Join us on 7-9 March 2025 in Chester for our biggest national student activist event - Power Shift 2025 - a gathering packed with talks, workshops and panels on how to get your university to take action on climate and migrant justice! Booking closes: 4 March!
It'sback!
What is Power Shift?
Climate breakdown. Border violence. State repression. These are all intimately linked and our universities are in the thick of it.
As climate breakdown forces more and more people to flee their homes, states are erecting borders and creating ever more hostile environments for migrants. And just as there are companies profiting from the destruction of our planet, there are companies profiting from the misery inflicted on migrants - whether it be through surveillance, detention centres or deportations.
Our universities are complicit in this. They're investing and signing partnership deals with these same companies. In doing so, they are giving these industries the social license to continue operating.
We need to stop the fossil fuel industry from wrecking the planet, and the border industry profiting from violence. We need to stop our universities funding and supporting them. At Power Shift 2025, you’ll be given the skills to do just that.
Who is it for?
Power Shift is open to university students across the UK, aged 18 or above. Whichever university you’re from, whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or brand new to activism, and whether you’re coming by yourself or with friends, there’s something for everyone!
We believe in building inclusive, safe and accessible movements for change so you can be sure that this event will be too.
Why should I attend?
- Build your understanding of the root causes of climate and migrant injustice, how our universities are complicit, and how we can take collective action to achieve change.
- Develop your campaigning skills with workshops and skill-shares suitable for beginners and experienced organisers alike.
- Connect with others from across the student movement, share ideas, and make friends.
- Be part of a radical and caring collective of students fighting for change both on and beyond our campuses!
What should I expect?
Over three days, we'll be running a range of workshops, panels, trainings, and socials. You can deepen your understanding of topics from border abolition to the just transition, attend practical workshops to help you develop your campaigning skills, and meet other student activists from across the country who are challenging their universities’ complicity in border violence and climate breakdown. On top of that, we’ll also have evening socials, including a campfire, People & Planet Talent Show, boardgames, crafting and a chill space, AND communal vegan and vegetarian meals - because a joyous movement is an effective movement!
Venue
YHA Chester Trafford Hall, Ince Lane, Chester, CH2 4JP
We will be providing free transport from Chester train station to the venue between 4.45pm and 6.15pm on Friday 7 March. Just look out for our team from People & Planet at the train station. Important: If you are arriving outside of these times, you will need to make your own arrangements for getting to the venue. There are local buses and taxi services available.
Programme
- Arrivals: Friday evening (5pm-6.30pm), Friday 7 March, 2025
- At 6.30pm, we'll be running a welcome session followed by dinner, games and activities. If you're able to join us for all of this, fantastic! However, if you can't get to the venue in time for all the above, don't worry - our welcome desk will be open until late!
- Departure: Sunday afternoon (4pm), Sunday 9 March, 2025
Accommodation
Accommodation is all included in your ticket price! We've got a range of shared rooms, including those with extra accessibility requirements.
Food
All meals during the weekend will also be provided, and are also included in your ticket price! Vegan and vegetarian options will be available and we'll work to provide for other dietary requirements too!
What if I can't afford it?
If cost would be a barrier to you attending, you can apply to our access fund!
We are able to offer free tickets and a contribution of up to £40 towards travel expenses to anyone who is unable to afford the cost of attending this event. If you wish to apply, please email powershift@peopleandplanet.org by midnight on Monday 3rd March, letting us know your name, which university you attend, and where you will be travelling from.
We would also encourage you to reach out to your student union in case they might be able to help fund your place at our event or subsidise your travel. We have support on hand to help you with this! Just get in touch.
Still got questions?
Feel free to email us at powershift@peopleandplanet.org!