From December 7th to 14th, 2024, Martina Camilleri, Project Manager at Friends of the Earth Malta, participated in the Ulex Training on Strategy Making. In this blog, she shares her personal experience and reflections following the event.
Martina states – I joined a group of activists and community organizers from across Europe for an intensive week of learning in the small mountain village of Eroles, Spain. Hosted by the Ulex Project, the training focused on how to plan and carry out effective strategies for social and environmental change.
The training was held in Eroles, a tiny village that took hours by bus to reach. However, being surrounded by nature and away from distractions made it an ideal setting for deep focus and collaboration. I was part of a group of 16 participants from different European countries, including France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Cyprus, Belgium, Czechia, and the UK.
The program was packed with group activities, discussions, and hands-on workshops, all designed to help us plan and adapt strategies for more impactful work. The focus was on real-world application – understanding the challenges we face, setting goals, and figuring out how to get there in a way that actually works.
The training followed a structured ‘strategy arc,’ guiding us step by step through the process of creating and carrying out a strategy. Each day had a different focus:
- Day 1: Creating a good learning environment and setting the stage for collaboration
- Day 2: Understanding the problem, the context, and our movements
- Day 3: Mapping power – figuring out who holds influence and where we can apply pressure
- Day 4: Developing a theory of change – defining how we believe change can happen
- Day 5: Putting ideas into action – making strategies practical
- Day 6: Reflecting and learning from our experiences
- Day 7: Creating a long-term vision for change
One of the most interesting parts of the training for me was power mapping – understanding who holds influence and where we can exert pressure to push for change. Another key takeaway was the importance of feedback loops – constantly reviewing and adjusting strategies to keep them relevant and effective.
Through this experience, I picked up some really useful skills, including:
- Setting clear goals that align with a broader vision
- Analyzing political and social contexts
- Identifying key power structures and figuring out where we can have the most impact
- Planning and implementing flexible and adaptable strategies
- Creating systems for tracking progress and learning from actions
Beyond the workshops, what really made the week special was the community we built. The facilitators were fantastic, and the simple but delicious plant-based meals helped bring us together. Whether it was deep discussions over dinner or brainstorming in small groups, the connections we made added immense value to the experience.
This training left me feeling more confident in my ability to plan and carry out effective projects and campaigns. It reinforced the idea that strategy isn’t just about making a plan – it’s about constantly learning, adapting, and making sure we’re moving in the right direction. I’m excited to bring these lessons back to my work and continue finding new ways to make meaningful changes.
Through its partnership with ULEX, FoEM offers training programs for staff, volunteers, and interns, providing valuable skills in environmental advocacy and sustainable practices. There are several ways to get involved in our cause and make a real impact. Get involve and LEARN MORE