Gathering Individuals with Diverse Viewpoints in the Ruhr Region
In the heart of Dortmund, on the opera square, an unique conversation format took place recently - "Ruhrgebiet Spricht". This event, initiated and organized by the Protestant city churches of Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg, and Essen, was an adaptation of the successful format "Deutschland Spricht".
The format aimed to bring together strangers with differing opinions on central topics. Participants were matched using a questionnaire and software, and the conversations were peaceful, interesting, and open. Olaf (55, from Selm) and Horst (80, from Dortmund) found each other in this unique setup.
The idea behind the event was to talk with each other instead of about each other, to listen, and to want to understand the other. Participants were asked questions like "What do you find particularly challenging at the moment?" and "Do you think that too much diversity leads to conflicts in society?"
Anonymous evaluation of questionnaires beforehand showed that many Dortmund residents complained about societal injustice, which was a topic at many tables. The conversations covered societal questions, general interactions between people, and politics.
Despite the originally confrontational format, the conversations were harmonious, even with differing opinions. Good listening was part of the conversations, as participants let the other person speak. Everyone allowed the other to finish speaking during their conversation.
Uta Schuette-Haermeyer, CEO of the Dortmund Diakonisches Werk, was pleased that participants didn't stay in their own "bubble". Susanne Karmeier, the pastor at the Ev. Stadtkirche St. Reinoldi, wished all participants to enjoy not having to convince their counterpart.
The event proved to be very enriching for Olaf, who found it significant. He even received tips from Horst about theater, opera, and ballet in Dortmund. Theater director Tobias Ehinger pointed out that many peaceful conversations were taking place on the square of the Old Synagogue during "Ruhrgebiet Spricht".
Overall, "Ruhrgebiet Spricht" was a successful event that brought people together, fostering understanding and empathy in the process. The organizers are hopeful that this format will continue to inspire similar events in the future.
