Save the Date: Dis/connected - What separates us, what connects us

We are constantly connected. Messenger, social networks, push notifications. We are bombarded with information and apps are constantly vying for our attention. "Make a purchase! Upload a picture! Use our new AI! " We are at the center of a digital nervous system.
And that's great! Information is exchanged, friendships are made and projects are started. And it's exhausting! Fake news has to be weeded out, spam detected and fast-moving trends endured.
What is the digital world doing to us and what are we doing with it? How can it strengthen democracy and how is it under threat? Who decides who has access to the web and who actually owns the internet? What has become of open source ideas and why do billionaires determine the algorithms? And above all: what can we do differently and better at a local level?

The OKNRW Barcamp is an open-topic Barcamp. These topics should help to clarify the focus of our community. This year we are presenting three main topics:

🤝 Technological solidarity
Mastodon, LibreOffice, Linux - exploring digital alternatives and sharing knowledge together

🗳️ Participatory democracy
Rethinking civic participation, strengthening digital participation and shaping democratic processes

🌱 Intergenerational justice
Sustainability, climate protection and future prospects in the digital transformation

Barcamp plus supporting program
In addition to the Barcamp, we are working on other formats that can be offered in parallel.
Market of opportunities - workshops and advice on:
🔧 Repair Café: Save your computer
🐘 Mastodon onboarding: Your entry into the Fediverse
🐧 Linux change station: From Windows frustration to open source pleasure
🚲 Sustainable mobility and smart urban development
➡️ Your stand? Gladly - send us your idea!

Who is it for?
Local and state administration - Civic & Gov Tech - Civil society - Developers - People interested in democracy - Digitally curious - Anyone who wants to exchange ideas

Barcamp Open Communities NRW 2025
📅 November 22, 2025
⌚9-17 h
📍 VHS Wuppertal | Auer Schulstraße 20, 42103 Wuppertal

Further information and registration will follow!