That is why I (Sanja) was with three women who share this mission on the EUDEC Conference 2024,
Here is a short report from this inspiring conference:
A week full of inspiration, community and reflection
From 29 July to 4 August 2024, the School of Space in Soest/NL The annual EUDEC conference took place, an inspiring meeting of the democratic education movement. The host was a sociocratically organized school, which had introduced many people interested in sociocracy from the film School Circles There, the team impressively demonstrated how good teamwork, inclusion and participation can be practiced in everyday school life. There were also a few other schools that work sociocratically, so we got to know many people with many years of experience with sociocracy.
The conference was characterized by a unique atmosphere in which openness, community and the joy of learning were the focus. “Compared to conferences that I experienced in Strasbourg with champagne receptions and ties, I find more human closeness and depth here and I really appreciate that!” I heard one participant say in a discussion about professionalism.
A special highlight of the conference was the premiere of the book, published in Dutch and English, Buches „Taking the Leap“. It uses many personal stories to shed light on the influences and life paths of adult students at democratic schools. This book shows in an appealing way which lasting values were conveyed and which diverse and often unconventional paths young people take when they grow up in an environment that allows them to take responsibility and make their own decisions. The premiere generated great interest, gratitude and lively discussions, because all democratic learning companions are familiar with parental concern about what will become of children who are given so much freedom.
The entire conference week was organized as an open space, which gave participants the opportunity to actively shape the content and the process. This open structure encouraged the exchange of ideas, the creation of new networks and the joint development of projects. Whether in workshops, discussion groups or creative sessions – the diversity of perspectives and topics made the conference a lively place of inspiration and innovation.
The evenings also offered space for social gatherings. The younger participants in particular enjoyed the time around the campfire, where they naturally played the game “Werewolf” with consensus decisions. I was amazed at how this playful example clearly demonstrated inclusive democracy in their everyday lives.
The 2024 EUDEC Conference in Soest was not only an intensive working meeting for our team and beyond, but also a living example of how democratic education works in practice. It showed me once again that participation and community are central building blocks for a successful and forward-looking educational movement. I am already looking forward to the first week of August 2025, when the (European) EUDEC and the (international) IDEC will meet simultaneously in Brussels. It will certainly be another strengthening week!
