esc_ workshops for everybody
Esc is a series of workshops that combine the topics of discrimination, equality, mental health and social life. Our goal is to build and support a tolerant, engaged and diverse community.
Sometimes we should press the esc button
The idea for esc was born in the pandemic.
During that time, my fellow students and I would sit alone at our desks for hours on end every day, staring at our computer screens. We would send text messages to each other on our smart phones or speak words into a microphone. We would forget how to acknowledge the presence of others, feel comfortable in groups and interact with other people.
In short: We were isolated and wanted a change. But we needed help.
The concept behind esc
We needed an esc button. A button on our keyboards to press when we no longer wanted to be glued to our screens for work or study.
So, in the aftermath of the pandemic, we shutted down our laptops. It was about time to gather in a public space and to brainstorm how we could bring our community back together.
And we needed a space. A space that would help us to get out of our own bubbles, to connect with people, and to talk about the topics that really mattered to us. Our aim was to rebuild our local community and to create an open space where everyone feels welcome.
The esc_workshops
After a while, we found this space: The Schillig - a community space for students by students. Here is where the first workshops took place.
Our target group are young adults in Dessau. Everybody who wants to get to know people outside of their own bubble is welcomed to join our workshops. During a gathering, we speak mostly in English. But we also switch to Arabic and German if participants want to.
1. Season - community building
In the 1th season we discussed tolerance and compassion, equality and mental health. Our misson was to bring diverse participants together in one place and create a feel-good atmosphere for everyone.
Here you can see the social media post and photos from the workshop 'Mental health, shame & self-love'.
Here, a small group presents its results to the large group of participants. Photography: Rama Halaseh
Our participants design a poster together on which they document the results of their talk. Photography: Rama Halaseh
2. Season - Finding common ground
In the 2nd season we focussed on finding common ground and thereby strengthening the community. Our topics were: Mindfulness, what makes us happy and differences and similarities in various cultures. We also dared to tackle more serious topics, such as
the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ protests in Iran.
Social media animations for the workshops ‘Cultural differences and similarities’ and ‘Standing with Iran’.
Animations by Raja Gopen Biswas
Many more workshops followed. We've always adapted them to the needs and wishes of our community. All past and future workshops can be found on our Instagram account: @esc_dessau
How does an esc_workshop work?
Anyone can lead an esc_ workshop. We recommend that the workshop is always facilitated by 2 people and is held with at least 04 participants.
Programme
Topic_ based and defined on the values and attitude of esc
(tolerance, respect, empathy and balance)
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01. input "icebreaker" 05-10 min
Game or short presentation of the topic
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Break 05 min
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02. talk 10 min
Open to the whole group
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Break 05 min
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03. talk 10 min
Small group (03-05 people)
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Break 10 min
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04. talk 10-15 min
Open to the whole group
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No break
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05. creating posters 10 min
Small groups
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No break
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06. presenting results 10-15 min
Whole group
Roles
(02x) moderators
(01x) time-keeper
(01x) photographer
You need:
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Material
Post-Its
Pens
White posters
Tape
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Space
2-3 big desks
5-20 chairs
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Extras
Drinks
Special features
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Shuffle
In the 02nd discussion round, the participants are divided into random small groups.
For example, if the participants are wearing the same colour of socks, they are assigned to the same group
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Cheating Cards
Sometimes participants do not know how to start a conversation on the given topic. For this situation,
cheat cards are available. These cards contain examples
of situations, words or questions that make it easier to introduce the topic.
Each participant can use as many cheating cards as they wish during the talks.
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The moderators
During the workshops, the 02 moderators host the talks. At the beginning of each round, they ask an open question to be discussed within the group. They also make sure that everyone who wants to speak has their say, that everyone is treated respectfully and that people do not stray from the topic.
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The time-keeper
They make sure that the times for discussion and breaks are respected. So that participants can better manage their energy and stay until the end.
Are you interested in leading a workshop yourself?
Then please write to us: esc-dessau(at)web.de
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esc's greatest strength is the team behind it. We stand for diversity, reflection and development. We have adapted to challenging situations, found solutions and achieved our goals together.
A big thank you goes to:
Design_ Max Bureik
Idea, design_ Louis Wahlich
​PR and Recruiting_ Rama Halaseh
Design, Social Media, Illustrations, Animations and Organisation_
Jonathan Dasbach
Organisation_ Ruth Galindo
Design, Social Media, Illustrations, Animations, Organisation und Methodolgy_ Raja Gopen Biswas
Idea, PR, Organisation, Finances, Social Media, Illustration und Management_ me (Eileen)
Visiting experts
Sophie Möbius
Paulina Schröder
Locations
Schillig_ Ferdinand von Schill Straße 23
VorOrt Haus_ Druckbar_ Wolfgangstraße 13
A big thank you goes to
The team of the Druckbar at the VorOrt Haus
The team of Schillig
The Integration Office of the city Dessau-Roßlau
The International Office of the Anhalt University of Applied Science
The project was funded by LAGFA Sachsen-Anhalt.
The esc_ team
About the project
Supervisors_ none
Time_ ca. 2 years
Media_ Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign & Instagram
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Designprocess
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Finding an idea - developing a workshop concept - designing the branding - organising the room - advertising on social media platforms - telling friends and acquaintances about it and inviting them - preparing the room - implementing the workshops -
asking participants for feedback - improving the workshops and adapting them to the needs of the participants - preparing
the next workshop, etc.