Skip to content
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Mail
  • Search
The Innovation in Politics Institute
The Innovation in Politics Institute
  • HOME
  • INSTITUTE
    • IN A NUTSHELL
    • TEAM
    • Partners
    • COUNTRIES
    • Jobs
    • CONTACT
  • SERVICES
    • INNOVATION EXCHANGE
    • INNOVATION CONSULTING
    • SHOWCASING
  • What we do
    • The Innovation in Politics Awards
    • European Capital of Democracy
    • ACT NOW
    • POLIS Project
    • Socks Talk Politics
  • Awards
    • Overview
    • CITIZENS’ JURY
    • Previous Awards
      • Awards 2021
      • AWARDS 2020
      • AWARDS 2019
      • AWARDS 2018
      • AWARDS 2017
    • FAQ
  • Showroom
  • MEDIA
    • NEWS
    • Press
  • Linkedin
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Mail
  • Search

Facing Change with a Common Vision

GermanyACT NOW (2020)Civic EngagementQuality of LifeRegional Development

The two cities foster cooperation in diverse dialogue formats with representatives from civil society, the Municipality, the private sector, and citizens, in order to overcome the economic changes affecting the region.

Structural changes polarise society

The Lausitz is a rural region formerly dependent on the coal mining industry. The decline of this sector has caused structural changes and societal fractions. The economic development divided the society into those who benefit from new prospects, and those who have lost their jobs and fear the coming changes.

Cross-Sectoral Dialogue 

Together the cities Forst and Weißwasser foster cooperation between all parts of society and create a positive vision for the future. In diverse dialogue formats representatives of civil society, the Municipality, the private sector, and citizens discuss the structural changes that can be beneficial for all. The aim is to establish sustainable structures for civic engagement through these common activities.

co-creating a common future

Structural changes can be managed when all parts of society are included in regular exchange. To create a vision together, citizens need to be included from the start, especially those who are not like-minded. Therefore, it is crucial to act in a transparent manner and lead constructive and inclusive debates. In the process, the self-efficacy of the actors gets strengthened and a common vision for the future is created. 

Things only get really interesting and productive if we talk to people who have completely different opinions and strategies and have a fruitful argument in order to achieve something positive.

Romy Ganer, Project Coordinator Social Network Lausitz
Project owner
Romy Ganer
Project Coordinator Social Network Lausitz
Read More
  • Tweet
Back to main page

Related Projects

Mobile in the Valley

As a result of a survey among youth, a mobile application called TwoGo is created, enabling people to share rides in a rural area of Germany.

Essen Packt An! Collaboration Through Social Media

This project started when the citizens of Essen wanted to help each other after a severe storm in 2014, with the initiative becoming a firmly established organisation and an example of how to efficiently organise in the age of social media.

Virtual Power Plant as a Local Joint Venture

As part of the energy transition towards fossil fuel free production, municipalities join up to create a local power supply company that allows the gradual move to generating and distributing renewable energy in the region.

©2023 The Innovation in Politics Institute
Footer navigation
  • Imprint & Legal
  • Terms & Conditions

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.