April 15, 2025 • 8 mins
Behind the Scenes at ALDA: Who We Are and Why We Do It
We’re kicking off a brand new season of “Shades of Democracy” with a special behind-the-scenes episode! Meet the team behind ALDA as we share stories, laughs, and honest moments from our everyday work in the world of civic engagement.
From funny fails at international events to heartfelt memories from the field, this episode offers an inside look at what it really means to work for democracy.
Tune in as hosts Manal Snidi and Beatrice Frascatani walk you through our organisation’s spirit, with spontaneous interviews collected during our latest staff meeting.
Tune in now! 🎙
Useful links:
ALDA Website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/
We’re kicking off a brand new season of “Shades of Democracy” with a special behind-the-scenes episode! Meet the team behind ALDA as we share stories, laughs, and honest moments from our everyday work in the world of civic engagement.
From funny fails at international events to heartfelt memories from the field, this episode offers an inside look at what it really means to work for democracy.
Tune in as hosts Manal Snidi and Beatrice Frascatani walk you through our organisation’s spirit, with spontaneous interviews collected during our latest staff meeting.
Tune in now! 🎙
Useful links:
ALDA Website ➡️ https://www.alda-europe.eu/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Hello, Welcome to Shades of Democracy, the podcast where we
explore democracy in all its forms, from the people shaping
it behind the scenes to those fighting for it on
the ground. I am an Alsnity from all those communications team,
and I will be your host, and.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
I am the Trichar Rascadani also from the communication team.
Manala and I are teaming up for this first episode
to kick things off, and we'll be back together for
the final one two to wrap up the journey.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
So what is this podcast all about? This season, we
are hitting the streets, joining events and sitting down with citizens,
experts and activists in Europe and beyond, and we will
ask questions that matter most, such as is democracy in danger?
What does civic engagement really look like today? And how
(01:08):
can local action shape global change? Do you feel close
to the you? Is your voice represented? And so on
so forth.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
But before we get to all that, we wanted to
start with something a bit different, a look behind the scenes.
So who are the people working at ALDA, what do
they do and why?
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Actually, during our latest staff meeting, we walked around with
a mic and ask some of our colleagues a few questions,
things like what is it like to work at ALDA.
What's something unexpected you've learned and what's your favorite memory
from the field.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
And yes, the answers were surprising, moving, and occasionally very hilarious.
But let's start with the basics. What is really like
to work at.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
ALDA Amazing in one word, and very enwitching. I learn
a lot every day, but basically I learned from the
people more than the projects, like the people involved, and
after all, ALDA is all about with the people.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
The best part is having you guys as a colleagues.
This is the best part.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
The fact that we are all different people and that
we're all diverse. So this gives to our organization.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
A very particular character.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
I would say an.
Speaker 6 (02:26):
Approaching the way or we work.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Working in ALDA is like being one of the one
part of the best team ever.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Sounds like a mix of passion, pressure and playing tickets.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
And a lot of acronyms to memorize and public speaking moments.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Honestly, when I first had to hold the speech, I
was so nervous I almost forgot my own name.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
And now you're hosting a podcast. Very proud moment.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Just with you by my side, though, But let's pass
on to another point. Working at ALDA means adapting and quickly,
so we asked, what's something totally unexpected that you've learned
on the job.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
I think that's like the people that work in alder
and need to have a problem solving mind, and sometimes
you really face unexpected challenges and you really have to
think of all the possible solutions in order to overcome them.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
But actually we are pretty good at this.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
It allowed me to achieve many goals, to travel different
countries of Europe and abroad, and to be in touch
with people.
Speaker 7 (03:40):
There are so many young people who have so many
interesting capacities and experience while they are pretty young, which
is not really expected by the society, and I have
never worked in such a place where relatively young people
have all the capacities and no more languages than I do.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Honestly, I didn't expect to become a part time graphic designer,
part time video editor, and full time event firefighter.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
I totally feel you, and I still can't believe how
much I've learned just by being thrown into things in
the best way of course.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Okay, let's talk about those moments, you know, the ones
when something was completely wrong but somehow becomes one of
the best memories.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Oh yes, definitely, like that night during the last General
Assembly in Barcelona we had a photo booth with the
pirate hats, wigs, giants, sunglasses and everyone got completely obsessed
with it. The catering, which was actually pretty nice, was
totally ignored, and our partners from Bhutan basically took over
(04:52):
the booth. It was their moment to shine.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
I do remember it. That was such a hit, better
than the karaoke night the year before. Although speaking of disasters,
do you remember the helium balloon two years ago?
