling trust in public institutions. At the same time, many social movements have struggled to turn ideas into lasting change. Yet new approaches to political organising are beginning to emerge.

Young progressive politicians with roots in grassroots movements are gaining momentum and winning significant elections. In a panel discussion with an elected representative from Jordskredsalliancen, a city council member, a democracy adviser and a researcher, we explore how organising shapes political culture and visions – and what creates meaningful participation and trust in today’s democracy.

Examples include Zohran Mamdani, Zack Polanski and Danish representatives from Jordskred, who have influenced Denmark's government platform since June 2026. What unites these developments is a shared ambition to transform civic engagement and mobilisation into lasting political change across movements and institutions.

Drawing on Fabian Holt's book Organize or Burn, the panel explores the relationship between movements and political parties, collective campaigning, and the dialogue between grassroots activists and elected representatives. The conversation also examines the Jordskred Alliance's experience of connecting grassroots organising with parliamentary work, and discusses how new forms of collaboration can strengthen democratic action, create long-term change, and foster a more participatory and trust-based democracy.

The session also includes an artistic format that adds a sensory dimension to the conversation and reminds us how art can create narratives that inspire change.

Participants

• Fabian Holt, Associate Professor, Department of Communication and Arts, Roskilde University (RUC)

• Anna Bjerre, Movement Candidate, Jordskred, Member of the Danish Parliament (The Alternative)

• Astrid Aller, Member of the Copenhagen City Council (Socialist People’s Party)

• Kolja Dahlin, Senior Consultant and Democracy Advisor, We Do Democracy

• Artistic contribution: Agnes Ea & Margrethe Møller (Magma Rea)

• Moderator: Sofie Buch Hoyer, journalist and moderator

Language: Danish

The session is presented by Forandringskraft