Last Saturday (14th June 2025), around 200 people gathered in the mathematics building at TU Berlin to explore new ways of solidarity-based crisis prevention. The congress “Soliprepping – facing crises with solidarity”, organized by CADUS and the AStA of TU Berlin, created a diverse space for exchange, practical learning and fresh perspectives on a topic that has often been dominated by individualism and fear.

Climate crisis, wars, inflation or the threat of blackouts – the challenges of our time are increasingly becoming a permanent burden, especially for those who are already marginalized. With the congress, we wanted to think about crisis prevention differently: collectively, fairly and inclusively – as a response that focuses on solidarity rather than isolation.

Topics such as civil resilience and communication in an emergency were discussed on four panels in the TU lecture hall. Photo: CADUS

We were particularly keen to bring people on stage whose connection to the topic of “soliprepping” had previously been barely visible. The congress made it clear how broadly connected solidarity-based crisis prevention is – and how much knowledge, experience and perspectives are already available if you take a closer look. Many visitors also encountered the topic more intensively for the first time – and that was precisely our goal: to create an open, accessible and diverse space for joint learning and new alliances.

A wide range of topics were discussed in the panels: from dealing with right-wing prepping narratives and concrete lessons learned from real crisis operations to best practice examples in dealing with extreme weather. Representatives from activism, science, journalism, technology and civil protection contributed to a polyphonic, interdisciplinary exchange.

At information tables and boards, visitors could discover further material and reading material on the topic of Solidarity Prepping. Photo: CADUS

A special highlight was the Crisis Response Makerspace in the foyer: a practical meeting place designed by CADUS and many friendly initiatives. Here people built, tinkered, discussed, tried things out – and above all: learned from each other. Many new contacts were made, ideas shared and concrete impulses taken away.

We are currently working on preparing the collected results, links and materials and making them available to all participants. The panels will also be published on our YouTube channel shortly – for anyone who was unable to attend or would like to listen to them again.

There were also very practical suggestions for crisis preparedness on the exhibition tables: from water filter systems and tools to first aid materials. Photo: CADUS

We are overwhelmed by the response and hope that this was just the beginning. The congress has shown that solidarity-based crisis prevention is hitting a nerve – and we are only at the beginning.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this day happen!