Democracy in practice — together
Open Space for Democracy is an initiative for democratic renewal.
We create open, inclusive spaces where people from diverse backgrounds come together to shape democracy in practice — not through predefined agendas, but through shared responsibility and self-organization.
Our starting point is simple: democracy means people power.
For democracy to be alive and sustainable, the whole people must be engaged — not only the voices that are usually heard in public debate.
What is Open Space for Democracy?
Open Space for Democracy is a living laboratory for democratic participation.
Through gatherings at local, national and European levels, we invite citizens, civil society, public institutions, activists, researchers and others to jointly explore, strengthen and reimagine democracy.
Instead of fixed programmes and expert panels, it is the participants themselves who decide what matters most — and take responsibility for acting on it.
Since 2023 an annual national 3-day Open Space for Democracy is happening in Gullbrannagården in Halmstad Sweden.
Our approach
At the core of our work lies Open Space Technology — a participatory approach that enables large and diverse groups to self-organize around issues they find most urgent.
There is no fixed agenda.
No hierarchy of voices.
No division between “experts” and “participants”.
The process itself becomes democracy in action.
We complement Open Space Technology with methods such as Storytelling and Whole Person Process Facilitation, creating spaces where people can contribute with their full experience — thoughts, emotions and lived knowledge.
Why diversity is essential
Diversity is not an add-on to Open Space for Democracy — it is a prerequisite.
Democracy cannot function if only parts of society are represented. Our work actively seeks to include people of different backgrounds, ages, roles, regions and perspectives — including voices that are often marginalized in traditional meeting formats.
When diversity is present, democracy becomes:
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more relevant
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more creative
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more resilient
We see diversity as a democratic resource, not a problem to be managed.
What makes Open Space for Democracy unique
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Participants create the agenda themselves
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Outcomes are self-organized, not controlled from above
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Initiatives continue beyond the event
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The approach works equally well with small groups and large gatherings
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Democracy is experienced, not explained
As initiators, we provide the framework and support follow-up — but everything that emerges is owned by the participants themselves.
From Sweden to Europe
Open Space for Democracy began in Sweden and has, since 2023, brought together people from across the country through national gatherings and regional initiatives.
The work is now expanding through European cooperation in Norway, Moldova, Ireland, Poland and Germany, including joint workshops and partnerships.
Our ambition is to contribute to a cross-border ecosystem for democratic learning and innovation.
The initiators
Open Space for Democracy is initiated by Kinna Skoglund and Thomas Herrmann, who together combine strong grassroots engagement with long-standing methodological expertise.
Kinna Skoglund is a civil society leader and grassroots activist with deep roots in popular movements and issues of democracy, participation and people’s ability to influence their living conditions. Her work is driven by inclusion, diversity and living democracy.
Thomas Herrmann has more than 25 years of experience working with Open Space Technology in a wide range of contexts — including organizations, networks, the public sector and complex societal processes.
Together, we act as hosts of the process, not owners of the results. Our role is to create open and trusting frameworks where people can take shared responsibility and self-organize their continued work.
Engage in the way that suits you
There is no single way to take part. You might:
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participate in a gathering
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host or co-organize a local Open Space for Democracy
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collaborate as a partner
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apply the approach in your own context
An open invitation
In times of democratic uncertainty, Open Space for Democracy offers a hopeful path forward — grounded in trust, diversity and collective intelligence.
If you believe democracy is something we create together,
you are warmly invited to join.
The 4th annual Open Space for Democracy in Halmstad, Sweden 14-16 August 2026.
We continually organize online tasters, in European context. Next occassion 3rd June 18.30-20.30 (Central European Summer Time). Get in touch with Thomas for more info and registration. We are building a European network, you are welcome to join.
