• Germany Has an Energy Crisis — Just Not the One You Think

    Germany Has an Energy Crisis — Just Not the One You Think

    Energy – scarcity.We talk about energy all the time—but only in physical terms.I find myself thinking more and more about our social energy, which may matter even more. Because a society also needs energy. This energy, I would call social energy—a concept that appears in the social sciences under terms like collective intelligence or social capital. Social energy = the capacity…

  • Multilingualism, Participation, and Power: A Berlin Case Study

    Multilingualism, Participation, and Power: A Berlin Case Study

    Local migrant organizations often play a crucial yet underrecognized role in shaping participation, representation, and social cohesion within urban districts. Based on my experience directing the migraUp! Pankow project in Berlin between 2015 and 2025, this reflection highlights how community-based initiatives can strengthen migrant organizations while simultaneously contributing to local governance and democratic participation. migraUp! was conceived as a capacity-building initiative…

  • ‘Migrants’ Are The Greatest Opportunity For Germany

    ‘Migrants’ Are The Greatest Opportunity For Germany

    “Change begins with a conversation.” That’s why I was glad to be invited to the SharedTableDinner by the Oneliness Project. How do we find a sense of home in each other? How are loneliness and democracy connected? These were the questions that shaped the evening. Amazing people shared deeply personal thoughts about how they connect — or don’t connect — with…

  • “Democracy Is More Than Voting”: Sami Atris on Organising Communities in Berlin

    “Democracy Is More Than Voting”: Sami Atris on Organising Communities in Berlin

    WHP: Can you briefly introduce the Berliner Bürgerplattformen? What is its main purpose in Berlin? Sami Atris: Who actually decides what happens in our lives? How much influence do we have over how high our rent is — or whether we can even afford to stay in our neighbourhood? Who decides whether our children go to a good school? What the…

  • Ukrainian Voices in Berlin: “People Are Not Objects for Integration Debates”

    Ukrainian Voices in Berlin: “People Are Not Objects for Integration Debates”

    WHP: Can you briefly introduce the Allianz Ukrainischer Organisationen e.V (Alliance of Ukrainian Organizations)? What is its main task in Berlin? Oleksandra Bienert: The Allianz Ukrainischer Organisationen e.V. is a nationwide association currently bringing together 23 civil society organizations in eight federal states. These organizations were founded by people with a Ukrainian migration background and work predominantly on a voluntary basis.…

  • WahlheYmat Turns Two — And Invites You In

    WahlheYmat Turns Two — And Invites You In

    WahlheYmat is looking for new members.That is the message I would like to write about today. Before my life in Berlin, I was never this direct. I am learning a lot here. And I don’t just mean the famous Berliner Schnauze — like going into a bakery and saying: “Good morning, so sorry for disturbing you, but maybe you could give…

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