Celebrate cohesion: Long table in Neustrelitz on June 21st!

Celebrate cohesion: Long table in Neustrelitz on June 21st!

On June 21st, a special festival is celebrated throughout Germany: Open Society Day (TdOG). In its ninth edition, this day has the motto “Celebrations unite!” and brings people together to celebrate diversity and social cohesion. Thousands of citizens will gather nationwide to set an example for democracy and respectful coexistence. This reports Strelitzius.

In Neustrelitz, the event will take place in the courtyard of the Kunsthaus, where a long table will be set up between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Visitors can chat and exchange ideas here. The SEELAND media cooperative also offers creative workshops to introduce participants to the art of collage and podcasts. Snacks and drinks are provided so that nothing stands in the way of a social get-together.

What is Open Society Day?

Open Society Day was launched in 2016 by the Open Society Initiative. The annual event aims to promote awareness of social diversity and create space for dialogue. This day of action takes place annually on the third Saturday in June and has become increasingly important since its introduction. Over 30,000 people use this opportunity every year to exchange ideas about the topics of democracy, cohesion and diversity opensociety.org reported.

In times when social cohesion is often viewed as being at risk, such a day is even more important. A study shows that many citizens, especially in East Germany, are skeptical about cohesion. Almost 46% of East Germans see it as bad and more than half see it as endangered. Although these values ​​are better in the West, acceptance of diversity and trust in institutions is not universal here either. However, especially in their own neighborhood, many people feel a sense of solidarity, which gives hope.

Promote cohesion through dialogue

The event in Neustrelitz and the nationwide celebrations at TdOG offer a valuable platform to overcome prejudices and gain new perspectives. With its program, the initiative wants to strengthen trust between people and send a positive signal against destructive discourses. Participation and exchange are the focus: tables and chairs are brought to the door to create encounters.

In previous years, the TdOG has managed to bring over 50,000 people onto the streets, and this year the commitment is strong again. Open Society Day is an important step to promote dialogue and togetherness and to improve understanding between the different population groups in Germany. Visit the event and be part of this moving initiative!