structural development

Participatory conference: strengthening and shaping citizen participation

Hello!

Our region is experiencing a phase of change and upheaval. Many great opportunities for the future are opening up, especially but not only due to the coal phase-out.

We at ENO are pleased to be able to shape this exciting change together with, among others, a large number of committed actors and committed citizens of the Görlitz district. For us, citizen participation plays a central role in this time of transformation and provides important insights, as numerous and different, mostly successful formats have shown in recent years. But the path is not always easy and there are challenges that need to be overcome. In order to support and further develop these processes, we cordially invite the stakeholders in our district to the participation conference!

Participation processes as a driver of change

The participatory conference is intended to combine local expertise and external knowledge in order to take a look at what has already worked, particularly in the field of citizen participation, and what hurdles need to be overcome. Saskia Brosius, innovation and project manager at ENO explains: “Jan Hufenbach and Susanne Gärtner from the Lausitz Citizens Region . Together we want to bring together actors who are already organizing citizen participation in the region and exchange ideas - about what worked well and what can be done even better. In any case, we want to learn from each other, but we also look forward to professional input, knowledge transfer and knowledge development.”

Jan Hufenbach is known to many from the Oberlausitz space pioneer station - but is also active in the Lausitz Citizens' Region, among other things

The conference program

On Thursday, June 13, 2024, we start with food for thought and discussions on the current state of democracy and the redesign of local communities. What is new is the “On Success & Failure” format, in which the focus is on lectures and discussions on experiences and findings in Lusatia. The day is rounded off with numerous networking opportunities.

On Friday, June 14, 2024, the focus will be on the collection and presentation of participation formats and approaches. Workshops on various forms and techniques of participation offer practical insights and further training opportunities. Saskia Brosius is particularly looking forward to the workshops: "We will hold simple, practical workshops to expand our toolkit using new methods - in anticipation of further potential formats for citizen participation." ( You can see her in one of our numerous citizen participation formats in the cover photo moderate.)

The conference ends with a final round in which ideas for a participatory Lausitz are collected and discussed. “We are excited to see who will be there and whether we can draw up something like the 'master plan' for a participatory Lausitz in structural change,” she explains.

Registration and further information

Registration for the participatory conference is possible until June 6, 2024 at the latest. Early registrations are welcome! Participation is free, meals will be provided on site, and donations are welcome. Those interested can find further information about the event and how to register here .

Strengthen democracy together

At a time when interest in active political participation and participation is high - research shows that 86% of people want to be more involved in political decisions - the participatory conference is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bridge between representative democracy and citizenship. Participation processes are not only desired, but also urgently needed. They form the bridge between representative democracy, its institutions and the citizenry.

The participatory conference offers a unique opportunity to network, learn from each other and strengthen democracy in Lusatia together. We look forward to your participation and to working together to shape a strong, citizen-supported democracy!