Wir sind Wetzikon. Zusammen. (We are Wetzikon. Together.)
Context
Around a quarter of the population of Wetzikon in the rural Zurich Oberland consists of foreigners: approximately 7,000 people from around 90 countries. The project is researching existing local integration and community life initiatives, as well as the needs of various population and stakeholder groups. Many of the integration initiatives are aimed at refugees. There are significantly fewer integration initiatives for second- and third-generation migrants and migrant workers. Only a fraction of the long-established population is actively involved in integration. We want to use a co-creative process to identify gaps and develop proposals for an even more integrative / inclusive urban life.
About the project
The overarching goal is to strengthen a new sense of community in a diverse migrant society through socio-cultural participation. The population of Wetzikon can can grow together even more and see themselves as part of a migrant society. The project involves a wide range of Wetzikon residents in identifying which services, locations and spaces for socio-cultural exchange are considered helpful, which barriers to contact and participation exist on all sides, and how these could be removed. Those involved can benefit from participating in the project, as it is thematically aligned with their interests. The group of providers of integration measures learns more about the perspectives and needs of refugees and migrants and can incorporate these insights into their own work. The group of migrants/refugees and the group of long-established residents encounter each other in their everyday lives in the town of Wetzikon and can approach each other more openly. They can also help shape this urban space.
Project phases
- Preparation and establishing contacts (June 2025 - January 2026)
- Explorations and workshops (February - May 2026)
- Data collection and research (June 2026)
- Data analysis (July - September 2026)
- Follow-up research (August - October 2026)
- Creation of handouts and reports (November - December 2026)
- Public presentations and exchange with stakeholder groups (January - February 2027)
Participate in the project
All people who live and work in Wetzikon are cordially invited to participate. The project is aimed at all residents of Wetzikon: migrants and refugees as target groups for integration work; civil society and institutional actors; and the entire population of Wetzikon. There has been a lack of equal exchange between these groups of actors on shared experiences of the city, integration, deficits and services.
Individuals, communities, associations and groups contribute ideas for a shared experience of the city. We need your help:
- What can be improved for life in Wetzikon?
- What are you missing: places, services, accessibility?
- How can we create more common ground?
In workshops and site visits, participants get to know other city residents. We develop joint ideas for the future and put them up for public discussion. We develop guidelines for the city and other stakeholders.
