19 November 2026, 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm

What offers protection? On fear

Overview

What does fear protect us from – and when does it hold us back?

Fear has a bad reputation, yet it is, first and foremost, a protective instinct: it alerts us, it warns us, and it puts the brakes on when things become too fast, too much or too threatening. Particularly in times when space is becoming more limited, resources are dwindling and the world is changing faster than we can keep up with, it is a fairly reliable sign that something is truly important to us.

We don’t want to gloss over fear. There are fears that make us wisely cautious, and there are those that paralyse us or cause us to look away altogether. What distinguishes one from the other? And what actually protects us when we are afraid: what carried us through frightening times in the past, and who or what can do so today?

We invite you to make space for what is otherwise rarely spoken of – either because there is no room for it in our day-to-day working lives, or because we do not wish to burden others. This evening is not a therapy session, nor is it about delving into deep issues; rather, it is a conversation about the fears we encounter in our work and in our interactions within society. You share only as much as feels right for you at that moment, and at the end we deliberately set aside time to wind down from the evening’s activities and recharge your batteries for the days ahead.

This evening is based on the concept of the salon as a space for socialising, good conversation and inspiration.

We are inviting people from civil society and NGOs who are currently under pressure but are carrying on regardless. And those who stand in solidarity with them.

For whom?

We are inviting people from civil society and NGOs who are currently under pressure but are carrying on regardless. And those who stand in solidarity with them.