The Lockdown Dialogues offer citizens and communities the possibility for constructive dialogues during the strains of the lockdown. The concept is to hold a regular series of discussions that will continue for as long as necessary. These dialogues will help to build an understanding of what it is like to live in a world under these unusual circumstances.

All citizens are invited to participate in the dialogues. Particular attention is paid to assure that people from different demographic groups are invited to participate, especially individuals in vulnerable circumstances.

The dialogues are to be held every second week. The topic of the dialogues is: “Life in a locked down world”.

The discussions will be structured around two questions:
1. What are you worried about at present?
2. What makes you feel hopeful or confident at the moment?

The schedules and organisers of the dialogues will be displayed publicly for citizens to see in good time before the dialogues take place. The dialogues will be carried out according to valid instructions from authorities either online or face to face. Each dialogue will be documented and a report will be sent to the steering group, who will then compile a synopsis every two weeks.

The numerous dialogues will help form a comprehensive overall view of how different communities experience these unprecedented circumstances; what are their challenges and strengths, as well as how public authorities are responding to the continuously changing situation. The synopses of these dialogues can be utilized in different ways by the state and municipalities, and can also aid the work of agents in civil societies. The Lockdown Dialogues can help maintain peace in societies during these demanding and unsteady times.

The Lockdown Dialogue project will be piloted by the steering group, which is responsible for coordinating, planning, negotiating and publishing the bi-weekly synopsis of the dialogues.

- Citizens are offered a safe space to collectively reflect and analyse their experiences of the lockdown.
- The dialogues offer relief to peoples’ worries and anxieties in the midst of the uncertainty brought on by the crisis.
- Potential support for new ideas that citizens come up with for sustaining oneself during the crisis.
- Public authorities can gain current and extensive reviews of citizens’ experiences.

Dialogue Academy, Aretai Ltd.
Ministry of Finance (Finland)
Timeout Foundation