Vidnova Plus Dialogue
Vidnova Plus Dialogue is more than a series of networking events — it’s a long-term initiative that brings people together to spark collaboration, inspire new ideas, and shape a shared future. It welcomes Ukrainians with a migration background, members of the wider Ukrainian communities in Berlin and Brandenburg, and representatives of German civil society and public institutions.
At its core, Vidnova Plus Dialogue is about connection — creating a space where everyone feels invited to contribute, where conversations grow into meaningful action, and where personal stories become part of a stronger collective voice. Together, we aim to build lasting relationships that support inclusion, help shape the communities we live in for the better, and develop shared solutions to common challenges.
Coordinated by Commit gGmbH
Funded by the European Union
Contents of this page
Overview
Over three years (2025–2028), Vidnova Plus Dialogue will host six full-day events, each bringing together around 65 representatives from civil society and the Ukrainian community across Berlin and Brandenburg.
Each event includes:
You’ll have the opportunity to:
Every participant will receive a certificate of participation.
Themes and roadmap
Each of the six events follows a thematic structure designed to support participants in actively fostering inclusion and strengthening the Ukrainian diaspora community in Berlin and Brandenburg.
You can participate in only one of the six events, so we encourage you to choose the topic most relevant to your interests and experience.
The planned themes are:
January 2026
Open Space and Civic Jam No.1:
How to grow community initiatives from scratch
Explore practical steps for starting and strengthening grassroots projects, even with limited resources. Learn from real examples and share your own experiences.
CALL CLOSED
June 2026
Open Space and Civic Jam No.2:
Finding resources: fundraising and public support
Discover how to secure funding for your ideas – from local fundraising to public grants – and make your initiatives more sustainable.
December 2026
Open Space and Civic Jam No.3
Collaboration that works: building partnerships for integration
Learn how to connect with other organizations, institutions, and communities to create stronger networks and achieve shared goals.
These themes will be further developed together with participants to ensure they reflect their current needs and realities. This collaborative approach promotes genuine participation, respects diverse perspectives, and helps create solutions that are relevant and meaningful to the community. Each topic will be updated and refined with a call for participation ahead of the respective event.
What you can expect
Each round of Vidnova Plus Dialogue includes:
Language support will be provided in Ukrainian, German, and English. We adapt to participants’ needs to ensure everyone can fully engage.
The events are designed to:
Support mutual learning and idea-sharing among participants
Help newcomers connect with already active community members
Encourage new civic initiatives and partnerships
Create a supportive space for collective reflection and empowerment
Why Dialogue Matters
Dialogue and connection are at the heart of every thriving community. Dialogue is more than exchanging words – it invites people to listen as much as they speak, to share experiences openly, and to recognize one another’s humanity. Connection is more than just meeting people – it’s about building trust, forming bridges across differences, and finding a shared sense of purpose. Together, they create the foundation for inclusion and meaningful collaboration.
For many displaced Ukrainians, arriving in Germany can feel disorienting and isolating. Finding your place in a new society often begins with the chance to be heard and to connect. Vidnova Plus Dialogue offers that space — a welcoming environment where you can bring your challenges, ideas, and hopes into conversations that are met with respect and genuine curiosity.
Here, dialogue and connection come to life: you can meet peers, exchange experiences, link with public institutions and civil society, and build relationships that empower you to act. These interactions not only create a sense of belonging but also transform individual stories into a collective voice that can shape real change.
By taking part in Vidnova Plus Dialogue, you can:
Who can join
This program is for you if you:
- You are from Ukraine and living in Berlin or Brandenburg
- Are part of an NGO or public institution in Berlin working with Ukraine
- Want to connect with others working toward positive change
- Are looking for inspiration, knowledge, or collaboration
- Have ideas and experiences to share — or want to learn from others
- Are curious about getting involved in your community or starting your own project
- Believe in the power of connections and cooperation to shape a better future
This program is open to:
- Members of the Ukrainian community with a fleeing or migrant background
- Active volunteers or those interested in becoming active
- Representatives of Ukrainian organizations in Berlin, Brandenburg
- Participants from Vidnova Plus Engagement
- Vidnova Alumni from Berlin and Brandenburg
- Members of German civil society organizations
Contact
If you have any questions, please send a message, addressed to Maryna and Lisa.
