Events
11-13, 2024 09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Online |
Methods of citizen participation - there is a suitable format for every concern |
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Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, You can draw on an almost unmanageable range of methods to implement your participation concerns. As a rule, different formats (online, hybrid and/or analogue) are combined with each other, e.g. in citizens' assemblies, or they build on each other. The seminar will provide you with a sound overview of the method landscape. You will apply selected methods directly in the seminar and deal with the following questions, among others, so that you can expand your competences:
Target group and benefits The Alliance for Local Democracy seminar is aimed at all those who are looking for more guidance in the field of action, in particular municipal employees, elected representatives and interested residents.
Confirmation of participation and certificate You will receive a certificate of attendance for your participation in this seminar. The event can also be booked as part of the ‘Citizen participation at municipal level’ course, which consists of four seminars. After completing the course or for your participation in four seminars, you will receive the certificate ‘Citizen participation at municipal level - Laying the foundations for successful participatory urban development’. |
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11-13, 2024 03:00 PM - 04:30 PM Online |
The future of democracy: unpacking the ripples of political polarization at the personal & community levels |
Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, As political polarization intensifies, its effects ripple through our personal lives and communities, challenging the fabric of democratic engagement. This session explores the multifaceted impact of political divides, shedding light on how they influence personal relationships, community cohesion, and democratic processes. This session will explore:
Meet Zakia Elvang Zakia Elvang is working from her base in Copenhagen, but is deeply engaged in democratic development in the rest of the world with her roots in the Baltic and Nordic countries. She is the co-founder and executive director of the Danish democracy innovation organization We Do Democracy and the founder of the democracy innovation lab in Copenhagen - Demokrati Garage. The event will take place on the Zoom video conferencing platform. An event organised by the Bosch Alumni Network |
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11-13, 2024 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Online |
Lessons from the Deschutes County (USA) Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness |
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Location: Online, From 14 September to 6 October 2024, a Civic Assembly on the topic of youth homelessness took place in Deschutes County in the US state of Oregon. On 6 October, Members of the Central Oregon Youth Action Board received the assembly's recommendations. DemocracyNext and New America invite you to a briefing on best practices and key insights from the Deschutes County Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness. As the USA close out the 2024 election season, it’s a timely reminder that democracy isn’t confined to Election Day - it thrives through continuous civic engagement. This transformative experiment in citizen-led democracy offers rich lessons for practitioners and scholars interested in the growing movement of citizens’ assemblies in the United States, as well as the role that digital tools can play in fostering collaboration and deliberation. Please join the event for a thought-provoking discussion featuring on-the-ground experts and leaders who were instrumental to the process in Bend:
The discussion will be moderated by Hollie Russon Gilman, Senior Fellow at the Political Reform Program. Background: Civic Assembly on Youth Homelessness in Deschutes County |
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11-13, 2024 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM Berlin |
Citizens' assemblies in the Berlin districts |
Location: Mehr Demokratie, Haus der Demokratie und Menschenrechte, Greifswalder Str. 4, 10405 Berlin Citizens‘ assemblies are on everyone's lips. At the beginning of the year, the 'Citizens Assembly on Nutrition’ made headlines, and until October, the parliamentary groups in the Bundestag discussed, ultimately without success, whether there should be a citizens' assembly on the COVID-19 crisis in the Bundestag. But what about the local level? At this event of the Mehr Demokratie-state organisation Berlin/Brandenburg, participants and three speakers will look at citizens' assemblies and initiatives in Berlin-Mitte, Marzahn-Hellersdorf and Tempelhof-Schöneberg. Speakers
Participation is free of charge. Interested parties are very welcome! Due to limited capacity, the organisers would be grateful if you could register at berlin@mehr-demokratie.de. Background: Local citizens' assemblies in Germany |
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11-14, 2024 09:00 AM - 01:00 PM Online |
Workshop: Systemic Consensus Building - the Basics |
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Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, Democracy thrives on diversity. And on respect for that diversity. It is an art to generate a decision from diversity in respect. Systemic Consensus Building is a consensus-oriented decision-making process. A group selects the proposal that receives the least rejection from the group from a series of proposed solutions developed by the group itself. This method is also used in citizens' assemblies. Systemic Consensus Building is not about what most people want, but about what bothers the group the least. This way, solutions with little resistance are found, which are therefore well supported. Success comes not from power-oriented overruling, but from accommodating those who think differently. Groups that regularly use consensus building over a long period of time develop an attentive and appreciative working culture. The workshop is offered by organisational and democracy developer Johanna Ankenbauer. |
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11-14, 2024 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM Online |
Dynamic Facilitation - Consolidation day (for trained facilitators) |
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Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, The Dynamic Facilitation in-depth day consists of two elements: On the one hand, depending on the specific interests of the participants, there will be further input: more on the "Council of the Wise", on the topic of "We-Flection" or on the combination of Dynamic Facilitation with other approaches and, of course, further examples from practice. And on the other hand, it's about reflecting on your own practical experiences in the group: whether it's dealing with difficult situations, particularly successful ones or simply specific questions that have arisen "by doing". Even those who have not yet made the leap to applying the method themselves are welcome to join in, contribute their questions and learn from the experiences of others. This will give you the motivation to try it yourself. This seminar from all dimensions is only open to trained practitioners who have already attended the seminar "Dynamic Facilitation - learning to apply it confidently" or an earlier Dynamic Facilitation seminar (possibly also with other authorised course leaders). |
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11-14, 2024 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM Copenhagen (Denmark) |
