Awareness is not a service

Now and then we are asked if we can do awareness shifts at this or that event, create an awareness concept, or want to take over the leadership for the awareness team at event X. Since the answer is always the same - namely no - we want to share our thoughts on this with you.

For this, we take a look at the history of the Awareness Initiative: our association originated because some feminist and activist people from the Leipzig (nighttime) cultural scene engaged with awareness. These were primarily organizers, musicians, and other active individuals. The necessity to address (sexualized) violence and discrimination in the context of events became increasingly evident.

Over time, several people from the Awareness Initiative and their network also started conducting awareness shifts at parties and other events themselves and were increasingly asked to do so. From this and the collected experiences, the idea emerged to pass on their own knowledge, attitude, and expertise to other people.

We believe that social change, a just future, and a good life for everyone are possible. This includes everyone participating and taking responsibility. Awareness as an attitude and practice is a part of this.
That's why we organized workshops, supported people in developing their own concepts, and advised them in their practice. We believe it is more sustainable if an entire organization tackles awareness, rather than booking it as a "service" at a party. Awareness works especially well when other members of the organization (like the people at the bar, security, or the organizers) are informed about awareness and its accompanying concept and have developed their own attitude towards it. This may also include being approachable beyond events for people who had violent or discriminatory experiences at the event.

Therefore, we are happy to support you in developing your own concepts, training yourselves in awareness work, and building your own structures. We help you network and advise you on your concepts and other concerns.
However, we do not offer awareness as a service in the form of shift leadership or shift staffing.

It must be said: this is our stance on the topic, and we claim no truth or correctness. We are aware that our stance often fails when, for example, financial, personnel, or time resources are lacking in an organization. We also feel the effects of the death of clubs and the sellout of the cultural scene. Nevertheless, we appeal to everyone to engage with awareness, discrimination, and lived solidarity – even outside of parties – so that the good life for all – in the club and outside – can become possible. :-)