- Friday 2 October
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 elected representatives from Jordskredsalliancen, Political Leader of the Alternative Franciska Rosenkilde, 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.
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)
- Elise Sydendal, Movement Candidate, Jordskred, Member of the Danish Parliament (The Alternative)
- Kolja Dahlin, Senior Consultant and Democracy Advisor, We Do Democracy
- Franciska Rosenkilde, Political leader of the Alternative
Language: Danish
The session is presented by Forandringskraft