Climate assemblies: The path towards green transition? |
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Location: CApE (Center for Applied Ecological Thinking), Læderstræde 20, 1201 Copenhagen, Denmark A so-called deliberative wave is currently sweeping across the Western world. The escalating ecological and climate crises are presented as an opportunity to revitalise democracy through climate assemblies. The trend is also evident in Denmark, where both nationally and locally we are seeing the emergence of climate assemblies as an arena for uncovering the path towards the green transition. However, they are being rolled out with varying degrees of success. Are climate assemblies just a political manoeuvre? Or can climate dialogue contribute to the green transition? And why listen to citizens on the road to the green transition? The thesis Lingering democracy: A story on democratic participation in times of climate and ecological crisis by Ingrid Helene Brandt Jensen allows itself to dwell in the centre and between these questions; through an examination of the lived experience of participating in the Danish Climate Assembly. Through an extended fieldwork conducted in collaboration with the research group ‘Democratic Innovations in a Green Transition’, the thesis tells a fascinating story of the enthusiasm and optimism with which the Climate Assembly was rolled out, the ghosts that haunted its design, the conspiracies that were ignited along the way, and the ecological sensitivity that germinated in the members of the Climate Assembly. Through this, the thesis contributes an approach to democratic theory that insists on leaving things unstable, conflicted and slow in a world preoccupied with stable and quick solutions. |
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11-14, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Online |
Citizens' assemblies: shaping democracy |
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Location: Online, There has been a lot of talk about democracy lately. You hear, read or have the impression that it is endangered, that democracy must be defended and that we must do more to support and promote it. Simply exercising the right to vote is not enough to automatically maintain a society in which democracy is considered valuable and exemplified. In this context, citizens' assemblies are often brought up as a way to invigorate democracy and make participation attractive. At the event, participants will get an impression of the possibilities and limitations of citizens‘ assemblies and exchange experiences on how to initiate and implement them. Speaker: Martin Coordes. He took part in the first German citizens’ assembly at the federal level, the ‘Citizens’ Assembly on Democracy’. An event organised by the Evangelische Erwachsenenbildung Niedersachsen. |
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11-16, 2024 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM Hitzacker |
A citizens' assembly for Hitzacker |
Location: Alte Sargtischlerei, An der Kirche 4, 29456 Hitzacker A citizens‘ assembly for Hitzacker - this is the motto of the next information and discussion event organised by ’Together for Hitzacker‘. What makes this event special is that the “Together for Hitzacker” initiative has been able to secure Martin Coordes as a speaker. He was a member of the Citizens’ Assembly on Democracy and has since helped to establish several local citizens‘ assemblies. This promises first-hand information and guidance on how Hitzacker could establish a citizens’ assembly. |
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11-19, 2024 01:15 PM until 11-21, 2024 04:30 PM Online |
D³ Congress 2024 - Online congress on digital democracy |
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Location: Online, The D³ Congress will take place for the fifth time in 2024. Over three days, participants will discuss all aspects of digital democratic participation with numerous experts. The final congress programme will be published in September 2024. You can already secure your free ticket now. The number of participants is limited to 1,000 people. The program will include the ‘Forum against Fakes’. In the first half of 2024, the Bertelsmann Stiftung carried out this project in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The aim was to initiate a broad debate on how to deal with disinformation in Germany by means of a citizens' assembly and nationwide online consultations. A session will provide insights into the methodology and results of the project as well as specific lessons learnt. |
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11-19, 2024 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Hamburg |
Opportunities for citizen participation in Hamburg |
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Location: VHS-Zentrum Mitte, Schanzenstr. 75, 20357 Hamburg The Hamburg state parliament, the Bürgerschaft, will hold new elections at the beginning of March 2025. But what opportunities for citizen participation are there beyond elections? What is the federal state of Hamburg responsible for? How can I prepare for the election? Where can I get reliable information? Who is responsible for citizen participation? What democratic muscles do I have at the state level? How can I contribute my wishes and expectations? Get information on question tools, information sources, popular initiatives, petitions, and referendums, as well as citizens' assemblies and meeting places. A course to discover and strengthen your own democracy muscles as part of the five-part series ’Democracy needs us!’ In 2024, Germany had a record number of elections in several federal states, numerous municipalities and at the EU level. However, democracy is much more than that, and we citizens have an important role to play everywhere. We just have to learn how! In this series, you will get to know your democratic muscles, i.e. how you can effectively influence all levels of politics and administration. All courses are designed to be interactive. Note: Those who bring their laptop or smartphone can try out some of the tools right away. An event organised by VHS Hamburg in cooperation with Mehr Demokratie Hamburg. |
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11-19, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:15 PM Canberra (Australia) |
How deliberative is Australian democracy? |
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Location: Verity Lane, Sydney Building, 50 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia Australian politics is becoming increasingly toxic. The ability to hold constructive discussions or to respectfully disagree on key political debates seems out of reach. While a huge surge in appetite for more public deliberation is sweeping other democracies, Australian political institutions seem averse to innovations that would enlarge and deepen democratic conversations. How can the quality of political conversations in Australia be improved, including allowing space for diverse and marginalised voices? Panel and speakers:
Moderator: Ariadne Vromen. Ariadne holds the Sir John Bunting Chair of Public Administration at the Australian National University Crawford School of Public Policy. She is also Deputy Dean (Research) at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. The speakers will unpack the reasons behind the state of deliberation in Australia, and invite the audience to reflect on new ways of living together based on justice and mutual respect. This event organised by the Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance will take place at 7 pm AEDT. Interested parties can also follow the event via the Zoom video conferencing platform. An event in the series 10 big questions on deliberative democracy |
