Fit4Democracy – Call for Participation: Best Practice Activities for Democracy
Dear colleagues and friends from the Danube region and other European countries, as part of the Fit4Democracy project, we are creating a so called “toolbox”: We will collect simple, everyday activities that help people participate in democracy. These activities should be easy to do, don’t require much time or money, and connect to participatory democracy. We are looking for successful practice examples you have been a part of from different countries that contribute to strengthening democracy. These examples should serve as inspiration to implement in your own context and to encourage the development of new ideas. The primary target group is not administrative bodies, political or business representatives, professional associations, but the citizens themselves (although they may act as supporting local partners in many initiatives)! Many activities in this area have already been implemented to promote democracy, but there are many others that are well suited for this context and not yet on our list – we are looking for them! We therefore invite you to support us with your own ideas – reflect, what example you know and what you could contribute to our toolbox. You can then submit these ideas you would like to share with others via an online form with a suitable picture. To submit we kindly ask you the fill out the following form: https://www.umfrageonline.com/c/vkrc7v94 The submissions will be checked by ILEU to ensure that they meet the requirements (clear reference to the topic of participatory democracy, easy to do, don’t require much time or money). We will then enter the examples on our project website (to get inspired of what could be submitted you can also have a look at the examples we have already uploaded): https://toolbox.fit4democracy.eu/method/. The goal is to gather as many best practice examples as possible which can be accessed by all interested people. If you have questions / are unsure if your example fits you can contact us before filling out the form: democracy@ileu.net . If you would like to submit multiple examples, please fill out a new form for each one. Enclosed we send you the form as a pdf so you can have a look at what information is required before you start to fill out the form. The form is available in different languages (Note: these are automatic translations, if anything is unclear, please let us know) but if possible, please fill out the form in English. Thank you very much for your support! All the best in the name of the ILEU team
5. International Project Meeting: Sustainability Goals in my City, 27.05.25
Focusing on SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being and SDG 5: Gender Equality The fifth international meeting of the Actionbound project “Sustainability Goals in My City” brought together 17 participants from Ulm, Odesa, and Sofia. While only about half of the participants have been accommodated so far, collaboration and exchange flourished during the session. At the beginning of the meeting Amelie from Lokale Agenda Ulm introduced the Actionbound platform, which will be used more independently by the partner cities. From June 2nd, Odesa and Sofia will receive their own accounts. Besides that, it was emphasized that future use of Actionbound should be kept under 1.5 hours to maintain focus and engagement. For any further questions, please contact: a.kruegler@gmx.de. Ulm: Inclusive Cafés and Sustainable Infrastructure SDG 13 – Climate Action: Smart Circular Bridge As a follow-up from Ulm on SDG 13, the city highlighted the innovative Smart Circular Bridge, which is constructed using fully recyclable materials. This sustainable infrastructure: SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Café Blau Ulm also presented Café Blau, a prime example of local inclusion: SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Kneipp Facility on Blauinsel A Kneipp water therapy facility on Blauinsel promotes health and fitness. Students were asked what they do to stay healthy. Their answers included: Odesa: Empowerment, Health, and Inclusion SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Vona Hub Odesa’s Vona Hub is at the forefront of promoting gender equality through: SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Alternativa Founded in 2005, the Alternativa organization supports people affected by HIV. Its work includes: Sofia: Health Systems and Equality Progress SDG 3 – Good Health & Well-being: Medical Innovation and Accessibility Sofia presented an impressive overview of its health infrastructure: SDG 5 – Gender Equality: National and Local Progress Sofia addressed multiple aspects of gender equality: Looking Ahead The next digital meeting will take place on 23 June 2025, Let us continue our collaboration and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals across borders and communities. Presentations Odesa Sofia Ulm
4. International Project Meeting: Sustainability Goals in my City, 29.04.254.International Meeting
