Strong together: Picnic in Osnabrück brings together young and old!

Strong together: Picnic in Osnabrück brings together young and old!

Last weekend, a colorful picnic in the southern part of Osnabrück brought the neighborhood together. Under the motto “Together instead of against each other”, numerous residents came together to strengthen the sense of community. This event was organized by the dedicated members of the Action alliance side by side organized and aimed to promote cohesion in the community and reduce social divisions.

Dörthe Schwaß, one of the initiators of the event, warned in her speech of the need to fight against right-wing tendencies and social divides. The picnic also discussed the link between social cohesion and the urgent need to combat the climate crisis, as Heike Schneider, another co-initiator, emphasized. Such events are not only important for social cohesion, but are also in the context of currently pressing challenges such as climate change, which is seen as the greatest global challenge of the moment Science and Peace determines.

Activities for young and old

The event offered a variety of activities that appealed to both children and adults. The Ziegenbrink community center's toy mobile provided entertainment, while magician Martin thrilled those present with his tricks. There were creative activities for the little hobbyists, in which they could, among other things, design solar vehicles, presented by the “Osnabrück climate neutral” initiative. In addition, a generous take-away buffet ensured that no one had to go home hungry.

The participation of the group “Grandmas Against the Right” was also a sign of solidarity and community cooperation. Many voices at the picnic reinforced the theme that, especially in times of social polarization, it is important to come together and talk to one another. This is particularly significant as society faces many challenges in the face of climate crises, social inequality and the rise of radical parties. Although around 70% of Germans support the energy transition, skeptical attitudes often emerge, reinforced by distrust in political elites, as shown in a recent survey Science and Peace study is proven.

A look into the future

The organizers of the picnic have already planned further activities to promote dialogue and encounters in the Rosenplatz district and the Südstadt in the long term. A joint “district cleaning” will take place on October 4th, 2025, and a repeat of the picnic is also on the agenda. Those interested can visit the website Action alliance side by side find out more and get involved. Such initiatives are not only necessary for community empowerment, but also contribute to a climate of conversation that is conducive to combating the climate crisis.

At a time when climate change and social cohesion are often viewed as opposites, Osnabrück shows that community events like this can build a bridge - both for young and old as well as for the environment. It remains to be hoped that such initiatives can set a precedent and serve as a model for other cities, especially in times when awareness of ecological and social issues needs to be raised more than ever.