Civil societal actors

Civil society is composed of its citizens. Through their work and participation in initiatives and citizen movements they take a bottom-up approach and shape politics. They voice their interests, be it about nuclear energy or major construction projects. They also volunteer for their society, through the means of social engagement, municipal volunteer services or voluntary work in culture and sports. Citizens are the central actors of civil society, and they deserve our attention – in research, evaluation, and mentoring.
However, civil society as a sphere that reaches beyond the state, market, and family, is also shaped by another major actor, the third sector: associations, unions, foundations, and other non-profit organizations. We are also concerned with these as well as with other stakeholders shaping civil societal developments, i.e. companies, municipalities, state ministries, and federal ministries.