Focusing on SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities & SDG 13: Climate Action The fourth international meeting of the Actionbound project “Sustainability Goals in My City” turned its attention to Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Climate Action (SDG 13). Although students from Ulm were unable to join live due to illness, they remained involved digitally as groups from Odesa and Sofia shared insightful examples from their cities. Odesa: Striving for Inclusion Amidst Crisis The Ukrainian group focused on how Odesa is working to become a more inclusive city despite the immense challenges brought on by the war. To address SDG 10, they presented several ongoing initiatives: These actions reflect the urgent need to support people living with war-related injuries and disabilities. A recent feature by Deutschlandfunk sheds further light on this topic and was shared as part of the discussion:🔗 “Kriegsversehrte in Odessa” – Deutschlandfunk In comparison, participants noted that similar efforts exist in Germany, where cities also focus on barrier-free environments, inclusive education, and equal access to services. A Green Oasis in the Heart of Odesa For SDG 13, the Ukrainian group introduced the Botanical Garden of the Mechnikov National University. As one of the oldest scientific institutions in the city, it plays a crucial role in: Founded officially in 1842, and moved to the French Boulevard in 1880, the garden features many tropical and subtropical species and offers free entry, making it accessible to all citizens. Participants drew comparisons to botanical gardens in Germany, which often include medicinal plant collections and provide similar educational and conservation functions. Sofia: Welcoming Refugees and Building a Greener Future The Bulgarian group focused on two examples that illustrate Sofia’s engagement with SDG 10 and SDG 13. Under SDG 10, they presented the work of the State Refugee Agency (DAB-MS). Established in the 1990s, the agency coordinates: Participants highlighted how the agency works closely with governmental bodies and NGOs to foster inclusion and dignity for newcomers. For SDG 13, Sofia stood out as one of the greenest capitals in Europe. Efforts include: In contrast, participants observed that while Odesa has a well-used public transport system, bicycle lanes and pedestrian infrastructure are still limited, making Sofia’s achievements particularly noteworthy. The next digital meeting will take place on May 27, 2025, focusing on two new goals:Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Gender Equality (SDG 5). Presentations Odesa Sofia Ulm
Chat GPT and Perplexity Qualification – Getting fit with AI
We extended a cordial invitation to our online training course “Introduction to Chat GPT” which took place on Monday, 28 April 2025, at 6:00 p.m. (CET). In this course, our colleague Gabriele Flemming explained the basics of using Chat GPT, a tool supported by artificial intelligence that could assist with many tasks—such as answering questions, translating, writing texts, learning, programming, and more. The course included information on how to use Chat GPT (e.g., how to create an account, the features of the free version, and the options and costs of the Pro version). It also covered ways it could be used in line with our project goals—such as researching participation opportunities, creating templates for letters, and translation. Additionally, the session provided information on possible alternatives to Chat GPT, such as Perplexity.
Cycling as a form of protest
12 Days. 1,400 Kilometers. 80 Serbian Students Take a Stand for Freedom, Democracy, and the Rule of Law From April 3 to 15, 2025, around 80 Serbian students are cycling from Novi Sad to Strasbourg. Last night, on April 12, at 9 PM, they arrived in Ulm. Their journey, which began 10 days ago in Belgrade, is more than just a bike ride — it is a symbolic act of protest and remembrance. Upon reaching Strasbourg, home of the European Parliament, the students aim to draw attention to the importance of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, as well as to honor the memory of the 16 victims who tragically lost their lives on November 1, 2024, when the canopy of Novi Sad’s train station collapsed. The group is determined to speak out against corruption and injustice in Serbia, and to advocate for democratic values. On their website, they write:“We, the students of Serbia, did not embark on this journey on a whim. We did it because we feel we have no other choice. This is not just a bike ride – it is a path of hope, a form of resistance, and a voice for those who have been silenced. …We are not asking for much – only the right to live without fear, censorship, or violence.”https://de.turadostrazbura.rs/ Their journey can be followed live on their website via GPS tracking. The group arrived in Ulm with a three-hour delay but was warmly welcomed at Münsterplatz by a large crowd of Serbians of all ages living in the region of Ulm/Neu-Ulm. The young cyclists — both men and women — were officially greeted by local authorities: by Martin Bendel, First Mayor of the City of Ulm; Ralph Seiffert, Social Affairs Mayor of Neu-Ulm; and Sebastian Rihm, Director of the Danube Office. All three expressed sincere thanks for the students’ dedication and courage in standing up for freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Reported by Carmen Stadelhofer
Getting Started with ViMA Danube – Online Platform Qualification for Active Participation
On April 1 and April 4, 2025, an introductory online qualification session was held via Zoom, focusing on the use of the ViMA Danube platform—an open, multifunctional space for networking, exchange, and collaboration across the Danube region. The training aimed to equip participants with the basic knowledge needed to confidently navigate the platform and become active contributors. The session began with an overview of ViMA Danube’s core mission: to connect citizens, initiatives, and organizations working for democracy, education, and cultural exchange in the Danube region. Participants learned how to create their own ViMA Danube account and explored the key features of the platform. Practical guidance was provided on how to use interest groups, discussion forums, and the search & offer section, helping participants understand how to find and contribute to relevant topics. The training also included basic platform handling tips to support ease of use and engagement. The event closed with a Q&A round, ensuring all participants had the chance to clarify their questions. Want to explore the platform? Visit vima-danube.eu/mitmachenUpcoming qualification dates are listed in our calendar Impressions from the qualification seminar
