Berlin and Brandenburg

Vidnova Plus Dialogue

A space for exchange, collaboration, and connection

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.

The first event takes place on 22 January 2026.
Participation is free of charge.

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:

Thematic workshops and facilitated discussions
Space for networking, idea-sharing, and collaboration
Opportunities to meet peers, community leaders, and public actors
A platform to present your own ideas and connect with potential partners

You’ll have the opportunity to:

Gain practical insights into volunteering and civic engagement in Germany
Meet active changemakerss from Berlin and Brandenburg, as well as representatives of public institutions
Join the Vidnova Plus network and resource hub
Shape new ideas or find partners for your own initiatives

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:

Preparation meetings
with a small group of peers to shape the agenda

Language support will be provided in Ukrainian, German, and English. We adapt to participants’ needs to ensure everyone can fully engage.

One full-day encounter event
with interactive and participatory formats, such as Open Space
Follow-up sessions
to reflect and continue the exchange

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:

Build trust and lasting relationships with others who share your commitment to change.
Find allies and supporters in public institutions and civil society to help turn your ideas into action.
Break down barriers and challenge exclusion, opening doors to participation and equality.
Influence decisions and shape the future of the communities you live in.
Discover common ground and work together to create shared solutions to common challenges.

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.