Vidnova Plus Dialogue is developed and implemented by Commit gGmbH and funded by the European Union.
FAQ
Your Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vidnova Plus?
Vidnova Plus is a program for people from Ukraine who live in Berlin and Brandenburg and want to develop their own initiatives, volunteer, strengthen their civic engagement, and build cooperation between Ukrainian and German communities.
Why does the program operate only in Berlin and Brandenburg?
Who can participate in the program?
- People from Ukraine who live and are officially registered in Berlin or Brandenburg
- Aged 18 or older
- There is no upper age limit
- Interested in developing initiatives, volunteering, or fostering cooperation between communities
- Ready to provide copies of documents confirming residence status and registration*
*Why do we ask for these documents? And what about the protection of personal data?
Our program is funded by the European Union, which means that the use of funds is subject to strict transparency and audit requirements. The donor requires confirmation that the participants are indeed people for whom the program is intended, and that opportunities are distributed as widely as possible rather than repeatedly provided to the same individuals.
For this reason, we ask participants to provide documents confirming their residence status and place of registration.
At the same time, the processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This means that:
- documents are used exclusively to confirm eligibility for participation in the program and for reporting to the donor;
- access to these documents is limited to authorized members of the project team;
- data are not shared with third parties, except in cases of official project verification by donors or auditors;
- documents are stored securely and only for the period necessary for financial reporting, after which they are deleted in accordance with data protection regulations.
In which language is the program conducted?
What are the components of the program?
Vidnova Plus Engagement – training and mentoring support for participants who want to implement their own small community project or volunteer with organizations in Berlin or Brandenburg.
Vidnova Plus Dialogue – facilitated networking events that bring together Ukrainian and German communities for learning, exchange, collaboration, and the development of initiatives, projects, or volunteering activities.
Vidnova Plus Podcast / podcast workshops – a format that helps participants learn how to use audio as a tool for influence and amplify the voice of the Ukrainian community.
Peer-to-peer – a format where participants exchange experiences of migration and civic engagement and share practical insights and life hacks.
Is it possible to participate in several program components?
Participation has the following limitations:
- Participants in Vidnova Plus Engagement cannot participate in the Podcast track (and vice versa).
- Participants in Peer-to-peer cannot participate in Vidnova Plus Engagement or Vidnova Plus Podcast.
- Vidnova Plus Dialogue is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are part of Engagement, Podcast, or Peer-to-peer.
In summary, Engagement, Podcast, and Peer-to-peer are mutually exclusive formats, while Dialogue is an open platform for broader participation.
Is participation free of charge?
Yes, participation is free of charge. Vidnova Plus is created and implemented by Commit gGmbH and funded by the European Union.
Can I receive an official letter for the Jobcenter or my employer?
Yes, we can provide an official confirmation letter upon request.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes, participants will receive a certificate if they attend at least 90% of the sessions within Vidnova Plus Engagement, Vidnova Plus Podcast, or Vidnova Plus Dialogue.
The Peer-to-peer format does not include certification.
Does the program provide support for learning German or finding a job?
No, the program does not offer direct support for language learning or employment. However, active participation during and after the program helps develop skills, expand networks, and positively contributes to integration.
Does the program provide financial support for developing initiatives or organizations?
No, the program does not provide direct financial support. However, participants receive informational support about grant opportunities from program partners.
What is meant by “implementing your own small community project or volunteering in organizations in Berlin or Brandenburg”?
This refers to the opportunity to launch your own initiative within your community or to join the activities of an existing organization. Examples of small community projects include organizing a neighborhood gathering, a Sprachcafé, workshops, meetups, sports or thematic events. These are small-scale initiatives aimed at bringing people together, strengthening community ties, and encouraging civic participation. Volunteering means unpaid, formal engagement with organizations whose mission aligns with your interests, such as environmental organizations, sports clubs, social or cultural initiatives. The focus is on your active contribution to the development of the community.