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11-20, 2024 09:30 AM until 11-22, 2024 04:00 PM Oberursel |
Dynamic Facilitation and Wisdom Council |
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Location: Akademie Gesundes Leben, Gotische Str. 15, 61440 Oberursel Dynamic Facilitation is a facilitation method for small and medium-sized groups (up to 50+ people) such as citizens' assemblies, which is particularly suitable for difficult topics... because a creative solution is needed, because a solution supported by all must be found, because perhaps no one believes that a solution is possible at all, because there are different opinions and unspoken tendencies on the topic, because the topic is fraught with conflict, because there are rigid value judgements on the topic... because a breakthrough is needed. Dynamic Facilitation is able to bring about these breakthroughs - solutions that no longer need to be voted on because they are so good that they are spontaneously supported by everyone and subsequently implemented with a great deal of energy. Dynamic facilitation is a very organic process that enables creativity, in which the participants are not "structured" by the facilitator. Instead, they are given plenty of space for their thoughts, ideas and impulses. At the same time, the process is conducted in such a way that a very high quality of dialogue is created with a high degree of listening. The Wisdom Council is a group of 12 randomly selected employees of an organisation (or community, etc.) who work together for one to one and a half days to generate jointly supported recommendations for the larger system. They are facilitated using the Dynamic Facilitation method. These recommendations are then presented to all employees of the organisation at an event. However, they are not only presented, but also discussed by everyone. As the diverse Council of Wise Men has already integrated different points of view and arrived at jointly supported recommendations, there is a very good chance that the much larger group will also see them as sensible. In just two to three hours, many employees can reflect and gain insights that would take longer with other methods. The awareness of the entire organisation develops further. Contents in detail What you get out of this seminar:
What happens in this seminar:
Who can benefit from it:
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11-20, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Online |
Municipal climate citizens' assemblies |
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Location: Online, Experience with citizens' assemblies in Switzerland is growing. In the last five years, this new form of citizen participation has gained increasing attention and interest in civil society and politics. Citizens' assemblies have now been implemented at national, cantonal and communal level in Switzerland. So now is the time: the citizens' assembly project Demoscan is inviting various stakeholders and interested parties to learn from each other and exchange ideas. On 20 November 2024, the focus will be on municipal climate citizens' assemblies. Marina Graber and other guests will be taking part. Programme:
The guests will share their experiences on the above questions. This will be followed by a discussion in small groups. An event in the series ‘Citizens’ Assemblies in Switzerland. Pooling experiences and venturing an outlook’. |
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11-21, 2024 09:30 AM until 12-23, 2024 04:00 PM Düsseldorf |
Seminar: Dynamic Facilitation |
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Location: Forum Demokratie Düsseldorf, Himmelgeister Str. 107, 40225 Düsseldorf Dynamic Facilitation (DF) is a facilitation method that supports small and medium-sized groups in arriving at solutions that are often unexpected, surprisingly creative or particularly sustainable and transformative for all participants. Even seemingly unsolvable problems or conflicts can lead to completely new solutions. The Dynamic Facilitation facilitator achieves this by creating a space of unconditional safety and appreciation for each participant. By taking a deep interest in everything that wants to be expressed and listening with great focus, the facilitator inspires the whole group to listen attentively, enabling each speaker to explore deeper within themselves as they speak, thereby awakening the wealth of possibilities that lie hidden within the group. Concerns, resistance and strong feelings, which are otherwise often perceived as disruptive in group processes, are valuable and welcome here. They often prove to be decisive impulses for a sustainable solution. In addition to the attentive attitude of the facilitator, DF requires a simple and clear formal setting. This essentially consists of four flipcharts, under which all the participants' contributions are recorded. This makes the group's process comprehensible and turns it into a shared story and thus into a further source of insight and growth. In this three-day seminar, participants learn the most important elements of Dynamic Facilitation, the Wisdom Council Process and Citizens' Assemblies. They will experience DF and its effects in an exemplary way, practise it themselves, exchange ideas and thus immerse themselves deeply in what makes DF so special, also in comparison to other methods. |
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11-21, 2024 01:00 PM - 05:00 PM Brussels (Belgium) |
Making deliberative mini-publics better? Recent findings about the recruitment, public support and impact on policy of citizens' assemblies |
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Location: Hoek 38, Leuvensestraat 38, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Deliberative mini-publics (DMPs) are increasingly implemented across democracies, with Belgium at the forefront of this movement. Nevertheless DMPs still encounter significant challenges:
Leading researchers, including Sofie Marien (KU Leuven), Jean-Benoit Pilet (ULB), and Min Reuchamps (UC Louvain), have been exploring these challenges through various ambitious projects. They will present their findings. Additionally, Emilien Paulis (University of Luxembourg) and Kristof Jacobs (RU Nijmegen) will share insights from recent projects in Luxembourg and the Netherlands.This workshop aims to create a meaningful dialogue between researchers and practitioners, public servant and public authorities to enhance the effectiveness of mini-publics. We will discuss key research findings and explore practical strategies for improving participation, public engagement, and policy impact. Agenda highlights:
This workshop is free but with a no-show fee (due to catering costs). Number of participants is limited. Secure your place quickly. This workshop is a joint event of ULB, UCLouvain, KULeuven, Tree Company and G1000. |
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11-21, 2024 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Online |
Citizens’ assemblies - a new democratic response to authoritarianism in Central & Eastern Europe? |
