Shaping the future direction of the SSCG

The Swiss Society for the Common Good (SSCG) is aligning its work more closely with its new strategic framework. This brings together the topics of “social cohesion”, “active civil society” and “vibrant democratic culture” and describes how the SSCG functions with its modes of action: Developing pilot projects, bringing stakeholders together, supporting third parties and analysing and classifying social developments.

In order to implement this framework, the SSCG will work more closely on projects in the future. It analyses social issues and uses these analyses to develop specific projects that are tested in suitable formats. On this basis, the SSCG decides whether a project is to be continued, amended or concluded.

Against this backdrop, the Central Commission and Executive Committee has determined how the existing programmes will contribute to the overall strategy and the future way of working. This classification gives rise to the following outlooks:

• Pro Futuris will remain part of the SSCG. The think + do tank works primarily in the area of “vibrant democratic culture” and develops projects in line with a clear impact logic. This includes model approaches that are tested, evaluated and further developed in pilot phases. Pro Futuris analyses social developments and works with relevant partners, thus promoting issues that are key to a resilient and sustainable democracy. This way of working has already contributed a great deal to the further development of the SSCG and is expected to have an even greater impact on the overall strategy in future.
• Intergeneration will also remain part of the SSCG. With its intergenerational perspective, the programme has established itself in areas in which the strategic topics overlap and provides impetus for dealing with issues of age discrimination. It makes good practice visible, connects specialists and develops model approaches together with partners. Remaining part of the SSCG will make it possible to expand this approach and apply it in the future to other areas of social tension.
• Job Caddie has been supporting young people and young adults in their entry into the world of work since 2008. Its particular strength lies in the individual support of young people during a challenging transition phase. However, long-term support offerings can only be enshrined in project-based work to a limited extent. The SSCG is therefore preparing an orderly transition: Over the next twelve months, a model for a new funding body will be developed together with partners, with the aim of a subsequent handover. SSCG will continue to offer services during the transitional phase.
• SeitenWechsel has made a huge impact since it was founded in 1994. Approximately 4,000 managers from businesses and administrative organisations have spent a week working in social institutions, gaining experience that they cannot get in their everyday professional lives. The format has strengthened the understanding between different living environments and motivated many people to get involved. However, the fixed assignment format of SeitenWechsel can only be combined with the project-based working methods of the SSCG to a limited extent and will therefore be brought to an end within one year. The underlying aim of SeitenWechsel – facilitating encounters and a change of perspective – remains relevant and will be addressed in other, project-based forms in the future.

With its strategic focus, the SSCG is well positioned to tackle societal challenges even more systematically. All of its employees will continue to be employed. Their experience and expertise will be incorporated into the new organisation and will form an important part of the future way of working. The organisation remains open to collaborations, new project ideas and impetus from civil society, academia, politics and business. It combines its long history with a clear vision for the future and continues to work on solutions that strengthen social cohesion, social engagement and a democratic culture.