About the new platform for social change steiermark.gemeinsam.jetzt
A report by Hansi Herzog and Wolfgang Kogler
More and more civil society initiatives and actors are setting out to develop and test solutions for "A Good Life for All". There are numerous local and global challenges facing society as a whole. At the same time, there is growing frustration with politics and the economy clinging to capitalist structures. It seems that they cannot be reached in order to meet the needs and demands of citizens in a targeted manner.
As there is no single solution to the complex problems, we have set ourselves the goal of pooling the energy of the already active "pioneers of change". Their actions and commitment are made visible to the general public, thereby supporting sustainable social change.
The development of the platform
Two years ago, we came together at the 1st Graz Initiative Meeting as a team of six people from a wide range of initiatives - SOL Graz, Kumpanei - Wohnen in Graz, Gemeinwohlökonomie STMK, Styrrion Regionalwährung, Talente Tausch Graz, Hofkollektiv kleinerHof.
In line with the local action approach, we have since developed the local network steiermark.gemeinsam.jetzt!
With the release celebration on March 25, 2017, we will end the one-year test phase of the web platform and start the public application process in our new look. 2017 is also the year in which we set out to get to know other networking initiatives from all over the country - we want to join forces with initiatives across Austria.
Shared vision and goals - our role?
The core element of our work is to provide a "playing field " for civil society actors. We offer an online web platform for the initiatives - the community process happens when people meet directly. Spaces and meeting places should be made available. In this way, we want to promote information, communication and organization on the topics of food - society - culture - ecology - politics - economy - space .
In terms of network management, we want to accompany the process and support active participants. Initiatives and players in the network contribute their own special focus and expertise without losing their own individuality. We therefore see ourselves as an organizational service providerfor the common cause. The platform has developed a proposal to guide the initiatives towards a more liveable future. This should and can only be further developed in a participatory manner with the community - together we want to achieve more! Act now to achieve the vision and change for "A Good Life for All"!
Examples of other initiative networks