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Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, A highly contested recent referendum in Moldova and elections in Georgia have shown how differences are sharpening over the geostrategic direction of Central & Eastern Europe. There is a ray of hope, though: the notable adoption of deliberative democracy as a vital tool for strengthening the region’s democratic resilience. Are citizens‘ assemblies an answer to authoritarianism in Central and Eastern Europe? Ieva Česnulaitytė, senior adviser at DemocracyNext, presents her paper “A New Democratic Answer to Authoritarianism in Central and Eastern Europe”. Her report details the remarkable spread of citizens' assemblies since 2016 - and what will be a doubling of the number of countries hosting them in the region in 2024 and 2025. The event will be joined by Éva Bordos of DemNet in Hungary, Gazela Pudar Draško of the University of Belgrade, Serbia, confirmed, and other guests involved in helping eastern Europe find new ways to defend itself from authoritarianism. Marko Prelec, Senior Analyst, Balkans at International Crisis Group will moderate. |
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11-21, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Weimar |
Book launch: Unequally united. Why the East remains different |
Location: LiteraturEtage, Marktstr. 2 - 4, 99423 Weimar The debate about East Germany and the relationship between East and West continues to flare up 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall. In his new book "Unequally united. Why the East remains different", sociologist Prof Steffen Mau contradicts the equalisation thesis that East Germany will become like the West over time. Due to the experiences of the GDR and the years of reunification, the East will remain different - economically, politically, but also in terms of mentality and identity. In view of the weak roots of the established parties, Mau is in favour of trying out alternative forms of democracy and involving people more, for example through citizens' assemblies. Steffen Mau will present his new book in Weimar on 21 November 2024. Admission: 10,- / 8,- / 1,- (Weimarpass) Euro An event organised by the Literarische Gesellschaft Thüringen. Supported by the Thuringian State Chancellery. Steffen Mau, born in 1968, is Professor of Macrosociology at Humboldt University in Berlin. His book Lütten Klein. Leben in der ostdeutschen Transformationsgesellschaft (st 5092) was number one on the non-fiction bestseller list of ZDF, Zeit and Deutschlandfunk Kultur. In 2021, he received the Leibniz Prize of the German Research Foundation. |
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11-23, 2024 10:00 AM - 04:30 PM Wuppertal |
OKNRW Barcamp 2024: From powerlessness to action - how we can strengthen our democracy locally |
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Location: Bergische Volkshochschule, Auer Schulstr. 20, 42103 Wuppertal The challenges for our democracy are becoming increasingly complex. It is therefore crucial that we do not remain mired in outrage, but instead take action with a view to finding solutions. This OKNRW BarCamp is dedicated to the question of how we can strengthen our ability to act and create new connections. The focus is on positively shaping ideas and networking across institutional boundaries. Key questions of the OKNRW BarCamp:
A workshop offered by democracy expert Thorsten Sterk (Mehr Demokratie) will focus on randomly selected citizens' assemblies in North Rhine-Westphalia. Why now of all times? Our democracy is not something we can take for granted, but rather an ongoing process. It is at the local level that we can exert a direct influence and actively shape this process. However, this requires that we do not feel powerless, but that we have the courage and the right approaches to take action. This OKNRW BarCamp offers you the opportunity to exchange ideas with like-minded people, develop new ideas and discuss specific measures. The aim is to experience democratic self-efficacy and to see that every contribution counts. Regardless of whether you are already active or just considering getting more involved, this OKNRW BarCamp is the place to come together to learn, create and strengthen our local democracy. A BarCamp is an open form of conference where the participants themselves determine the content and the agenda by suggesting topics and organising workshops at the beginning of the event, thus enabling an interactive and flexible exchange of knowledge and ideas. Objectives:
Who is the event aimed at? The Barcamp is not aimed exclusively at a specialist audience, but aims to bring the topics to a wider audience. Newcomers interested in more participation, engagement, cooperation and transparency in local communities are more than welcome!
An event organised by Mehr Demokratie, Bergische VHS and Talbeteiligung. |
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11-26, 2024 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Online |
Sweden's Climate Assembly |
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Location: Videokonferenz-Plattform Zoom, During the spring of 2024, the FAIRTRANS research programme hosted Sweden’s first climate assembly and second national-level deliberative mini-public. The assembly’s remit was to deliberate and agree upon recommendations to decrease Swedish emissions in light of the Paris Agreement (with a focus on transportation). The climate assembly had no political or administrative mandate but aimed to enrich and nuance the national discussion on climate policy through established and new media engagement . The design aimed to incorporate support for systems thinking, for example through the use of the ‘climate fresk’ game. This event by the Knowledge Network on Climate Assemblies (KNOCA) will consider the design and outcomes of the assembly, in particular the lessons to be drawn from its communications and systems thinking ambitions. The participants will be joined by
Further contributors will be added to the line-up. |
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11-26, 2024 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Online |
Citizens' Assembly Network: Mini-public data for all! |
Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, More and more often, local and state governments, and most recently the German parliament, are turning to sortition-based citizens‘ assemblies. This is shown in the report “Citizens” Assemblies in Germany’, which Mehr Demokratie and the Institute for Democracy and Participation Research at the University of Wuppertal (IDPF) presented to the public on 30 October 2024. It is the first of its kind and is based on a new database of sortition-based participatory procedures. The report covers more than 300 procedures since 1972, when the first mini-publics were called ‘planning cells.’ There has been an explosion in the number of citizens‘ assemblies in the 2020s. While an average of six mini-publics took place in Germany each year in the 2010s, the figure was almost 30 per year in 2020-2023. 80 percent of these were at the municipal level. Read more: Germany is world champion of citizens' assemblies On 26 November, IDPF and Mehr Demokratie will present the citizens' assembly database and report. It will also be explained how anyone can contribute to improving the database. Speakers
The event will be recorded and the recording will be made available to network members afterwards. Please register at info@buergerrat.de Learn more: Citizens' Assembly Network |
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11-27, 2024 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM Hamburg / Online |
Unequal unity: why the East will remain different |
