Dear Volunteers,
We warmly invite you to this year’s Night Dance Demonstration on August 31, 2024! Our motto this year: “Volunteering Moves.”
What’s it about?
This demonstration aims to bring together volunteers who are committed to democratic structures in Cottbus, a diverse urban society, and social cohesion. Especially with the upcoming elections and the rise of right-wing extremist forces, it is more important than ever to unite and be visible. The Night Dance Demonstration is an opportunity to network and exchange ideas with volunteers from other fields. There are also many people who feel uncertain and discouraged in the face of the rightward shift. We want to reach these people! We want to call for participation in the elections and collectively show that there are numerous initiatives, associations, and organizations in Cottbus that are committed to a diverse and democratic society—a society where everyone can participate without being attacked or discriminated against. Essential tasks are undertaken by volunteers. Too often, volunteer work is relied upon, with the government shirking its responsibilities. The result is underfunding and the exploitation of volunteer structures. Therefore, we not only want to celebrate and appreciate your commitment but also gather your demands and present them to the new state government of Brandenburg.
How will the demonstration proceed?
The demonstration will start at 4:30 PM with an opening rally at the Stadthalle. We will march through the Sandow district, then continue along Franz-Mehring-Straße and Karl-Marx-Straße towards the university campus. The demonstration will conclude there with a final rally. Afterward, the “Long Night of Small Culture” will take place at the same location—a celebration where we can wrap up the evening together. The demonstration procession will consist of five floats, each featuring different music from various subcultural cultural initiatives. There will also be speeches in between.
What else can you do?
If you have points you would like to address to the new Brandenburg state government, you are warmly invited to send them to us by August 25, 2024. We will collect your criticisms, wishes, and demands and forward them to the ministers of the Brandenburg state. We will share the final demands with you in advance so you can give your approval before we send them out.
This event should not remain a one-time occurrence. We aim to establish the Night Dance Demonstration as an annual event that grows each year. We are currently creating a website where participating associations, organizations, and initiatives can introduce themselves. As with the points of criticism to the state government, it doesn’t matter if you contribute a float, give a speech, or simply join the Night Dance Demonstration. The website will provide an overview for those interested and encourage them to learn more about your activities and, if you wish, to join you.
Therefore, we kindly ask everyone interested to send us the following:
- The name of your association/organization/initiative
- A brief description of what you do (and how people can get involved)
- A contact person for those interested
- Possibly a logo and/or a link to your website/Instagram channel
If you have any questions or other concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Email: [email protected]
We look forward to dancing through Cottbus with you and shaking up the city.
Best regards,
The Organizing Team of the Night Dance Demonstration
P.S.: The points of criticism and participation on the website are purely optional. We are also happy if you simply join the Night Dance Demonstration :