MitOst
MitOst e.V. is an international association that connects active citizens and actors of non-formal education. It promotes cultural exchange, social cohesion, and sustainable development through programs like Horizontal School and Actors of Urban Change. Committed members collaboratively design projects for a positive impact.
MitOst e.V. - Citizenship in Action
editMitOst e.V. is an international association, founded in 1996 by some alumni of the Robert Bosch Stiftung and engaged volunteers. The association serves as a platform for networking and exchanging active citizens and actors in non-formal education.
Key Products and Services
editMitOst offers a variety of programs and projects that promote cultural exchange, active citizenship, social cohesion, and sustainable urban and rural development. The main programs include:
- Horizontal School: An educational program that creates learning spaces to celebrate diversity and unlock the potential of learners, their teams, and organizations.
- Actors of Urban Change: A program that empowers urban changemakers to work innovatively and collaboratively for more sustainable, inclusive, and just cities.
- All Around Culture: A program that promotes a vibrant cultural ecosystem for the social and economic inclusion of young people in the Arab region.
- Tandem: A cultural cooperation program that strengthens civil society in Europe and neighboring regions.
- Theodor-Heuss-Kolleg: An international network of practitioners that unleashes the potential of local communities in 24 countries.
- Civic Europe: A program that strengthens civic cohesion and active citizenship in local communities in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe.
- Civil Society Exchange: A program that supports civil society organizations and initiatives in Turkey and Europe through cross-border cooperation[2][3].
Main Mission and Values
editThe mission of MitOst is to support citizens in their active participation in society and empower them to act according to democratic principles. The association promotes citizen participation in their society and strengthens cohesion and agency in Europe and beyond. MitOst advocates for cultural exchange, active citizenship, social cohesion, and sustainable development, regardless of cultural, sectoral, or linguistic boundaries[2][3].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editMitOst is engaged in numerous sustainability initiatives:
- International Cooperation Programs: MitOst conducts various international cooperation programs aimed at sustainable urban and rural development.
- Annual MitOst Festival (now MitMission): This annual meeting brings together nearly 400 engaged citizens, educators, NGO representatives, social entrepreneurs, and other changemakers to forge new connections, exchange knowledge, and share good practices[1][3].
- Support for Volunteers: Since 2014, MitOst has welcomed several international volunteers each year as part of the European Voluntary Service and the European Solidarity Corps program, who are involved in various projects and events[1].
Membership and Community
editMitOst has about 1,500 members in 49 countries and 10 alumni groups. The members are actively involved in the strategic development of the association and collaboratively design projects for local and cross-border impact. The association fosters a strong community through regular co-creation spaces and a community newsletter[3].
MitOst e.V. is thus a central actor in the field of non-formal education and cultural exchange, committed to active and engaged citizenship and promoting sustainable development in Europe and its neighboring regions.