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Location: KörberForum, Kehrwieder 12, 20457 Hamburg Whether in the wake of elections or protests, 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, discussions about East Germany not only flare up regularly, they also go round in circles. Accusations are followed by counter-accusations. Progress towards mutual understanding is rarely in sight. In his latest book, ‘Unequal Unity: Why the East Will Remain Different’, sociologist Steffen Mau challenges the theory of assimilation, which posits that over time, East Germany will become more like the West. It is the experiences in the GDR and in the years of change that lead to the East remaining different in the future - economically, politically, but also in terms of mentality and identity. In conversation with journalist Nadine Lindner, Steffen Mau offers a deep insight into his thesis and its implications for democracy. In view of the weak roots of the parties in the East, the sociologist argues for alternative democratic forms to be tried out and for people to be more involved, for example through citizens' assemblies. Guests Steffen Mau, born in 1968, is a professor of macrosociology at Humboldt University Berlin. His book ‘Lütten Klein. Leben in der ostdeutschen Transformationsgesellschaft’ was ranked number one on the non-fiction bestseller list of ZDF, Zeit and Deutschlandfunk Kultur. In 2021, he received the Leibniz Prize from the German Research Foundation. Nadine Lindner has been a correspondent in the capital city studio of Deutschlandradio since 2016. Prior to that, she reported for two and a half years as a regional correspondent from Saxony. She was awarded the 2024 Bundespressekonferenz Prize for her reporting for Deutschlandfunk on the transformation processes in the eastern German states and the rise of the AfD in recent years. Lindner studied political science, journalism and African studies in Leipzig. The event can also be followed via live stream. An event of the Körber Foundation. |
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11-28, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Hanover / Online |
Good advice for redistribution - How a citizens' assembly democratically decided on 25 million euros |
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Location: Hanover, (Venue to follow) More and more people have the feeling that their voice is not being heard. The gap between rich and poor is widening. More and more people are unable or unwilling to participate because the conditions are not right. Why did a millionaire heiress decide to place her wealth and power in the hands of 50 randomly selected citizens? How did these 50 manage to formulate messages for a fairer society and redistribute 25 million euros to 77 organisations? What impact does the ‘Guter Rat für Rückverteilung’ (Good Advice on Redistribution) in Austria have on the world? You talk to a member of the Vienna ‘Good Advice’ who was given this task. You can take away experiences from the work of a citizens' council and see what this can mean for your work and the development of democracy. This event will take place in hybrid form. You can talk to Alexandra Wang (Guter Rat Vienna) directly in Hanover or join the event online. Contact: Birgit Lemke, phone: +49 511 300 330-317, e-mail: lemke@aewb-nds.de An event organised by the Agency for Adult and Continuing Education |
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11-28, 2024 11:00 AM until 11-29, 2024 03:00 PM Würzburg |
Municipalities in focus: The conference for direct, digital and sortition-based democracy |
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Location: Würzburg Kino Central im Bürgerbräu, Frankfurter Str. 87, 97082 Würzburg How can local politics and administration benefit from the everyday expertise of their citizens? On 28 and 29 November, "Kommune im Fokus" will bring together administration, politics, service providers and civil society for the first time to present and discuss a variety of citizen-centred formats. The conference organised by Mehr Demokratie, Consul Democracy and Smarte Region stadt.land.wü will focus on the opportunities and challenges of innovative citizen participation formats and their potential for a vibrant, participatory democracy. This conference is a unique opportunity for municipal representatives, experts and civil society to exchange ideas, share experiences and shape the future of democratic innovation at local level. Topics include
The event is free of charge and is financed by donations, among other things. In order to avoid unnecessary costs, the organisers ask you to make a binding registration. |
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11-28, 2024 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM Online |
Climate blockades - escalate or negotiate? |
Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, In recent years, the number of collective protests in favour of more climate protection has increased in Germany and many other European countries. While the initial (student) protests by groups such as Fridays for Future were still largely well received by the public, more radical forms of protest such as road and tarmac blockades and even graffiti on art have provoked increasing opposition. A study conducted by the Berlin Social Science Centre in the summer of 2023 found that radical climate protests are not accepted by the majority of people in Germany. Knowledge about climate change and its consequences is more extensive and widespread than ever before, and the pressure and willingness to change is increasing. This makes the question of the most promising options for truly effective action in the face of the ‘climate crisis’ all the more urgent. On Thursday, 28 November 2024, Anna Nora Freier from the Institute for Democracy and Participation Research (IDPF) at the University of Wuppertal will give a lecture on the topic of ‘Climate blockades - escalation or negotiation?’. In her presentation, she will also look at the procedures and practice of climate citizens' assemblies. The event will take place on the Zoom video conferencing platform. A lecture as part of the lecture series ‘Resilience & Active Hope: How to deal with the climate crisis’ |
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12-02, 2024 12:30 PM until 12-04, 2024 03:30 PM Veitshöchheim |
Europe without Europeans? Opportunities and limits of citizen participation in the EU |
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Location: St. Markushof, Gadheimer Str. 19, 97209 Veitshöchheim Europe has voted, the European Parliament has been constituted and the new Commission has been confirmed in office. Now it is time to take stock. On the one hand, the European Parliament, as the representative of the citizens, is the driving force and system-shaping actor in the institutional structure of the European Union. On the other hand, it often comes across as inauthentic, alien or apolitical and technocratic. An event organised by Akademie Frankenwarte / Gesellschaft für Politische Bildung and Akademie für Politische Bildung Tutzing |
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12-04, 2024 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Online |
Citizens' assemblies and direct democracy |
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Location: Online, Experience with citizens' assemblies in Switzerland is growing. In the last five years, this new form of citizen participation has gained increasing attention and interest in civil society and politics. Citizens' assemblies have now been implemented at national, cantonal and communal level in Switzerland. So now is the time: the citizens' assembly project Demoscan is inviting various stakeholders and interested parties to learn from each other and exchange ideas. This event on 4 December 2024 with Nenad Stojanovic and Andri Heimann will focus on the connection between citizens' assemblies and direct democracy. Programme: Citizens' assemblies can also be used to develop an easy-to-understand voting guide for a proposed vote. This is already common practice in Switzerland.
