⁠Roy Zeilstra shares their unique way of dressing up to teach history and mobilise Zeeland for a progressive future. A teacher by profession who inspires his students by dressing up as a Roman, Knight or in heavy chain mail. They were among the pioneers of the Green/ Labour alliance that laid a practical path for the Dutch senate and parliamentary alliance of the Dutch Greens and the Labour Party (GroenLinks/ PvdA) Thank you to ⁠⁠@DunnStreet  and the ⁠⁠Socially Democratic Podcast⁠⁠.

Dr. Floris Burgers shares their activist journey, travelling to Uganda and combatting inequality in education. Floris is an activist dedicated to exploring inequality and a professional footballer. They spent years embedded in ethnographic fieldwork in a small village in Sironko, a rural district in Uganda. The results of this have culminated in a book that he shares with you. They are busy researching 'Koersen op Kansengelijkheid’ (aiming for equality of opportunity) in collaboration with researchers from the Radboud University and the University of Amsterdam. Thank you to @DunnStreet and the Socially Democratic Podcast.

Valentijn Brinkman-Koopal shares their personal journey from addiction to drugs to local mental health champion and running for the Dutch Labour Party (#pvda) in the Parliamentary elections as No. 49 on the national list. They embody the resilience and dedication necessary to bring about meaningful change in society. Especially highlighting the importance of Mental Health & Healthcare Policy. We can learn from their struggle in confronting personal challenges and being a vocal advocate for social justice and equity in the Netherlands. A council member in #Baarn, born and raised in Amsterdam, their experience has been a cornerstone in shaping their approach to politics, particularly in representing the voice of the working class and restoring the principles of justice. As an active member of the PvdA and participant in the PvdAcademy, Valentijn’s ambition is to amplify the voice of the working class and re-establish foundational principles of fairness in society​​​​. Valentijn's mission is to forge a community where unity prevails, and every voice is equally heard. Understanding the daily trials many face, Valentijn is dedicated to shaping a more equitable future for all Dutch & European citizens, especially those sidelined in society due to unforeseen circumstances and health difficulties. Thank you to the @DunnStreet and the Socially Democratic Podcast. Video: Youtube @forginglinkseu: Instagram & Twitter

Lefteris shares the tragic beating of democratic politics in recent Greek history. Their journey in Athenian elected politics and the struggle to bring about a Greek Progressive Left. The influence of history on today's Europe and the need for renewed Internationalism. Lefteris Papagiannakis is the Director of the Greek Council for Refugees. They were an elected official in the municipal council of Athens its Vice Mayor of migrant and refugee affairs, and the chair of the working group Migration and Integration of the Eurocities Network.Please find out more about the AUnion, the platform behind ForgingLinks: Thank you to the Socially Democratic Podcast and Dunn Street.

Lianne Schuuring shares their story as an elected official in Maastricht, Limburg—the journey to the Provincial Chambers, Christian Socialism and Faith's role in Politics. Please find out more about the AUnion, the platform behind ForgingLinks: https://aunion.eu/Thank you to the Socially Democratic Podcast, Dunn Street and Stephen Donnelly for supporting our launch and help behind the scenes—special thanks to Rebecca Connell.

The launch episode of ForgingLinks. This is a recording with Dunn Street founder and Community Organiser Stephen Donnelly who was joined by ForgingLinks host Ali Hashem, and Gemeenteraad Mikal Tseggai (The Hague). Ali & Mikal discuss their origin story in politics, the challenges of identity and the future they are working towards.Please find out more about the AUnion, the platform behind ForgingLinks: https://aunion.eu/Thank you to the Socially Democratic Podcast, Dunn Street and Stephen Donnelly for supporting our launch and help behind the scenes. Special thanks to Rebecca Connell.