Why Common Grounds?
In October 2025, the Museum of Values will be coming to Schwerin with a pop-up exhibition. We're collecting stories from Schwerin for this participatory exhibition on the theme of community – and would you like to become a participatory space and be a part of it?
If you become part of the Common Ground places in Schwerin, people can submit their personal stories to you and become part of the exhibition.
What is Common Ground?
In a time of growing social divisions and increasing anonymity, we need places where encounters are a given. Common Grounds creates these spaces that promote trust, dialogue, and collective action – regardless of origin, age, or social status. As a networked system, they strengthen the resilience of our society by integrating exchange into everyday life and making a culture of openness visible.
Common Ground will be a Germany-wide network of spaces open to encounters, dialogue, and diversity. We bring together people who are already creating spaces for exchange, making these spaces visible, interconnected, and effective.
Who is this for?
We target operators of cafés, bookstores, co-working spaces, market halls, doctor's offices, club rooms, showrooms, and other meeting places who actively shape community in their town or village. Membership gives you a visible sign for your door, access to a nationwide network, and new ideas for strengthening your local community.
How it works in 3 steps
Step 1
Join & sign the manifesto
You join the movement, agree to our manifesto – our shared value proposition – and become a host for encounters.
Read the manifesto
Step 2
Become visible
You will receive our Common Ground values label as a sticker for your location (analog) and as a digital seal for your website or social media channels, and you will be listed on our interactive map of Germany so people can find you online.
Step 3
Be a place for participation
As a participation space (Common Ground), we will provide you with participation slips so that visitors can submit their stories and objects directly to you.
Of course, there is also the option to participate digitally – the QR codes on the documents lead to our form.
Become a member now
Your benefits as a member
Visibility & Reach
Your location on the Germany-wide map for encounters and democracy will be visible in the newsletter, social media and press.
positioning
Take a clear stance: We stand for openness, dialogue and diversity.
Impulses that work
You will receive inspiring materials that spark conversations – simple, practical, and effortless.
community
Become part of a movement for an open society – connected with other places and best practices from across Germany.