The guests will share their experiences on the above questions. This will be followed by a discussion in small groups. An event in the series ‘Citizens’ Assemblies in Switzerland. Pooling experiences and venturing an outlook’. |
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12-04, 2024 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Online |
Citizens' Assembly Network: What we can learn from Athenian democracy today |
Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, What was decided by random selection in ancient times? The short answer is: a great deal! Random selection was used in ancient Greece in various areas of the community to bring about decisions. Even before political office-holders were determined by sortition, the practice was used in the 8th and 7th century BC, for example, in the distribution of booty, the distribution of tasks in the army and the distribution of land. From the end of the 6th century BC, probably with the Cleisthenic phylai reform, which created new administrative structural units, a gradual adoption into political practice began. Specifically, from this time on, the most important institution, the Council of 500, which prepared the meetings of the People's Assembly, was randomly selected. From the mid-5th century BC, a change in the judicial system enabled an even larger number of citizens to be randomly selected for political office. In the full development of Athenian democracy, 1,100 of 1,200 offices were awarded by sortition each year. In addition, 6,000 judges were randomly selected each year. Assuming an average number of 30,000 full citizens, this meant that about a quarter of the Athenian population came into direct contact with the political institutions outside of the people's assembly each year. The effects that this intensive use of sortition had on the stability of Athenian democracy are remarkable and deserve closer examination in view of the transformation of modern democracies. In his lecture, Dr Aaron Gebler talks about the use of sortition in ancient Greece and asks about its possible potential for modern democracies. The historian is the author of the book ‘The use and significance of sortition in Athens and in the Greek world from the 7th to the 5th century BC’. The event will be recorded and the recording will be made available to network members afterwards. Please register at info@buergerrat.de Learn more: Citizens' Assembly Network |
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12-04, 2024 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM Bern (Switzerland) |
Randomly selected People's Assemblies: An Update for Democracy? |
Location: Käfigturm, podium hall, 4th floor, Marktgasse 67, 3011 Bern, Switzerland Democracies must be continuously developed to deal with new challenges. One approach is the use of randomly-selected people's assemblies, which are used all over the world. People's assemblies are a dialogue-oriented form of participation that allows the voice and collective knowledge of the general population to be included in political decision-making processes. In a respectful, open-ended, and solution-oriented exchange of opinions and experiences, members of population councils discuss controversial or politically deadlocked issues and develop proposals for solutions. When these recommendations are incorporated into political decision-making, the process becomes more comprehensible and widely accepted by the population. This strengthens trust in democracy and political decisions. The People's Assembly 2025 is currently taking place in Switzerland: 100 randomly selected people reflect the diversity of the Swiss population and discuss how to respond to rising health costs. The Polit-Forum Bern is taking this as an opportunity to discuss the functioning and possible uses of randomly selected mini-publics worldwide and in Switzerland:
The Polit-Forum Bern invites you to the opening of the exhibition ‘Randomly selected People's Assemblies: An Update for Democracy?’ on 4 December. |
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12-09, 2024 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM Online |
Is sortition the better choice? |
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Location: Zoom video conferencing platform, Invented in Greece 2,500 years ago and then almost forgotten for a long time, democracy by sortition is experiencing a revival since the introduction of randomly selected juries in the United States and the invention of citizens' assemblies. We are currently experiencing an international wave of mini-publics From the local to the global level, randomly selected citizens deliberate on topics such as climate protection, nutrition, assisted dying, desinformation, care, abortion, marriage equality and much more. The results are forwarded to governments and parliaments as recommendations for action. This development raises a number of questions: What is the significance of sortition for modern democracy? Are randomly and elected representatives of the people to be understood as alternatives or complements? (When) is sortition the better choice? A lecture by Dr Florian Wieczorek (Mehr Demokratie) as part of the lecture series ’Challenged. An interdisciplinary view of democracy" The lecture series is open to the public, which means that not only guest students from the University of Münster, but all interested parties can attend. However, registration is required for organisational reasons. Important information for persons who are not registered as guest students:
An event organised by the Study in Old Age contact point |
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12-12, 2024 10:00 AM until 12-14, 2024 04:00 PM Hamburg |
Seminar: Dynamic Facilitation |
