structural development

Hello!

There was really something going on in our ENO last week. While the lockdown was still in effect outside, the new colleagues who will form the structural change working group arrived here. At first we got to know each other in a completely new way: in front of open windows, masked, equipped with an extra sweater, the large group slowly got closer, partly on site, partly in video conferences on large screens.

Then we went to the training courses to bring us all up to speed: which computer programs and which working methods has the ENO had the best experience with in multi-level project management? What do we need to know for smooth interaction within our two teams, within the ENO and in exchange with the authorities, what is brand new for everyone, what can nobody know yet and therefore we have to try it out?

In workshops and small groups, we considered what is probably going through your mind when it comes to structural change: the opportunities offered by the forthcoming changes and the associated government funding are obvious. It can already be seen that the civic commitment will be great.

But are there also risks to consider, mistakes or discouraging disappointments from the past, are there issues that we as a working group are particularly hopeful or respectful of? We thought, analyzed, wrote and discussed. Then we came to the conclusion that we should look to the future with optimism and euphoria, but always keep in mind that the region and our small group of more or less ten people are facing a mammoth task. So: in small steps to great success - and with extra staying power. 2021 the start. 2038 the goal. Can work. Must work. After all, Görlitz wasn't built overnight!

In order to get closer to the subject matter of the "region in transition", we listened to many lectures, were given playful but demanding tasks, we examined the structural change theoretically and received extensive training from committed employees of the district. We newcomers are really happy that the experienced colleagues from Department 3, the Office for District Development and many other great people from the district office and other institutions will actively support our municipal and our innovation team in the Structural Change working group.

In the coming weeks I will continue to provide information here about what we are doing and how you can actively play a role in structural change. To make home, the district of Görlitz, as livable as possible. Because the current Lausitz-Monitor clearly shows that well over half of those living here agree with the statement "I love Lusatia", that well over 50% are proud to be from Lusatia and identify with the region.

However - and we must now change this together - one should not overlook the fact that almost every second person in the group of 18 to 29 year olds is thinking about leaving the region within the next two years - if you look at all age groups , so every tenth wants to leave. Probably also because of the uncertainty that comes with looking into the future. After all, 67 percent accept the need for structural change, but most lack a clear vision for the region - and not even one in five feels well informed about the future of Lusatia.

We will do something about that! We line up to inform you, to pick you up, to take you with us - and also to discuss from time to time what, how and why, we believe has a future here. And to support you, for example, in the realization of a business innovation or to help acquire funds to make the village center worth living in again for all generations.

Because we definitely see our future here in the district of Görlitz, which now has the luxury of being able to reposition itself in these fast-moving times - and with a lot of human, professional and financial support.

Since May 1st, we have been: Clara Hartung, Saskia Brosius, Laura Horst, Uwe Garack, Nino Gehler and Sven Erik Backhausen (from left to right in the photos above) - from June 1st, more colleagues will join us. You already know me, Jasna Zajcek, the first one in the picture above, as the one who makes information available to the public about all the new events in the ENO - initially only weekly in this blog and very soon in many other media .

Starting next week, I will finally present the Structural Change working group a little more specifically here. I will start with a portrait of Uwe Garack, whom many will surely still know as the owner of Foto-Garack in Niesky and others as the deputy mayor of Rothenburg.

He has already experienced a personal "structural change" himself and will report why he is now throwing himself into the work in our new municipal team with full zeal - and what you can expect from him!

 Best regards!

Your

Yasna