Organisiert Euch!

The handbook "ORGANISIERT EUCH! Zusammen die Stadt verändern" is a practical guide designed to empower collectives in urban environments to organize and effect change. Published by Urban Equipe and Kollektiv Raumstation, it features contributions from over 30 individuals involved in various collectives across Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. The authors collectively address the challenges of collective action, sharing practical experiences and tools to help others navigate common issues such as burnout, conflict, and ineffective communication. The handbook is intended for those eager to engage in shaping their living spaces and advocating for political issues, including environmental protection, affordable housing, and equality.

The handbook underscores the significance of collective action, asserting that organized efforts yield more sustainable change compared to individual actions. It highlights practical tools and methods for organizing collectives, offering strategies for role distribution, decision-making processes, conflict resolution, and maintaining motivation among members. Engaging with democratic institutions is a significant theme, with contributors debating the approach to such institutions. The consensus emphasizes the importance of continuously democratizing principles rather than discarding them.

Acknowledging the diversity of challenges faced by collectives, the handbook encourages adaptability. It promotes the idea that shared tools and methods should be tailored to fit the specific contexts of different groups. Inclusivity is another central focus, ensuring that collectives are accessible to new members and that diverse voices are heard and valued.

The handbook stresses the necessity of sustaining collective efforts through proper organization. It highlights the importance of sharing responsibilities to prevent burnout, reinforcing the idea that effective organization is crucial for long-term engagement in civic activities.

The handbook is organized around several themes that pertain to organizing collectives, including shared understanding and vision, meeting organization, accessibility, hierarchies, and legal considerations such as forming associations. This structured approach facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in collective urban activism.

"ORGANISIERT EUCH!" serves as both a guide and inspiration for individuals engaged in collective urban activism, equipping them with essential tools for effective organization while promoting an inclusive and democratic approach to community engagement. The collaborative nature of its creation embodies the principles it advocates—collective effort, shared knowledge, and mutual support in driving social change.