What if, in a critical time for our society and our planet, we amplified stories of success and hope rather than those of failure? What if we focused our attention on the many people who move our country forward every day? What if these courageous individuals joined together in a nationwide alliance? These are exactly the questions that around 200 changemakers and 20 parliamentary candidates explored in January 2025 at the Futurium, Berlin’s museum of the future.
In the midst of the election campaign, participants at the Workshop of the Brave tested a new form of political collaboration, across federal and party lines. The goal: to bring successful solutions and the proposals from a “manifesto for regional shaping” into national politics.
The workshop emerged from the alliance Vereint für Demokratie (United for Democracy), an initiative by ProjectTogether, a civic innovation organization that supports collaborative action on some of Germany’s most pressing societal challenges, from climate resilience to democratic renewal. Oliver Wyman had previously supported the development of the alliance as part of ProjectTogether’s project team, assisting with the conceptualization of the alliance, structuring of tasks, project management, and the establishment of a dedicated funding fund along with the necessary tools. More on our earlier work can be found at Vereint für Demokratie.
The Workshop of the Brave has shown that there is another way: Cross-party collaboration is possible when the focus is on real solutions rather than divisionHenrike Schlottmann, Managing Director, ProjectTogether
One outcome of the Workshop of the Brave is the creation of 70 “matches” — thematically organized tandems, each representing agreements between regional changemakers and parliamentary candidates. Through these matches, participants aim to strengthen proven approaches in a wide range of areas, from climate protection and education to the modernization of public administration.
After the major kick-off event in Berlin, committed changemakers across Germany are continuing the movement. Following the federal election in February, regional workshops have continued and are still being held across Germany. These follow a parallel structure at the municipal and regional levels, placing the collaboration between regional changemakers and politicians at the forefront.
It was an honor for us to participate in the project. In these challenging times, it is important that there is a pro-democratic alliance of politics, business, and societyThilo Grunwald-Henrich, Principal, Oliver Wyman
The Allianz der Gestalter:innen (Alliance of Shapers) offers a platform for this joint commitment. The aim is to develop a network of individuals and organizations that actively shape change on the ground. They mobilize people across political and sectoral boundaries, develop innovative solutions and put projects into practice with a high degree of implementation strength.
It was inspiring to see what ProjectTogether has accomplished in such a short time. To dive into the work with so much motivation and energy right after the announcement of the federal elections is impressive. I hope our joint efforts will continue to create value for a long timeJonas Neber, Senior Consultant, Oliver Wyman
Germany’s Basic Law — the country’s constitution — and human rights form the democratic foundation guiding this alliance. The alliance is supported by ProjectTogether and works closely with partners such as Neulandgewinner, the Young Mayors Network, and other initiatives to promote sustainable and resilient regional development. Together, they are building a living example of how democracy can grow from the ground up.
