Procedure

This task consists of two parts

In the first part, participants have time to familiarize themselves with the different forms of digital engagement at the stations. The individual best practice examples are distributed throughout the room and participants can move between the stations at their own pace and in any order they choose.

In the second part, the market of possibilities is reflected upon together in a plenary session. The focus and topics of this final discussion can be chosen according to the needs and focus of the group.

Preparation

• Worksheets 1–11 must be printed out and set up as stations around the room.

Notes on moderation

• Depending on the topic of the final discussion, it may be useful to give participants a focus for their observations in advance.

Overview of best practice examples

• Gieß den Kiez is a web app that enables Berliners to help trees survive the increasingly dry summers.
• Frag den Staat supports citizens in exercising their right to freedom of information.
• WasIhrNichtSeht is an Instagram account by Dominik Lucha that raises awareness of everyday racism.
• Political engagement on TikTok: TikTok is not just a superficial fun platform with funny dance videos, but also a place for political activism.
• Pumpipumpe brings neighbors together and contributes to sustainability at the same time.
• At Wheelmap, everyone can help make everyday life a little better for people with disabilities.
• #Baseballschlägerjahre: Hashtag campaigns can raise awareness of issues. In 2019, the hashtag Baseballschlägerjahre drew attention to right-wing extremist violence in eastern Germany in the 1990s.
• Good memes get to the heart of the matter in a concise and often humorous way. That’s why they are ideal for civic engagement.
• The platform OmaStadi enables Helsinki citizens to vote together on projects and budgets and thus shape their own environment.
• Documentation: Documenting is easier than ever these days, as almost everyone has a smartphone in their pocket. The example of Christian Cooper shows that a single video can spark a major social debate.
• ichbinhier e. V.: Counter-speech is too rarely seen as a form of civic engagement. The association ichbinhier e.V. is committed to promoting a better online culture and counterspeech through training courses, among other things.

Extension

• The task can be modified methodologically. Instead of the gallery walk, the participants can be divided into groups and each group can be assigned a best practice example. The participants research this example and then present an elevator pitch. They pretend that the best practice examples have not yet been implemented. Finally, a jury (or the moderator) awards investment funds to the respective best practice examples or prizes to the best/most profitable idea/most humorous pitch.