Performatory Inspiration Talks: “You don’t just leave with ideas, you leave with a deeper sense of community.”

Alexandra says: “For me, the Performatory Inspiration Talk felt like an invitation to challenge myself, to go beyond theories and assignments, and instead explore what actually moves me, what confuses me, what I care about. It was a chance to connect the dots between my experiences, my values, and the bigger societal questions I’ve been carrying around.

It’s not about having the perfect story, it’s about showing up honestly — which makes it both nerve-wracking and incredibly meaningful.” 

What was your talk about?
“My talk was about political apathy, or in German, “Politikverdrossenheit" - yes I know, it's quite a tongue twister. I explored the feeling of disconnection and distrust that many people, especially in my generation, experience when it comes to politics.

Even though I’ve always cared deeply about societal challenges like the climate crisis and social justice, I noticed I often pulled away from political discussions. In my talk, I reflected on why that happens — and how feelings like overwhelm, grief, and powerlessness can make people disengage, even when they care a lot.

I also shared how we can create more space for emotional honesty in political conversations, and why acknowledging these uncomfortable feelings might actually be the first step to getting involved again.”

How did you come up with this topic?
“At the beginning of my expedition, I thought I’d continue my previous research on climate anxiety. But as I kept digging, I noticed words like politics, government, and policy showing up again and again. I already knew how much influence politics has on our lives — so why was I avoiding the topic?

Looking back, I think it has a lot to do with how I grew up. I’m from a small town in Germany, where life felt quite safe and sheltered. We learned a lot about history in school, and I truly believed Germany had learned from its past. That gave me a sense of security, and I never felt the need to get politically involved — aside from voting.

But recent election results changed that. Seeing a far-right party like AfD becoming the second strongest party in the EU elections was a real shock. It made me feel anxious, and honestly, helpless. I started questioning why I hadn’t done more before — but also realised I had been telling myself things like “I’m not educated enough,” or “it wouldn’t matter anyway.”

And when I did try to talk about politics, my friends usually didn’t want to engage either. That silence made me even more curious about the emotional roots of political disengagement — which eventually became the core of my talk.”

What did you learn from this topic?
“I learned that what looks like disinterest on the surface often hides something much deeper: emotional exhaustion, fear of not being heard, or just not knowing where to start.

I also became more aware of how mental health plays a huge role in civic engagement. You can’t expect people to participate in political life when they’re burned out, grieving, or overwhelmed by uncertainty.

Another important learning was that you don’t need to have all the answers to make a meaningful contribution. I used to feel like I wasn’t informed enough to speak about politics — but I now see that sharing your questions and doubts is just as valuable.

And perhaps the most important realisation for me was this: if I want political change to happen, I can’t just analyse the problem, I have to become part of the solution. That meant actively pushing myself to overcome hesitation and start having more open conversations about politics with others. Recently, I even took the step of volunteering for a political party. It’s still new and a bit scary, but it feels like the right direction.” 

How did you feel about presenting in front of a group of people?
“Honestly? I was really really nervous. It has been some time since I held a presentation on my own. Next to that I felt a bit vulnerable to share something so personal in front of others. 

I wasn’t sure how it would be received or whether people would understand where I was coming from. But once I started getting into a flow, I actually started to enjoy it a lot. And after the talk, a few people came up to me and shared that they’d felt something similar — that they too had experienced a kind of political fatigue or helplessness. That moment of connection really stuck with me.” 

What do you want people to remember about your talk?
I shared four small but powerful lessons that helped me understand political apathy differently:

• Become Curious
• Emotions Determine Politics
• Apathy to Action
• Nobody Teaches You

Put together, they spell out: BEAN. 🌱

I wanted something simple and memorable — so I gave everyone an actual bean to take home. A small, symbolic gesture, with the hope that it might later “plant a seed” in them. A reminder that change can start tiny, just like a seed — with curiosity, a conversation, or a moment of reflection.

More than anything, I want people to feel encouraged. You don’t have to be loud or perfectly informed to take part in political life. You just have to be willing to care. I hope to create more spaces where people feel safe enough to do exactly that.” 

Why should people come to the Performatory Inspiration Talks next time?
“Because it’s one of the few moments during your studies where you’re not just learning about the world, you’re learning about each other.

PI Talks offer a rare kind of connection. You hear stories that are raw, moving, and often surprisingly relatable. It reminds you that we’re all carrying big questions, and that even though our paths are different, we share a lot underneath.

For me, it was inspiring to witness so many different ways of thinking and being. You don’t just leave with ideas, you leave with a deeper sense of community. And maybe even a bit more hope.” 

Curious about other talks? Join the PI-talks on Friday 16 May 2025 at Performatory in Innovation Square at BUas!