Community Reporting Training in Berlin
POWERING CITIZENS Meeting Recap | June 16–18, 2025
From June 16 to 18, 2025, partners and participants of the POWERING CITIZENS project gathered in Berlin for a creative three-day workshop hosted by the Comparative Research Network (CRN). The meeting focused on the methodology of community reporting through narrative collection, filming snapshots and personal stories, and the next steps for analysing and editing audio-visual materials. In the coming months, all partners will continue collecting stories within their communities to amplify the voices of those most affected by energy poverty.
On the first day, we explored the fundamentals of narrative collection, learning how to gather personal stories in a sensitive, ethical, and impactful way. In the afternoon, participants were introduced to the technical basics of filming. Everyone had a chance to record a short snapshot, practising their skills and preparing for the next day’s fieldwork.
The second day began with an intensive project meeting to discuss the current state of the project and outline the next steps. In the afternoon, participants headed into the streets of Berlin to capture real-life stories and imagery related to energy poverty, community resilience, and citizen-led solutions. Guided by the workshop insights, each team collected footage for their short films.
On the final day, participants reconvened to reflect on the fieldwork and begin shaping the collected material into compelling narratives. During the sense-making workshop, teams reviewed their footage, selected key segments, and were introduced to editing techniques. The workshop concluded with group feedback, leaving everyone feeling inspired and motivated.
We extended our collaboration beyond working hours: we spent most evenings sharing meals, exploring Berlin’s diverse food culture, and strolled through the different neighbourhoods, overall strengthening the bonds between us and getting inspired outside the formal agenda.
What’s next?
This Berlin workshop marked the first step in blending citizen engagement with creative media to spotlight energy justice across Europe. The short films created during this process will form the heart of a public awareness campaign, advocating for a fair and inclusive energy transition.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed their voices, time, and energy to this collective experience!
Follow us on social media and visit our website to stay updated. Soon, you’ll get to hear from people in Germany, Italy, Greece, Albania, Kosovo, and the Netherlands—sharing their experiences and reflections on energy poverty, energy democracy, and more.
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