After the successful setup of independent citizens’ organizations in Berlin-Schöneweide and Berlin-Wedding/Moabit, Berlin-Neukölln has also created the conditions for a functioning civic organization based on the community organizing model.

With its members including some 40 Neukölln groups, including migrant organizations, school development associations, neighborhood centers and church communities, and co-funded by local businesses, associations, and foundations, the Neukölln Citizens’ Organization will be officially and formally launched at an inaugural event. 

The process for establishing the Neukölln Citizens’ Organization began as early as July 2009, when the German Institute for Community Organizing first met with, among others, representatives of Christian communities, mosque associations, schools, and cultural associations, presenting the work and experiences of other citizens’ organizations during information events and smaller workshops.

The launch of the platform will be followed by an internal three-month process of identifying issues and topics, with the goal of highlighting the most urgent concerns and structural problems. This is the necessary prerequisite to start the topical work and become active in public. The Citizens’ Organization will not only address problems, but also formulate concrete, feasible solutions and negotiate with governments and administrations.