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Location: Lean-in, Birrenkovenallee 13, 22143 Hamburg Moinmoin to the three-day basic seminar in Dynamic Facilitation in Hamburg! This seminar offers you the opportunity to learn the basics of this revolutionary method of group facilitation and how to apply it in your own professional and personal contexts. During the seminar you will learn how to create an open and appreciative atmosphere in groups that allows participants to express their individual perspectives and ideas while developing creative and transformative solutions together. You will learn how to develop the ability to facilitate a group while responding individually to the needs of the participants. The seminar is aimed at anyone who wants to be able to work more effectively with groups, whether in business, education or community work. No previous facilitation experience is required. You will be able to explore this unique facilitation method in depth and learn how Dynamic Facilitation can be used successfully in different contexts - from the corporate sector ( Creative Insight Council ), to the broad field of citizen participation ( Citizens' Council according to the Vorarlberg Model / Citizens' Forum, Wisdom Council Process ) and 1:1 coaching. The seminar will take place from 16 November to 18 November in Hamburg. With a net investment of 980 € plus VAT you are included. The seminar includes training materials and full documentation of the event. We are sure that you will not only benefit personally from this seminar, but that you will also be able to acquire a valuable skill that will be of use to you in many future projects and endeavours - not least in the multi-day application of Dynmaic Facilitation in the form of citizens' assemblies or so-called "wisdom councils". |
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12-13, 2024 03:00 PM until 12-14, 2024 03:00 PM Rehburg-Loccum |
Quality network on citizens' reports |
Location: Evangelische Akkademie Loccum, Münchehäger Str. 6, 31547 Rehburg-Loccum Since 2009, the Quality Network on Citizens' Reports has been in existence, in which the three largest institutes for the implementation of the planning cell/citizens’ expert report participation procedure as well as other interested parties and friends of the planning cell work together. The aim of the network is to ensure the high quality of the standardised procedure, exchange experiences and further develop the procedure. To this end, an annual meeting is held regularly at different locations, which all interested parties can attend. On 13 and 14 December 2024, friends of the planning cell method will meet in Loccum (near Hanover). The invitation letter states: "Legend has it that the first ideas for the planning cell were developed there by the fireplace by the then Director of Studies Dr Peter C. Dienel. During Advent, we can be inspired by the atmosphere of the former monastery. In addition to the large block ‘What's new?’, this time we will be focussing on the two main topics ‘AI and planning cells’ and ‘Citizens’ assemblies and planning cells’. Other topics will of course also have their place. The Quality Network on Citizens' Reports had set itself the goal of defining binding quality criteria. These are now ten years old and need to be updated." The programme also includes a further development of the quality criteria as an update to the book ‘Die Qualität von Bürgerbeteiligungsverfahren’ (The quality of citizen participation procedures) published in 2014, differences, similarities and experiences with citizens' assemblies and planning cells, as well as reports from recent corresponding procedures. Participation fee: EUR 99.50 plus shuttle transfer from Wunstorf railway station to Rehburg-Loccum if necessary Registration and information/documents at https://www.buergergutachten.com/kontakt (subject: Loccum 2024) |
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12-17, 2024 05:00 PM - 06:30 PM Hamburg |
Opportunities for citizen participation at EU level |
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Location: VHS-Zentrum Mitte, Schanzenstr. 75, 20357 Hamburg In June 2024, the European Parliament was re-elected and has taken up its work. What issues does the EU decide on? Can I influence them too? How? What tools are available to me? What if I don't have EU citizenship? A course to discover and strengthen your own democratic muscles as part of the five-part series ‘Democracy needs us!’ In 2024, a record number of elections took place in Germany, in several federal states, numerous municipalities and at the EU level. However, democracy is much more than that, and we citizens have an important role to play everywhere. We just have to learn how! In this series, we get to know our democratic muscles, i.e. how we can effectively influence all levels of politics and administration. All courses are designed to be interactive. Note: Those who bring their own laptop or smartphone can try out some of the tools right away. An event organised by VHS Hamburg in cooperation with Mehr Demokratie Hamburg. |
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01-13, 2025 08:00 PM - 09:30 PM Berlin |
Benn meets: Steffen Mau: Unequally united. Why the East remains different |
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Location: Bildungs- und Kulturzentrum Peter Edel, Berliner Allee 125, 13088 Berlin The discussion about East Germany and the relationship between East and West flares up again and again. Be it on the occasion of anniversaries or after protests. And yet there is no progress in understanding in this debate. It goes round in circles, accusations are followed by counter-accusations: ‘You are dictatorship-socialised!’ - ‘You have made us economically and symbolically small!’ |
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01-16, 2025 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM Osnabrück |
Citizens' assemblies: a real opportunity or just a lot of hot air? |
Location: Kulturzentrum Lagerhalle, Spitzboden, Rolandsmauer 26, 49074 Osnabrück More and more often, cities and municipalities are turning to sortition-based citizens‘ assemblies. But what exactly are they? Why do the participants reflect the population when the composition is random? What happens to the proposals of a mini-public? And why can't the population vote on them - as it did so successfully six times in Ireland? Katrin Tober will answer these and your questions. She is a board member of the Bremen / Lower Saxony state organisation of Mehr Demokratie. Interested parties are very welcome! |
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01-22, 2025 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM Online |
What kind of democracy do we want? |
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Location: Online, Experience with citizens' assemblies in Switzerland is growing. In the last five years, this new form of citizen participation has gained increasing attention and interest in civil society and politics. Citizens' assemblies have now been implemented at national, cantonal and communal level in Switzerland. So now is the time: the citizens' assembly project Demoscan invites various stakeholders and interested parties to learn from each other and exchange ideas. This event with Victor Sanchez-Mazas and other guests will focus on the question of what kind of democracy we want. Programme: What kind of democracy do we want? We hear about democratic innovations.
