Second Carousel Workshop Successfully Completed

The Association for Responsible and Sustainable Development (UZOR) successfully organized the second webinar within the CAROUSEL project, titled “How to Identify and Attract Community Members Dedicated to Upcycling?”

This online workshop, led by Iva Malešević and co-moderated by partner organizations Foundation for Management and Industrial Research (MIR) and the Research Centre BISTRA, brought together project partners from across the ADRION region for an interactive session focused on capacity building and practical strategies for community engagement.

During the workshop, participants explored practical tools for stakeholder mapping and communication with target groups, guided by the Neurological Levels of Change model and an analysis of real-life community-building examples. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of connecting with potential community members on a deeper level—through values, identity, and purpose—rather than focusing solely on behavior or environmental messaging.

Through hands-on exercises, participants developed authentic and tailored approaches for inviting and involving various community profiles, learning how to build trust and a sense of belonging among makers, local authorities, and citizens interested in the circular economy.

The workshop concluded with a joint reflection and agreement on next steps, laying the foundation for a shared understanding and coordinated actions aimed at developing the CAROUSEL upcycling community at both local and regional levels across the Adrion area.

Key takeaways from the workshop:

• Understanding community motivation: Attracting members to an upcycling community requires connecting with their values, identity, and sense of purpose—not just sharing environmental facts or practical benefits.
• Stakeholder mapping: The workshop introduced practical tools for identifying and mapping potential community members, helping partners determine whom to engage and how to approach them.
• Tailored communication: Effective engagement involves creating authentic and personalized messages for different target groups (e.g., makers, citizens, local authorities), with the aim of building trust and a sense of community.
• Interactive involvement: Practical activities and joint exercises proved essential for fostering trust and encouraging active participation in upcycling initiatives.
• Laying the groundwork for collaboration: The workshop helped establish a shared understanding and prepared the ground for coordinated community-building activities throughout the Adrion region.