4th CoSR Conference of Social Responsibility "Democracy Unpromptable - Volunteering is here to stay!"
Date: 09.10.2026
Location: Society Casino (in the Hotel Mercure), Betenstraße 18, 44137 Dortmund
Time: 09.30 - 15.30 (program to follow)
Topic of the CoSR 2026
Democracy unpromptable - the commitment remains!
Democracy is not a sure-fire success. It thrives on participation, on contradiction, on the joint struggle for solutions. Under the title "Democracy unpromptable - the commitment remains!", the 4th Conference of Social Responsibility is dedicated to the question of how we can effectively strengthen democracy today - through the transfer between science and civil society.
Following our exchange in 2025, where we provided initial impetus for cooperation between universities and social actors as part of the Transfer Day of the HAW in NRW (Opens in a new tab) , we want to deepen this dialog in 2026. How can we join forces to consolidate and further develop democratic structures?
We are looking at both the framework conditions at universities and the forms of knowledge transfer:
What changes are needed in academia in order to take social responsibility even more seriously? How can the exchange with civil society organizations be made more effective? Where are the respective strengths - and where are the limits - of science and NGOs?
The focus is on the search for shared potential:
What synergies can arise when scientific expertise and practical engagement work together? What skills do both sides bring to the table to make democracy vibrant, resilient and inclusive?
At the same time, we want to broaden our perspective:
Why is it so crucial to strengthen democracy right now? Why are democratic systems under pressure worldwide? And why are populist movements gaining support?
The conference offers space for exchange, critical reflection and new alliances. Democracy needs commitment - today more than ever.
Registration for aid organizations
Your commitment counts. The platform for your commitment
"Our aim with the "Dein Engagement" platform is to address students as potential volunteers and to create low-threshold access to volunteering opportunities in Dortmund."