Luka Gudek

About me

My name is Luka, I am a green activist and an experienced youth trainer. I am originally from Croatia but currently live in the Netherlands. With five years’ experience in political green youth organisations, from Zagreb to Brussels (CDNEE, FYEG), as well as project management experience in larger, European-level networks (GEF) working on green and progressive issues, I am a versatile trainer able to provide green training in several areas! These range from education on cities (environmental, economic, mobility), technological issues, skill-based training on public speaking and manifesto writing to the transition of food systems. I would love to connect to see how I can provide support to green events as a trainer.

My skills

With over 5 years work in the green movement, I have a wide range of non-formal education methodologies, ready to apply to diverse groups of people. Supporting green organisations in their programmes implementation, topically in the area of cities (environment, economy, mobility) is where I  can provide a broad perspective. When it comes to skills training, I am experienced in providing public speaking and manifesto writing training oriented to the green and feminist context. Having worked in Eastern European as well as pan-European networks of green organisations, I have a strong understanding of specific geo-political differences between organisations based on their national and historical context. This allows me to adjust the methodologies to achieve the best impact with individuals and organisations. KEYWORDS: Public speaking, Session development, Manifesto writing, Alternative Urbanisation, Cities

Why you should work with me

Every green event starts with a clear aim and objectives. When developing sessions, my first step is to make sure that the learning goals, outcomes and outputs of each session clearly feed into their specific objectives. To achieve these objectives in an inclusive and meaningful way, while ensuring a safe space, takes some creative methodologies. These are heavily dependent on the profile of the participants (are they meeting for the first time or have they already formed a group; are they youth activists or older people, etc.). Specific methodologies also have their place in the flow of the training (energisers and theory sessions come at the beginning, while role play and fishbowl discussions ideally come towards the end of the programme). Keeping that in mind, my favourite methodologies include world café and role play (simulation).

1. World café is an amazing methodology for large groups because it subdivides the participants and gives them an opportunity to provide input in a safer environment. I often use this opportunity at the start of the training, or when there is a need to explore several initiatives, angles and projects.
2. Role play (simulation) is an interesting format for large groups of participants to experience different perspectives on an issue, as well as explore sources of privilege and struggle. I previously used this to organise a role play on different groups’ access to technologies in smart cities

My work experiences

• Youth trainer (Various organisations) 2018-2022
• Project Coordinator (Green European Foundation) 2021-2022
• Project Assistant (Federation of Young European Greens) 2021
• Board member (Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe) 2020-2021
• Radio show co-host (Radio Student) 2018-2020

My education & training

• PhD candidate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
• Master's in Political Science (University of Zagreb / Utrecht University) (2020)
• Urban Steps for Resilient Future (2019)
• European Green Activists Training (2018)

My references

Cooperation and Development Network Eastern Europe Sustainable Development Forum Green Window