Participatory processes as drivers of change and democracy. A participatory conference!

In recent years, many things have been tried and tested in Lusatia. Much has happened in the field of citizen participation – often at the intersection of dialogue processes. While some approaches were tinkered with, many projects have been successfully implemented with citizen involvement.

According to the Körber Foundation, 86% of citizens want to be more involved in political decisions. Participation is both desired and needed. It will become the new glue between representative democracy, the institutions that represent it, and the citizenry. It is another pillar that strengthens democracy from within during periods of upheaval and crisis.

In this participatory conference, we want to bring together local experts and external know-how. Let's take a hard look at each other: What worked, what was frustrating? We want to come together in a collegial, self-critical, and visionary way. Together, we want to be inspired and encourage each other to build a strong, resilient democracy in Lusatia, supported by its citizens. We need a master plan for a participatory Lusatia. Especially now, in times of change!

We invite you to the following program. The days can also be attended individually:

Thursday, June 13, 2024

10:00 AM - Arrival

10:30 a.m. - Keynote and discussion: Why do we urgently need to rethink new forms of participation? The mood in Lusatia (results of the Lusatia Monitor) and the state of democracy in the region (results of the study "Upper Lusatian Values ​​Issues"), Jörg Heidig

11:15 AM - Keynote and discussion: Redesigning local communities through participatory processes; Markus Götsch, Dynamic Facilitator, Vorarlberg

12:15 pm - Lunch break

1:30 p.m. - Pecha Kucha I: On celebrating and failing. What's there to do in Lusatia? Participants introduce themselves.

3:00 PM - Fishbowl I, Evaluation: Lessons Learned – What worked? What didn't?

4:30 p.m. - Closing gathering and networking.

Friday, June 14, 2024

9:00 AM - Arrival

9:30 a.m. - Citizens' assemblies, future councils, street surveys, etc.; collaborative collection of formats and approaches to participatory methods; Andreas Meinlschmidt, Open Society Initiative

10:30 a.m. - Even more formats! Workshops

• • Anchor citizen participation. Professionalize citizen participation; Julia Baruck, It's starting
  • Renewing the world with Lego: “Lego Serious Play”; Claudia Arndt, BTU Cottbus
  • Vorarlberg again and again. Participatory democracy enshrined in the constitution; Markus Götsch, Narrativum
  • Digitalization and citizen participation; Norbert Rost, Office for Post-Fossil Regional Development

12:30 PM - Lunch break

1:30 p.m. - Pecha Kucha II: On celebrating and failing. What's there to do in Lusatia? Participants introduce themselves.

2:30 PM - Fishbow II, Evaluation: Lessons Learned – What worked? What didn't?

3:00 PM - Development of concrete ideas for a participatory Lusatia

4:30 p.m. - More appointments and goodbye!

 

Moderation: Jan Hufenbach & Susanne Gärtner (Citizens' Region Lausitz), Saskia Brosius (Development Company Lower Silesian Upper Lusatia)

Accommodation: We have reserved a block of rooms at the Erlichthof farm with the Jagiela family. If you are interested, please book directly at This email address is protected against spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to view it.

Food: We will be provided with meals on site. Donations are welcome.

Registration: Please register by June 6th at the latest. Early registrations are always welcome!