ABOUT THE COMMON – (We)Raise Our Voice: From Critical Thinking to Active Citizenship

Dear fellow citizens, The recent student protests have reminded us how important it is that our voices are heard. But what can we do next?

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Instead of feeling powerless, let’s talk. About how we can participate, how to use existing tools, and how to shape the city we want to live in – together. What happens when we can’t use our local community center? When public property quietly slips out of citizens’ hands? When our city struggles with basic infrastructure, and decision-making processes seem distant, complex, and inaccessible?

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We invite you to a public discussion as part of the About the Common series, on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 6 PM, at the Klara i Rosa space (Petefi Šandora 15). This conversation is an opportunity to take the next step – informed, united, and open. To ask questions, share experiences, and design concrete steps toward greater civic participation.

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Together, we’ll explore::

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  • 🔹 How do education and civic awareness influence participation in decision-making?

  • 🔹 How can we inform ourselves and get organized? Let’s learn about tools like assemblies, local councils, citizen initiatives, and elections – and how to use them.

  • 🔹 How can our voices be heard? We’ll talk about strategies to make institutions more transparent and accessible.

  • 🔹 Subotica – what’s next? We’ll try to imagine practical, local steps toward sustainable change.

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In recent weeks, the people of Subotica have shown they care. From the wave of neighborhood assemblies in April to the student protest on May 17 – there is clearly a desire for change and participation. As one of the organizers beautifully said: “Assemblies are not meant to be one-day gatherings, but a persistent, ongoing path toward change – a path where citizens have a voice.” „Zborovi nisu zamišljeni kao jednodnevni skup već kao uporan, dugotrajan put ka promenama. Put na kojem građani imaju glas.”

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Speakers: Prof. Dr. Dušan Vučićević and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikola Jović from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade, experts in political participation and democratic engagement.

Moderator: Elena Čavlin, political science student, fellow citizen, and one of the assembly organizers in Mali Bajmok.

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This is a call to learn, ask, speak, and decide – together. Not every four years, but every day. See you there! 🎨 Design: Dunja Vidicki See you there

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Design: Dunja Vidicki

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