16 Nov. 2006   Amsterdam’s Final Conference Activating and Connecting   How to activate residents of deprived neighbourhoods and how to connect them to other authorities and networks is the issue of this conference. This does not only mean something to the residents, it also requires a different attitude from local authorities. A bureaucratic nine-to-five attitude is killing! Situational corporation between public organisations, residents and the local civil servants, based on a shared view and leading to flexible and strategic alliances; that is what we are looking for! Geuzenveld-Slotermeer and the Development Corporation of the central city of Amsterdam will host this second Poseidon conference. Key-note speech from Paul Frissen from University of Tilburg referring to the necessity to provide citizens with responsibilities – and to the difficulties attached to it for the local authorities. Christien Bronda will address the manager point of view: what room do you leave to your employees to explore new methods of activating residents? The international perspective comes from David Laws from University of Amsterdam speaking on how conflicts could contribute to activating and connecting people, Richard Dawson will contribute from the international Poseidon network. In addition, attention will be given to the Poseidon pilot project ‘Wijkweb’ of Geuzenveld-Slotermeer. What made this project successful and what has been learnt from other Poseidon partners? The conference also presents a dozen top-projects from all over the Netherlands, illustration how to activate and connect. Job Cohen, major of Amsterdam, will conclude the conference. By Anja Boon, Amsterdam, October 2006

Mission & Goals

Partnership

Activities

Themes

Output & Results