The guests will share their experiences on the above questions. This will be followed by a discussion in small groups. An event in the series ‘Citizens’ Assemblies in Switzerland. Pooling experiences and venturing an outlook." |
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02-06, 2025 09:30 AM until 02-08, 2025 04:00 PM Munich |
Seminar: Dynamic Facilitation |
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Location: Munich, (Venue to follow) In this three-day seminar, you will learn how to successfully apply Dynamic Facilitation, a unique facilitation method, in various contexts. This ranges from the corporate sector to citizen participation, in particular the Citizens' Assembly and the Wisdom Council Process. But you will also celebrate breakthroughs in individual 1:1 coaching with Dynamic Facilitation. Dynamic Facilitation is particularly suitable in situations where complex problems need to be solved or creative solutions developed. Here are some examples:
In general, Dynamic Facilitation is always suitable when diverse perspectives and ideas need to be brought together in order to tackle complex problems and find jointly supported solutions. The seminar will take place from 1 February to 3 February 2024 in Munich / Pasing and offers the opportunity to learn from experienced trainers and exchange ideas with other participants. Discover the potential of Dynamic Facilitation together with us. |
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02-19, 2025 09:00 AM until 02-21, 2025 04:00 PM Düsseldorf |
Seminar: Learning Dynamic Facilitation |
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Location: Düsseldorf Youth Hostel, Düsseldorfer Str. 1, 40545 Düsseldorf Everyone is talking about participation in planning processes, but now more than ever, successful participation needs to deal with a diversity of perspectives and openness to results. With Dynamic Facilitation, you can utilise the potential and everyday expertise of the people to be involved in citizens' assemblies, for example, and really include them. Dynamic Facilitation as a facilitation method and approach
In this 3-day Dynamic Facilitation foundation seminar, you will learn the basic tools of the method. You will understand the mechanisms of action and practise their application. Participants will work with issues and ‘challenges’ from their everyday lives and develop opportunities together. |
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02-25, 2025 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM Cologne / Online |
Intergenerational justice through citizens' assemblies |
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Location: Alte Feuerwache, Melchiorstr. 3, 50670 Cologne Climate protection and thus safeguarding the basis of life for future generations as a matter of self-interest - that sounds good at first. But what institutional changes to the political system make sense? The German Advisory Council on the Environment proposes the appointment of a Council for Intergenerational Justice with veto rights. Is that enough? Or do we need institutionalised citizens' councils like the permanent Climate Citizens' Assembly in Brussels? This event will discuss various approaches that are considered necessary to tackle the climate crisis. The event will be broadcast via live stream. An event in the series Future. Climate. Democracy. by BürgerBegehren Klimaschutz. Background: Climate action through citizens' assemblies? |
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03-17, 2025 10:00 AM until 03-19, 2025 04:00 PM Strasbourg (France) |
European Conference on Participation 2025 |
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Location: Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, Place de Bordeaux, 67000 Strasbourg, France As every year, a Europe-wide conference will also take place in 2025, bringing together all stakeholders in citizen participation at the national and European level. Be there for the 9th edition of the conference from 17 to 19 March in Strasbourg and from 20 to 21 March online! For the organisers of Décider Ensemble, the conferences thrive on the diversity of participants and the perspectives shared. All actors interested in organising and/or moderating an exchange at the European Participation Conference 2025 are invited to submit their contribution by 5 January 2025. |
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05-06, 2025 07:30 PM until 05-08, 2025 04:00 PM Oberursel |
Dynamic Facilitation Deep Dive: Facilitating Democracy |
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Location: Akademie Gesundes Leben, Gotische Str. 15, 61440 Oberursel Dynamic Facilitation is a moderation method that supports small and medium-sized groups, e.g. in citizens' assemblies, in finding solutions that are often unexpected, surprisingly creative or particularly sustainable and transformative for all participants. Completely new paths can emerge even from seemingly insoluble problems or conflicts. The work that Dynamic Facilitation facilitators do is more important than ever in these times. Therefore, Rosa Zubizarreta, Holger Scholz and Matthias zur Bonsen invite you to a ‘Dynamic Facilitation Deep Dive’ with the theme ‘Facilitating Democracy’. Of course, ‘democracy’ is meant here to mean much more than just democracy in politics. For many, democracy is about supporting people in being heard and finding common ground - in communities, schools, companies, non-profit organisations... That's why the organisers of this event have formulated a ‘calling question’: ‘What have we learned about democracy through our practice of Dynamic Facilitation? What have we tried and what have we learned about the process itself?’ In this two-day immersion in Dynamic Facilitation, participants will
The future challenges us to form strong learning communities so that we are better prepared for the needs of our time. Dynamic Facilitation e.V., an association that aims to promote Dynamic Facilitation in German-speaking countries, is co-organising this event. |
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05-23, 2025 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM Cologne |
Citizen participation network |
Location: Youth Hostel Cologne-Deutz, Siegesstr. 5, 50679 Cologne The participation of citizens in social and political decision-making processes is a fundamental pillar of democracy: the democratic community needs the participation of citizens in order to gain acceptance and support and to become a ‘living’ democracy. Furthermore, our society is dependent on the participation of citizens in order to incorporate the knowledge and views of all stakeholders and to make forward-looking, sustainable decisions. The aim of the Citizen Participation Network is to give political participation in Germany more weight in the long term, e.g. through citizens' assemblies, and to strengthen it at all levels (federal, state and local). The network asks how a ‘participatory' democracy can be organised and promoted. It is looking for ways to promote citizen participation in a politically strategic way. Based on this fundamental idea, the Citizen Participation Network brings together people from all areas who want to promote the participation of citizens in political decisions and help shape the future of citizen participation. The network is fuelled by the commitment of the individual network members. The basic idea is that networkers from a wide variety of contexts and different democratic levels come together to discuss and work together, to exchange ideas and to jointly develop and implement necessary initiatives and measures. The next network meeting will take place on 23 May 2025 in Cologne. More information will follow. |