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WOLFGANG FAENDERL

Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt Project Framework for Community Spirit

Enough words have been exchanged; now at last let me see some deeds!

—Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Tolerance in Frankfurt

In 2002, projects dealing with intercultural cooperation, tolerance, and prevention of violence in the community of Frankfurt/Oder were unproductive. People from the different projects perceived each other as rivals rather than partners. They were exhausted and the public did not support the subject of tolerance. A small group of volunteers from various organizations arranged a preparatory meeting with a Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt consultant (Phase 1) to initiate a participatory process for dealing with the issue (figure 1).

ACTIVATION PHASE (PHASES 2–4)

Parallel, relevant stakeholders (Phase 2), essential cooperation partners (Phase 3), and interested people became involved. This helped to gradually integrate the participants’ needs, visions, and abilities to pursue the common goal. A growing team of consultants, evaluators, and facilitators coming from adjoining initiatives and institutions applied various methods (e.g., Appreciative Inquiry, Open Space) to pursue the common goal. The highlight was the “activation forum” (Phase 4), a three-day large group event in the spring with 45 people covering all generations, cultures, and social groupings: “Learning from, creating with, and engaging for each other.”

Figure 1. The Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt Phases

REALIZATION PHASE (PHASE 5)

Different self-organized action circles were established, and during the summer, they profited from the networking experience and the methodological know-how, as well as from the organizational support of the project circle. Assistance from regular meetings, large group events, information markets, research activities, mediation offers, interactive web modules, method trainings, and the like, enhanced information exchange and cooperation. Thirteen projects were carried out, such as public relations and supervision groups, a publication (presented by the academy for seniors), an international youth meeting, and even a successful singing ensemble.

INTEGRATION PHASE (PHASES 6–9)

Six months later, during Thanksgiving, another gathering with 40 people took place. The “integration forum” (Phase 6) invited all participants to reflect upon, present, and celebrate their results. This phase announced the well-deserved recreation for both the project circle (Phase 7) and the initiative circle (Phase 8). The self-dependent action circles were able to pursue their individual processes and even develop their own Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt beyond the given project time (Phase 9).

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NETWORKING

The Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt created a new and sustainable network between various organizations with people still meeting regularly (figure 2). The institutions began to specialize, giving recommendations to each other and improving the quality of the programs. Common petitions and events, mutual information about financial resources, and advice became daily practice. People in Frankfurt/Oder became more aware of tolerance activities, and the process also had a positive effect on the project teams and their private relations.

Figure 2. Development of Networking

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC NATURE OF THE METHOD?

The Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt is a “space for voluntary participation.” It offers a project framework in which many different people want to, like to and can accomplish different activities related to a common urgent issue. To create a suitable atmosphere, the voluntary participation process uses numerous methods, which are selected and developed with the participants. The framework of the Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt consists of three parts (figure 3):

Figure 3. Motivation Model

• Gemeinsinn Concept: A practical research project develops the principles of social consciousness, social abilities, and social engagement.

• Project Procedure: A transparent process design with flexible elements of consulting, management, and large group methods in a building block system.

• Support Network: Process consultants support participation processes and public events, offering training and further developing the methodology.

WHEN AND WHERE IS IT USED?

The participation approach has been employed in various contexts and with a wide range of issues. Educational and social sectors, public initiatives, organizations, associations, and corporations along with economic and scientific fields cooperate according to the principles and methods of the Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt. Projects can last from six months to three years, and involve all interested people—going beyond hierarchies, generations, and interest groups; that is, a real investment in civic engagement.

WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES FROM USING THE METHOD?

Those who appropriately involve others have much to gain. Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt offers structures to optimize this exchange: It does not have ONE project manager but MANY. Participants can expand their methodological repertoire, may use their knowledge for further enterprises, and apply their individual strengths and resources for the benefit of all. The surplus of this procedure is the triple-win effect, which can be considered “Gemeinsinn” (community spirit): Win for oneself, for other partners, and for the larger community.

1¹ + 1¹ + 1¹ < (1 + 1 + 1)^{1 + 1 + 1}

HOW DOES IT WORK? WHAT IS THE FLOW OR PROCESS?

As shown in the example of Frankfurt/Oder, the Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt proceeds in nine steps. It also offers a project structure to coordinate the allocation of tasks in cooperative processes. Figure 4 shows three areas of responsibilities (task areas) with three further task fields each. This offers both transparency and options for participation over time. Volunteers can choose a role according to what they can, like, and want to do.

Figure 4. Three Areas of Responsibilities

Table of Uses

About the Author

Wolfgang Faenderl ([email protected]) was born in Munich, and he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in social sciences in 1990. He also has additional qualifications in systemic therapy and various large group processes. Between 2000 and 2004, he was a scientific coordinator of research and development projects for “Gemeinsinn” at the Centre for Applied Policy Research (CAP) at the Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich in cooperation with the Bertelsmann Foundation. Since 2004, he has been a counselor, facilitator, and research fellow for participation processes in association with the CAP.

Where to Go for More Information

REFERENCE

Faenderl, Wolfgang. Beteiligung übers Reden hinaus—Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt: Materialien zur Entwicklung von Netzwerke (“Participation Beyond Mere Talking—Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt: Material for the Development of Networks”). Guetersloh, Germany: Bertelsmann Foundation, 2005.

ORGANIZATION

Gemeinsinn-Werkstatt—www.gemeinsinn-werkstatt.de

For workshops and network activities. The booklets and the building block system of methods are available to all, in German and increasingly in English.

Best thanks for editing support to: Daniel Song and Michael Pannwitz, Jr., Maren Schuepphaus, and Antje Gerike, as well as to the Bertelsmann Foundation.