There's really a lot going on. On this page, we try to bring together initiatives, organizations, projects, inspiring places, movements, pioneers and thinkers who are working toward the same goals as we are and who envision more or less the same kind of world we do. Let's bring together what already exists and support one another. Let's join forces.
This list is always a work in progress. It is far from exhaustive, and we hope it will be expanded, completed and updated in the months and years to come. Do you want to add an initiative, an organization or a project? Let us know via the forum or by email (info@masst.be).
A few initiatives and organizations are only presented at the Dutch (and French) page because they're mainly in Dutch (and/or French). The Dutch version is a bit more developed at the moment. Would you like to add specific English-speaking initiatives or others? Please do contact us!
House of Compassion
House of Compassion is a place where everyone is welcome, housed in the former Beguinage Church in central Brussels. The dedicated pastor Daniel Alliët, together with the highly active and engaged coordinator Geneviève, and many volunteers, are the driving force behind House of Compassion. House of Compassion aims to provide a space and a voice for people who are often being overlooked. Migrants, undocumented individuals, modern-day slaves, sex workers... Everyone is welcome to visit, find a listening ear, participate in activities, enjoy silence and introspection... or simply to be there.
Toestand vzw
Toestand transforms vacant buildings, abandoned spaces and brownfields into gathering places. Parc Ouest is a beautiful example. A former 3-hectare industrial site that once served as a transit point for livestock and coal, but for the past 30 years was known primarily as an overgrown, rugged place, is being transformed into a park where young children and mothers, who often have very limited living space, have room to thrive. Toestand is working together with the neighborhood and Brussels Environment to shape the park of the future. In the six years leading up to the final redevelopment of the park, Toestand will experiment with the space, the rules, the design, the playground equipment, the necessary infrastructure, activities, and ownership. They will assess what works and what doesn't, and listen to and observe the needs and expectations of local residents.
WEAll
Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) is the collaboration of changemakers working together to transform the economic system. It is a growing alliance of thousands of people, organizations, and networks, all of whom are committed to building a well-being economy and are working toward that goal.
"Simply put, the economy is the way that we produce and provide for one another. We often think of the economy as something given, fixed and unchangeable - but it's not. The rules, social norms and stories that underpin our current system were designed by people, and that means they can also be changed by people."
"The economy needs to shift toward promoting flourishing of life in all its forms, rather than just promoting a system of monetary exchange ... It's about looking after our planet, our home, and how we manage as a global tribe ... This is possible, it's happening now and we need all of us to come together as one voice to demand for change ... That's what the next 5 years is about: not giving up hope, not giving up the fight, not stopping the action that will eventually lead to a better world."
School for Moral Ambition
START SOLVING THE WORLD'S BIGGEST PROBLEMS
The world needs way more talented people to take on the world's most pressing problems. Every year, millions of hours of human brilliance are poured into optimizing algorithms, not curing diseases. Into scaling ad revenue, not solving climate change. The problem isn't a lack of ambition, it's where that ambition is pointed ... Stop wasting talent. Let's make sure our brightest minds tackle the greatest challenges of our time.
The School for Moral Ambition aims to help as many people as possible make the transition to a career that makes a positive impact.
Merja from Finland joined a Moral Ambition Circle. For the first time she met people who carried the same urgency and determination to leave the world better than they found it. "I never felt so connected, so united in my struggle to take action ... There must be so many people who feel something should be done, but don't know where to start. When you're alone it's difficult, but bringing people together makes it easier to begin."
What would you do if you truly followed your values?
Axcent vzw
Axcent vzw œuvre en faveur du dialogue et des rencontres entre différentes visions du monde.
BADALA
BADALA (Responsible Landlords for Affordable Housing) is a movement of landlords who prioritize people over profit.
Umbrella Refugee Committee
Umbrella Refugee Committee (URC) is the first and only umbrella organization in Belgium led by, for, and with refugees. They serve as supporters, guides, and advocates for refugees. They assist refugees in their search for work, housing, education for their children, and more. Although the narrative in our society sometimes portrays refugees as freeloaders, they generally want to work, contribute, and integrate. URC helps them in their quest. URC's mission is: to improve lives and narratives surrounding refugees with the aim of making them full members of society.
The Shift
The Shift brings together businesses, governments and social impact organisations to accelerate the sustainable transition - through knowledge-sharing, collaboration and influence on policy.
Democracy International
Democracy International: "Democracy means that power rests with the people and not with kings, aristocrats, or technocrats.""
Getting the Voice Out
Smartphones are confiscated in closed detention centers. Getting the Voice Out distributes “brick phones” and phone cards that allow the “detainees” to communicate to the outer world. Getting the Voice Out listens to their stories and, if the “detainees” give their consent, also shares their testimonies. Their website is a big source of information.
Abolish Frontex
Abolish Frontex fights against the militarized pushbacks of refugees. "Drowned in the Mediterranean; shot at borders; died by suicide at detention centers, tortured and killed after being deported - the EU has blood on its hands."
"Anti-Racism. Decolonisation. Social Justice. Equality. Freedom of Movement. End the EU border regime ... building a society where people are free to move and live."
Migreat
« Our goal is to reduce borders until they cease to exist. ... If we want people to be truly free and equal, we must abolish passport apartheid. ... We are working to dismantle the power structures that systematically oppress and exploit people, particularly those from the Global South. ... We want to work toward a world in which migration is not a privilege but a right. ... Migration is a human right. »
Migreat strives for a world in which all people can move freely and enjoy equal treatment and access to equal rights, no matter where they are.
Avaaz
Avaaz is a global online network that uses petitions and fundraising campaigns to bridge the gap between the world we have and the world we want. They amplify the voices of ordinary people in global decision-making, serve as an ally and a voice for the underprivileged, and act as a megaphone for urgent national and international issues.
Stories.life
"Stories weave narratives that shape the way we think, feel and act. The converging crises we face are linked to an outdated and harmful narrative that we are separate from nature and each other. There is a better narrative, a narrative grounded in the recognition that we are all entangled, integrated, dependent on each other and the more-than-human world around us, that human health and planetary health are intimately related, that we are a part of nature, so for us to thrive, nature must thrive. It's the 'narrative of interbeing', of interconnection, of reciprocity."
Stories.life is a platform that brings together alternative narratives.
"And by 'stories' we mean everything from our myths, legends, parables and fairytales, to our textbooks, blockbusters, taglines and headlines. From the physical design of our cities and what that tells us about values and relationships, to the design of our digital products, services and experiences."
Pirate Parties?
Although their name may not appeal to everyone —or might even be off-putting in some ways— Pirate Parties have quite a few things in common with what MASST stands for. Pirate Parties advocate for civil liberties; an open and transparent government; democracy and citizen participation; and freedom of information (a society in which ideas, knowledge, and culture can be freely exchanged).
Media
Al Jazeera, The Guardian, and others disseminate news and (as reliable as possible?) information, report and share stories and background details, give people a voice, and connect people and projects. News is always biased; “truths” are always just part of the story, and information is never complete. Still, many news outlets do their very best and thus play a major role in society. Would you like to add one to this list? Let us know!
Wikipedia
Wikipedia is a free, open-source, multilingual online encyclopedia, created and edited by volunteers around the world. It provides free access to a wealth of information that is structured, open, accessible, and verifiable.
Banksy
Banksy is a street artist who highlights issues in society, aims to wake people up or make them think, sparks debate, and encourages people to open their eyes and become aware.