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Ürünleri inceleTHE BERTHA ACCELERATOR - ISTANBUL
A Residency Program For Activists Transforming The Way We Communicate Change
16 - 26 August 2025
Istanbul, Turkey
About Bertha Spaces
Bertha Spaces is a program of Bertha Foundation to develop a global network of spaces radically reimagining how space can be used as a tool for social justice. Our philosophy of Radical Hospitality focuses on providing and holding space, inclusively with generosity, for activists coming together to create, collaborate, and celebrate.
Postane, a member of Bertha Spaces, is an urban hub dedicated to fostering social innovation and collaboration for the well-being of people and the planet. We support individuals and organizations working toward social impact and ecological regeneration in Istanbul and beyond. As a space of hope, Postane seeks to embody the change we want to see in the world—through inclusive programs, holistic impact services, welcoming spaces, and an ethical, sustainable business model.
The Bertha Accelerator
The Bertha Accelerator is a residency program organized by Bertha Spaces and Postane for activists, journalists, artivists, non-profit workers, and other changemakers from around the world. It enables participants to come together to work on and learn about something connected to their work - in community with one another. It’s premised on the belief that time out and away is needed to reflect and better advance work back home. Participants will be connected through a unifying theme, story-telling for activists, and come from a broad spectrum of locations, backgrounds, and fields.
Taking place from 16 to 26 August 2025, The Bertha Accelerator - Istanbul will be hosted by Postane at the historical district of Galata. Storytelling holds a central place at Postane and across the Bertha Spaces network. It is embedded in the spaces we cultivate and the programs we design and deliver. Located in the heart of Istanbul—steeped in history and surrounded by vibrant urban activism—Postane offers an ideal setting for those looking to rethink the role of communication in driving social change.
Residency on Reclaiming the Story
Residency on Reclaiming the Story is a 10-day program designed for activists, journalists, artists, non-profit workers, and other changemakers from around the world. The residency provides a dedicated space for participants to step back from daily demands, reflect, and collaborate on innovative ways to enhance the impact of their storytelling for social change.
Today, storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for shaping public opinion, mobilizing communities, and influencing policies. With billions engaging with stories across multiple platforms daily, activists and civil society organizations must develop effective, values-driven strategies to connect with audiences meaningfully. This residency focuses on equipping participants with the skills and insights needed to craft compelling, ethical, hopeful and impact-driven narratives that drive social change.
The program brings together leading practitioners and experts in strategic communications, digital media, storytelling, and movement building to explore how we can shift narratives, build engaged communities, and amplify messages that inspire action.
The Theme: Storytelling in the Changing Landscape of Civil Society
The landscape of civil society is undergoing a profound transformation. The traditional model of professionalized, donor-dependent organizations is shrinking, and many civil society actors are facing increasing financial, legal, and political constraints. In this new reality, social change is becoming more decentralized, with broader participation from individuals, volunteers, and grassroots movements.
At the same time, the role of civil society in public discourse is shifting. The boundaries between activism, journalism, and storytelling are blurring. Organizations that once relied on institutional communication are now expected to act as storytellers, engaging directly with audiences through digital and traditional media. In a world where everyone is a potential narrator, the ability to craft compelling, ethical, hopeful and strategic narratives is more critical than ever.
Yet, with this shift comes new challenges. As independent civil society actors struggle with funding and legitimacy, governments and corporations are filling the space with controlled narratives, co-opting themes of social justice while reinforcing existing power structures. Greenwashing, corporate-driven activism, and the erosion of independent advocacy are growing threats. In response, civil society must reclaim its role in storytelling—creating alternative narratives, leveraging open-source technologies, and engaging communities in meaningful ways.
This residency will explore the role of storytelling in strengthening civil society’s impact in this shifting environment.
Participants will learn to:
Build compelling narratives that counter misinformation and institutional co-optation.
Utilize storytelling, digital tools, and behavioral science to engage audiences authentically.
Develop communication strategies that prioritize agency, hope, and solidarity.
Explore the use of alternative media and open-source platforms for storytelling.
Hope-based communication is at the heart of this approach. In a time of deep uncertainty, civil society must develop narratives that inspire action, sustain engagement, and foster solidarity. This residency will provide a space for participants to experiment with new formats—including video, podcasts, and written storytelling—to shape the future of impact-driven storytelling.
The Program
The Residency on Reclaiming the Story is designed around three core pillars: Context, Strategy, and Content.
Context sessions will provide participants with a broad understanding of global trends shaping public perception, ranging from political and social movements to digital transformations and media landscapes.
Strategy sessions will introduce participants to different narrative frameworks, including hope-based communication, and help them develop effective storytelling strategies that inspire action and engagement.
Content sessions will be hands-on and practice-oriented, incorporating case studies and applied exercises. Participants will work on collaborative projects using visual, audio, or written storytelling methods such as short videos, podcasts, or blogs.
By the end of the program, participants will have refined a project or strategy, gained insights from global digital advocacy efforts, and built lasting connections with fellow change-makers.
The program includes:
Opportunities to present and refine content strategies with feedback from other participants.
Unstructured quiet time to reflect, work, and build connections in an inspiring environment.
Workshops and case studies on storytelling, digital platforms, and community engagement.
Peer-learning sessions to share best practices and challenges.
Social events and excursions to foster connection and cultural exchange.
The residency will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, providing a dynamic setting that blends historical depth with a vibrant contemporary media and activism landscape.
The Participants
There are two ways to participate in the Residency on Reclaiming the Story:
For Bertha Spaces Network: Bertha Spaces is part of the Bertha Foundation ecosystem, and one of the foundation’s flagship programs is the Bertha Challenge—a fellowship for activists and journalists working in the field of social justice. We will allocate five slots for Bertha Challenge fellows and alumni. All expenses for these participants, including travel, accommodation, and excursions, will be covered by the Bertha Foundation.
For Other Participants: To diversify the cohort and broaden the network, 10 additional slots will be allocated to the fellows of aligned global partners and to independent content creators, journalists, and activists. These spaces are available for a fee of $3,000, which covers accommodation, meals, and program expenses (excluding flights and visa costs). Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each participant is expected to follow the following criteria:
Connection to Theme: Participants should have a demonstrated interest in content creation, storytelling, or strategic communication for social change.
Commitment to a Movement or Cause: Participants should be connected to an organization, media outlet, or network that will benefit from their learning and contributions.
Clear Statement of Intent: Participants should have a specific project or content strategy they want to develop during the residency.
Commitment to Full Attendance: Participants must commit to attending in person for the full duration of the residency and participating actively.
Willingness to Contribute: Participants should be open to sharing their knowledge, experiences, and skills with others.
Language Proficiency: Participants must be proficient in spoken English.
How to Apply
To join the Residency on Reclaiming the Story, please fill out the application form by 11th of July: [application form]. Selected participants are required to attend a mandatory 2-hour online orientation prior to the residency.
For more information on the Residency on Reclaiming the Story, please contact Esra Özgür at accelerator@postane.co
