A Space for Exchange, Collaboration, and Connection
Call for Participation in
Open Space and Networking Day No. 3
Networks That Work
When: 27 January 2027, 09:00–17:30
Where: Berlin-Friedrichshain
The exact location will be shared upon registration. Participation is free of charge. The main languages are German and Ukrainian with elements of English.
Deadline:
We invite you to
Open Space and Networking Day No. 3
Networks That Work
We constantly meet new people. But how do you turn an acquaintance into a real connection? How do you find people to share experiences, ideas, and opportunities with, or enter a new environment where you don’t know anyone yet?
This one-day interactive event is for people from Ukraine living in Berlin and Brandenburg, as well as representatives of German and international communities, initiatives, organizations, and institutions. It is not a conference about why networking matters. It is a space where networking happens in practice.
Deadline:
About
Vidnova Plus Dialogue is dedicated to strengthening societal engagement and supporting the participation of people from Ukraine in Germany’s public and community life. The program offers local support, opportunities for civic participation, and spaces for dialogue.
The event welcomes:
- People from Ukraine registered and living in Berlin and Brandenburg,
- Representatives of German and international communities, initiatives, organizations, and institutions.
You don’t have to represent an organization or come with a ready-made project. All you need is the desire to meet people, exchange experiences, and build new connections.
Agenda
Arrival & Connection
- 09:00Arrival & Registration
- 09:30Welcome & Introduction
- 10:00Networking Game
Exploration & Exchange
- 11:00Workshops led by representatives from iac Berlin, Vitsche, Literatura bez cukru and Collective Leadership Institute gGmbH
- 12:00Lunch
Co-Creation & Next Steps
- 13:00Open Space: Marketplace of Ideas
- 15:00Coffee Break
- 15:15Presentation of Results & Next Steps
- 16:30Informal Networking
- 17:30End
Workshop Contributors
Who Can Join
This event is for you, if you:
- are from Ukraine, registered in Berlin or Brandenburg and you hold §24 status or another residence permit in Germany, such as a Blue Card or work visa
- are part of an NGO or public institution in Berlin working with Ukraine
- are a member of German or international civil society organization in Berlin
- want to expand your circle of acquaintances in Berlin and Brandenburg
- are looking for new contacts, partnerships, ideas, or opportunities for collaboration
- want to meet people from different professional, civic, and cultural backgrounds
- are developing your own project or initiative, or are just looking for people to create something with
- want to better understand how to build and maintain useful connections in Germany
- have experience, knowledge, or contacts that you are ready to share
- are ready to actively meet people, talk, and work together with others throughout the day.
Formats
Open Space
Part of the program is created by the participants themselves. Propose a question or topic that interests you, join other people’s discussions, and find people with similar interests, experiences, or challenges.
Simulation Role-Play Game (“Red-Black Game”)
An interactive team challenge about trust, competition, negotiation, and cooperation. Teams represent different roles and interests, negotiate and make decisions that affect others. When do we choose cooperation, and when competition? Can agreements be trusted? And what does it take for the whole network to win, rather than individual players?
After the game, we will discuss together what helped or hindered cooperation and how these observations can be applied in real life.
Facilitated Networking
Networking is part of the program, not just a coffee break. Through facilitated introductions, small-group work, and thematic exchanges, you will meet people outside your usual circle and find concrete points of connection.
What to Expect
Tools
Practical sessions and workshops on building and maintaining useful connections.
Connections
New contacts with people from different professional, civic, and cultural backgrounds who share similar interests, experiences, or goals.
Collaboration
Interactive Open Space to develop initiatives and exchange needs and opportunities.
Networking
Facilitated formats throughout the day that connect Ukrainian, German, and international participants and lead to potential partners for future projects.
Why Participate
At its core, Vidnova Plus Dialogue is about connection, creating a space where:
- everyone feels invited to contribute,
- conversations turn into meaningful action,
- contacts become connections that continue after the event.
Together, we aim to build lasting relationships that promote inclusion, strengthen communities, and open up opportunities for cooperation.
Accessibility
We strive to create an inclusive and accessible space for all participants. Please let us know about your needs when submitting your application.
These may include language needs, venue accessibility requirements, a need for additional support, or other organizational needs.
The number of places is limited. We will inform you of the selection results or confirmation of participation by email.
Deadline:
Vidnova Plus programs are designed for people from Ukraine living in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Our programs offer local support, opportunities for civic participation, and spaces for dialogue, to strengthen participation in society and promote cooperation in a new environment.
The Vidnova Plus program is created and implemented by Commit gGmbH and co-funded by the European Union.
Contact
If you have any questions, please send a message, addressed to Maryna and Lisa.
