FAQ

last changes: summer 2021

Who are we?

We are a radical, left-wing and autonomous group that is active in Ulm and the surrounding area.

We realize our own projects, work on ideas and dream of a better world. But we are also a group that helps itself through this reality, as a community we try to take care of each other and help each other.

Our focus is often on the here and now, but also sometimes on yesterday, tomorrow and things that are happening elsewhere.

Ulm and its surroundings are not exactly known for flourishing left-wing structures; on the contrary, we often have the feeling of being (almost) alone. That’s why we see ourselves as a gathering place for people with different thematic focuses, but with a common striving for a better life, for everyone.

We don’t want to say much more about us as persons in public, because being radical and left-wing doesn’t just make friends in this city. Part of our work, especially in the area of anti-fascism, requires a certain degree of anonymity for self-protection.

What do you mean by autonomous and radical?

The word autonomous often brings up prejudices and enemy images. For us it means first and foremost: we do not become dependent on parties and other organizations but are self-determined and anti-authoritarian. We neither want to rule nor be ruled.

For us, radical means questioning fundamental things, specifically our patriarchal, product- and performance oriented society, also known as capitalism. We believe that it is important to combine different topics such as anti-fascism, feminism and the Environmental protection in a fundamental critique.

What does Kolletive and the number 26 stand for?

A collective is a group without a person leading it. We have a hierarchy-free basic consensus, which means we try to act together and equally.

We don’t reveal where the number 26 comes from. Maybe 26 stands for a secret code or for the number of founding members. Or maybe we just don’t know anymore ;)

How long have you been around?

As far as we know, Kollektiv.26 has been around since summer 2013. Texts from 2016 onwards can be found on this blog, if you use the archive on the sidebar you can look up months/yerars. You can also find radical leftist stuff in Ulm on the linksunten Indymedia archive (german only website).

What do we want?

In a nutshell: To try to get along together and make this world a better place.

We deal with different issues and our focus changes from time to time. Here is an incomplete selection:

From anti-fascism to feminism and gender, environment and climate protection to alternatives to capitalism and utopias.

Our aim is to create spaces for these issues and to take a clear stand against inhuman attitudes in the region. We don’t just want to criticize, but try to change concrete circumstances.

We are aware that we ourselves are part of social structures and hierarchies that we question. Instead of simply claiming that we have eaten the truth with a golden spoon and are free of all kinds of things, we also try to work through our own actions, prejudices and discrimination. Specifically, we had to deal with sexist behavior and assaults in our own community several times.

Aren’t these too many big issues?

Yes, of course, no question. In a better world, there would be separate structures and groups for all these topics. But there aren’t any here, welcome to the medium-sized city of Ulm, which smells of conservative Swabianism despite its green and international veneer. That’s why we have no choice but to try it ourselves.

Besides, we think that these issues are important and very often interrelated. That’s why it makes sense for us to look at them together and not separately.

But we are not completely alone here, there are a few other people and groups in Ulm who focus on issues like racism, gender or the environment.

What do we do?

We meet regularly and plan, coordinate, discuss among ourselves and educate ourselves. On the one hand we organise workshops and lectures, on the other hand we organize actions, rallies or counter-protests. Together we go to demonstrations, congresses or camps.

A lot of what we do is everyday organizational stuff:

  • researching and writing texts
  • painting banners and designing flyers
  • planning actions or rallies
  • networking and trying to get things moving with others

We try to avoid doing always the same things and to do something different, e.g. by making our own videos. We always have a do-it-yourself attitude and try to teach ourselves and each other things.

A few examples of actions from recent years:

(in some of the mentions examples we were invoved but of course not the only participating groups/persons)

How can I join or support you?

As already mentioned, we don’t go around shouting out loud who we are. But we still try to be open for people with new ideas and projects. That’s why we always have open meetings.

– Currently, in the time of the pandemic, you can also get to know us online or during a walk. –

If, for whatever reason, you can’t be active yourself, but would still like to support us, just get in touch. There are many ways to help us, not only by donating money but also just a bit of paint or fabric that is lying around somewhere or information about things you have picked up.

If you are part of a group and you have a concrete idea but questions or need support, just write us.

For more information and direct contact with us, you can write to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or preferably by (encrypted) email. You can find our public encryption PGP-key here.