Zoom Qualification – Online Training for Democracy Education
As part of our ongoing efforts to support digital tools in democratic education in the frame of the project “fit4democracy”, a two Zoom qualification sessions were held on April 1 and April 4, 2025. The online training welcomed participants from various countries and aimed to strengthen their confidence in using Zoom for inclusive, participatory events. The sessions covered both basic and advanced features of Zoom. Participants explored core functions such as managing audio and video, adjusting views, and using the “raise hand” feature to engage more actively in discussions. Building on this foundation, the training introduced additional tools like whiteboards for collaborative work, polls for gathering opinions, and breakout rooms for small group exchanges—ideal for interactive formats in democracy-related workshops. A special focus was placed on Zoom’s integrated interpretation function, which enables multilingual events and supports accessibility across language barriers. The training also provided time for participants to ask questions and share experiences, ensuring the content was tailored to their needs. You can access the presentation used during the session further down on this website.Find upcoming qualification dates and exciting new topics in our calendar. Zoom presentation from the session
Democracy workshop in Bad Urach from 5-6 April 2025
From April 4 to 6, 2025, the seminar “Experiencing Democracy” took place at Haus auf der Alb. Around 20 young and older participants from Germany and Ukraine explored democratic values through creative activities. Role-plays, group work, and shared singing fostered a strong sense of community. Many thanks to lpb for their great organization! Read more here Seminar report Impressions from the workshop
2. Local Meeting in Ulm with Local Agenda, 7.04.25
The second local meeting of the Actionbound project brought together a group of engaged individuals committed to designing an interactive scavenger hunt focused on sustainability and social justice in Ulm. A new participant with experience in community support, including food bank initiatives, joined the team. The meeting began with a brief overview of the project’s national and international scope, emphasizing collaboration with partner schools and a broader educational impact. Small groups presented updates on locations selected for the scavenger hunt: A central question raised during the meeting was whether to choose locations based on SDGs or select impactful places first and then link them to relevant goals. Most favored starting with places that resonate and building connections from there. Ideas were also collected for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Suggested locations included community gardens, solar-powered trash bins, a packaging-free shop, and public drinking water stations. Technical aspects were briefly discussed, such as preferred video formats and editing options. Emphasis was placed on keeping content accessible and engaging. Next steps include filming interviews, contacting local organizations, and finalizing content. The goal is to complete the scavenger hunt by July, potentially aligning with Ulm’s sustainability week. The next working session is scheduled for May 12, 2025.
3.International Project Meeting: Sustainability Goals in my City, 1.04.25
The third international meeting of the Actionbound project “Sustainability Goals in My City” focused on two key SDGs: Quality Education (SDG 4) and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Young participants from Germany, Bulgaria, and Ukraine presented meaningful places in their cities that embody these goals. In Ulm, the City Library was introduced as a vibrant place of knowledge, culture, and community. It offers not only books but also digital services and hosts public events. A group discussion highlighted the continuing importance of libraries in the digital age as spaces for learning, relaxation, and personal growth. From Bulgaria, a video showcased the “Chitalishte”—local cultural centers that promote lifelong learning and preserve traditions. These institutions were compared to German adult education centers but with a stronger focus on cultural engagement and creativity. The Ukrainian groups presented two examples: the Mechnikov University in Odesa, a renowned institution promoting academic excellence and sustainable practices, and a local NGO supporting civilians and stability during the war, representing SDG 16 in action. These stories illustrated young people’s strong commitment to education, peace, and social responsibility. Ulm’s contribution to SDG 16 included a memorial site at the city’s former courthouse, commemorating victims of Nazi-era euthanasia crimes. This understated yet powerful location underscores the importance of remembrance in maintaining peace and justice. During the final round, participants reflected on their experiences, emphasizing how the project deepened their knowledge, encouraged critical thinking, and provided a valuable opportunity to practice German while engaging in intercultural dialogue. The group also previewed the project’s website and discussed future topics, suggesting climate action (SDG 13), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), or sustainable cities (SDG 11) as next steps. The upcoming digital meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2025. Presentations Odesa Sofia Ulm