What is this project about?
We are finding ourselves in times of multiple overlapping crises, huge amounts of power being accrued by private businesses and nation states and rampant political and social polarisation. At the same time we are also seeing a great amount of individuals and groups with a wish to contribute to regenerating the social, political, economic and ecological systems on this planet. People are getting engaged, some very intensely, others just a bit. With a diversity of topics being brought to the collective attention, it can seem as though there is too much that needs to change in too short of a time. We can feel as though we need to be part of 5 different groups to satisfy our own need for making a contribution and feel in integrity with our values. We also notice that this way of doing things doesn’t check out. People get overwhelmed, exhausted and drop out of political engagement just as regularly as new members join. Civil society is stagnating in a time where we desperately need it to thrive.
“Wherever there is uncertainty, there is a possibility.”
Joanna Macy
At CAN, we believe this turbulent moment presents an opportunity: by collaborating across different causes, civic initiatives can strengthen their individual efforts. This doesn’t require unifying around a single goal, but rather being strategic with resources and having a clear plan to convert them into the power needed to achieve their specific objectives. Each group can then approach others with clarity about their needs. This collaborative mindset -considering resources beyond one’s own group in planning – is still quite unfamiliar to most of us, so we want to provide the Cross-Movement Open Space as a regular practice ground that can help us to develop a more collaborative working culture together.
Our Open Spaces unite civil society groups, focusing on societal transformation, particularly in climate justice, social justice, and democratic participation. Held quarterly in Vienna, change-makers nationwide gather to explore effective strategies for political and economic change towards a regenerative and socially just paradigm. We envision this space as a catalyst for self-organized collaborations, where people from different organizations discover synergies and concrete ways to work together or share resources. Utilizing Open Space Technology, the cyclical event fosters relationship-building, addresses current political challenges, and includes activities for soft skill development. The hosting team ensures broad invitations, and results are disseminated throughout the movement. Meeting intentions encompass enhancing effectiveness amidst crises, leveraging diverse approaches for common causes, increasing mutual understanding, fostering collaboration across movements, establishing new organizing patterns, and promoting health, resilience, and regeneration.
Beyond this event, CAN offers various forms of support to help initiatives or alliances in their engagement. Through these efforts, we aim to foster the flourishing of a vast network of active groups and individuals, contributing to the unification of civil society’s strengths.
Everyone is welcome at the Cross-Movement Open Space who is engaged in a civic initiative or political group and would like to connect with others who take responsibility for shaping social change.
Hard Facts
Target Group: Active citizens, initiatives and groups
Content: The agenda is co-created via Open Space Technology
Location: Venue in Vienna
Frequency: Every 3-4 months
Duration: Saturday and Sunday, usually from 10am to 6pm with a long lunch break
Costs: Donation based
Current version
Check out here when the next Cross-Movement Open Space will be happening! You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be informed when new dates are announced.
newsletter form
previous versions
This cycle of events started in November 2023. Within one year 4 editions of the event took place, each with 40 to 100 participants. We are establishing this space as a long term presence in Austrian Civil Society, because we believe that structure can liberate dormant potential.
Questions?
If you are interested to hear more or would like to be part of the Cross-Movement Open Space team reach out to team@civilaction.net.
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