Keep spaces open

Dear readers,

The state election in Saxony-Anhalt took place two weeks ago; this Sunday, elections were held in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. What were once thought to be certainties have been unravelling for some time now; at present, we are witnessing a new escalation of this, accompanied by a heightened sense of threat: Organisations and individuals who champion social and political causes are experiencing existential fears, uncertainty and an ever-narrowing scope for action. At the same time, some of them are currently receiving unexpected support, receiving donations, with people networking, offering support and wanting to get involved. Both realities exist side by side. Much of this is a snapshot in time: which aspects will become established? What is actually changing? How far-reaching are the consequences – for national politics as well as for a small local initiative?

Perhaps it was precisely this lack of knowledge that was one of the reasons why we decided to organise our interstices have taken place. Three evenings exploring hope, outrage and legacy – less a search for quick answers than a space where we can voice and reflect together on what is happening right now. Looking back on these three evenings, we’ll share a little about them. And the series continues. You can find out more about that below. 

Spaces for learning together, reflecting and experimenting will continue to be a focus for us in the coming months – with a wide variety of approaches. In our laboratories over the coming weeks, we’ll be covering a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from mindfulness to artificial intelligence, and from dancing to crying as possible ways of dealing with grief and pain as part of Grief Week 2026 and the realignment of our inner compass. In November, our training series "Conflict Competence – Living Gestalt Power and Strengthening Connections" begins. And in February, "gOe! – Developing Charities" starts again – our training programme for people shaping organisational development in the charitable sector. You’ll also find plenty more in this newsletter.

Perhaps this diversity is exactly what we need right now: to recognise what is changing; to keep spaces open where there are as yet no answers; and, at the same time, to continue learning, debating, shaping the future and ensuring that organisations remain capable of taking action.

I hope you enjoy reading this

Christian Baier