Member Days 2024 – the role of civil society in times of global stress

Welcome to the Members Days 2024

SMR’s largest and most important meeting place now shines a spotlight on how we together can contribute to hope and change, in a time of concern, conflict, crisis of democracy and planetary stress. We look forward to sharing community and conversations about these vital issues with each other under the theme “Creating space for hope and change – the role of civil society in times of global stress”.

On February 1, 2024 (9:30-19:30) we gather for a physical membership day in Immanuel Church in Stockholm. This day builds on the theme and conversations from day 1. Therefore, it is important that those who attend have been on day 1. Each member organization can register two people (and put one to two more people on the waiting list). We would like to see general secretaries or program managers participate. Members of SMR’s board and development committee are welcome to register in addition to these.

During the day, we will listen to exciting lectures and panel discussions and share experiences from our history and our international collaborations. The day ends with a joint dinner. Glimpses from the program (updated continuously):

• “Crisis, struggle and hope – what can we learn from history?” With, among others, Arne Rasmussen, professor of literature, history of ideas and religion at the University of Gothenburg, who gives a historical exposé of how churches and civil society organizations acted in previous historical stages and what we can learn from this. Followed by panel discussions with representatives from the media, SKR and member organisations.

• “Why was my organization formed and what are we fighting for today?” Conversation and sharing about the history and development of our respective organizations. What was “our mission” then? What is it now? What can we learn for the future? There will also be panel discussions with, among others, Frida Park (Tidningen Dagen) and Bo Jeppsson (Community leader for the Salvation Army), as well as time for group discussions.

In the afternoon, the focus is on “Partnership when space is closed or limited”. Examples from member organizations and partners and conversations about what effective and hopeful methods and strategies we can use where democratic space is closed or threatened due to government restrictions or social resistance/violence.