Our initiative is supported by many dedicated people. We use a bottom-up approach, oriented towards consensus, focussing on transparency and efficiency. Within the organisation, different working groups have been founded which are taking care of specific tasks. These tasks are for example research, editing, events, graphical presentations, social media, etc. More information about our working groups can be found under Mitmachen (Participate). Important decisions are taken in plenary sessions which are held regularly or within meetings of representatives of all working groups.
The working groups organize themselves and can make independent decisions. Activities are developed and executed based on initiative from a specific person, more persons in a team, or the entire team together. Online tools such as Slack, Trello, GoogleDocs and Doodle make communication more efficient and help assisting the decision making process inside a specific working group. There is no fixed hierarchy in the groups, but an open consultation process, relying on voluntary commitment who is able to help who on which subject. Sometimes specific expertise from another working group is require. Because the individual expertise is known, specific persons with expertise are consulted directly if they can assist. The work in all groups is done a base of mutual trust and the understanding that we are all aiming for the same goal and everything is giving what they have, based on their resources and time.
Every two weeks an plenary meeting is organised of team representatives, who are representation the teams and are discuss and answer questions related to all actions developed in the organisation. In addition to this, meetings are organised on hot topics, issues which demand action at a short time base. For example, during the collection of signatures phase, this was the most prominent subject of how to organise and promote it. However, on the background many other meetings on a variety of topics have been organised at the same time. For example, writing the actual legislative text, the so called Hackaton. During these meetings, actions are discussed and decides about the most important stages of the Referendum process. For example, the draft legislative text needed regular improvements. Often external expert were called in to assist in this.
The enormous motivation of all members is largely a result of the organisations’ structure, which makes everyone feel represented. Everyone has the possibility to add their skills, knowledge and main interests to improve what is possible, but at the same time respect what others are doing. The organisational structure has proven to function very well. It allow us to handle many different tasks, very fast, with a lot of support and trust, using the best of the knowledge and skills of the people involved. This is how we together make the Volksentscheid Fahrrad a success.
Non-Profit Organisation
The Volksentscheid Fahrrad is assisted by the non-profit organisation “Changing Cities e.V.”, which is taking care of the donations and financial issues. More information about this organisation can be found here.
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