We met pioneers in alternative housing, restoring nature and controlling your personal information on the internet. We learned how our current monetary system promotes inequality and poverty. We were made to think about the use of nothing and the commercialisation of public space. We found out what monsters are making the road to change difficult. But also how residents and citizens' initiatives make a difference, how the commons (can) be embraced, what is already happening in Amsterdam, and how citizens' movements and brave officials still relate to each other in a system that is not flexible. The whole afternoon was about change and cooperation. Insights were shared and stories told about the future of our society at different locations in A Lab. How do we take back control of society? How do we build a more inclusive and just world? Questions that were explored by various speakers in talks and exhibitions after the walk, and answered with inspiring practical examples.
From inaction to systemic change
The plenary session began with a reflection on the workshops. One participant shared her experience of the workshop on The Art of Doing Nothing, discovering that sometimes letting go through meditation techniques actually brings more peace of mind. Others were inspired by the workshop on Steward Ownership, a way of not exporting companies to investors, but keeping them in the hands of the community in a sustainable way.
Carlijn Kingma (researcher & cartographer) then took us on her visual journey through social systems. She used detailed maps to show how money flows reinforce inequality and how our economic system shapes our society. Her message?
Jeroen den Uyl (Constitution for the Commons) followed with a plea for the commons, or collectively managed resources and services. From collective energy facilities to community health initiatives, he showed how people can regain control of their environment. His appeal: "We are not consumers, we are producers of our own context!"
Amsterdam as a testing ground for change
Nathalie van Loon (AmsterDoen, a project of the municipality of Amsterdam) gave us an insight into how Amsterdam is working on community initiatives. She explained how the municipality is developing new legal and financial structures to give more space to citizens' initiatives. Her optimistic message was that change does not come from one central plan, but from many small initiatives working together to make a difference.
This was illustrated in a discussion between Chris Keulemans (Red Amsterdam Noord) and Machteld Klaassen (Approach North, Municipality of Amsterdam) about the challenges in Amsterdam-Noord. The struggle to preserve social housing and to give residents a say in the development of their neighbourhood was discussed. The frustration was palpable, as was the desire to find solutions together.
Together we'll keep stumbling
What did we learn from this meeting? That real change isn't easy. That systems can be slow and rigid. But also that movement is possible through collaboration and persistence. The motto of the evening was aptly summarised: "Together we'll keep stumbling".
Afterwards, the bar was full of conversations, plans and new connections. After all, every big change starts with a good conversation. And with the will to keep stumbling together towards a better future.
Stay engaged, stay curious and above all, keep stumbling!
Thank you to everyone who has joined us in our quest to create positive, lasting change. Power to the people! Big applause and thanks especially for
• Wytze Veenstra (Visual Notes) • Carlijn Kingma • Jeroen den Uyl (Constitution for the Commons) • Nathalie van Loon (Municipality of Amsterdam) • Chris Keulemans (Save Amsterdam North) • Machteld Klaassen (North approach) • Michiel Voskamp (CrowdBuilding) • Marie-Jose Hoefmans (Schluss) • Circus Andersom • Ruben Hein (On legs!) • Olga Verheijden (Oh What A Story) • Nina the Short (We Are Stewards) • Maren Siebert & Marco Hohl (Check it out) • William de Haan • Eagle Jan van den Beld
📸 by Sonia Rodríguez 📹 by Olga Verheijden - Oh What A Story