Speaker 1 (05:05):
How can I forget? We had the whole guest sank,
but of course the tube wasn't working, so there we
were in full pre event panic trying to inflate balloons
without any proper tool. For a second, it genuinely felt
like we were going to blow something up exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
We should have a whole spin off called all the
moments that made us panic.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Or at least thinks we survived in the nim of democracy.
But beyond the chaos and the last it's really those
human moments that stay with us.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
That's so true. Not the perfect photos or the plant speeches,
but the real messy emotional ones.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
And this is why for our last part, we asked
our team to share a moment that truly stuck with
them from a project, an event, or just being out
there with people.
Speaker 5 (05:53):
The last Kappa meeting, which happened in Gunny, it was
super nice. I love the the team and the inputs
and the insights that were shared. And also I feel
that it is a super important project because it skills
up the energy approach to fight against energy poverty. So
(06:14):
that was very insightful and useful for the community.
Speaker 6 (06:18):
For this project called Inequalities Matter, we were in Louisada
in the municipality of Lusada and Portugal, and they organized
for us to plant trees with the elderly people and
very young people. Then they were like their grandfather and
grandmothers and their nephews and nieces and we did this
activity together and despite the fact that we didn't speak
(06:40):
the same language, it was very nice and we planted
a lot of plants and trees.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Those are the moments that remind you why we do
what we do.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Indeed, it's not just about reports and deadlines. It's all
about people, stories and the small things that build trust
and connection.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
So that was a glimpse into the Alder community, the
people behind the emails, the events, the ideas, and the
energy that keeps everything going.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
In the next episodes, we'll be stepping out of the
office and into the streets, talking to people, asking hard
questions and listening closely.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Because democracy isn't just a concept, it's a lived experience
and we want to hear every share of it.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
But before we close, don't forget to reach out and comment.
We want to hear what you think and what you
want to hear next. So tell us what should we
talk about in the next season, What challenges matter to you?
Because Shades of Democracy isn't just a podcast, it's your platform.
(07:49):
Follow Shades of Democracy. You can listen to it on Spotify, Spreker,
Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and of course on
all those websites. And if you like this episode, share
it with someone who believes in the power of local voices.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Thanks for listening, and see you again in the next episode.
Bye bye, bye bye.
Hello, Welcome to Shades of Democracy, the podcast where we
explore democracy in all its forms, from the people shaping
it behind the scenes to those fighting for it on
the ground. I am an Alsnity from all those communications team,
and I will be your host, and.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
I am the Trichar Rascadani also from the communication team.
Manala and I are teaming up for this first episode
to kick things off, and we'll be back together for
the final one two to wrap up the journey.
Speaker 1 (00:47):
So what is this podcast all about? This season, we
are hitting the streets, joining events and sitting down with citizens,
experts and activists in Europe and beyond, and we will
ask questions that matter most, such as is democracy in danger?
What does civic engagement really look like today? And how
(01:08):
can local action shape global change? Do you feel close
to the you? Is your voice represented? And so on
so forth.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
But before we get to all that, we wanted to
start with something a bit different, a look behind the scenes.
So who are the people working at ALDA, what do
they do and why?
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Actually, during our latest staff meeting, we walked around with
a mic and ask some of our colleagues a few questions,
things like what is it like to work at ALDA.
What's something unexpected you've learned and what's your favorite memory
from the field.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
And yes, the answers were surprising, moving, and occasionally very hilarious.
But let's start with the basics. What is really like
to work at.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
ALDA Amazing in one word, and very enwitching. I learn
a lot every day, but basically I learned from the
people more than the projects, like the people involved, and
after all, ALDA is all about with the people.
Speaker 4 (02:10):
The best part is having you guys as a colleagues.
This is the best part.
Speaker 5 (02:15):
The fact that we are all different people and that
we're all diverse. So this gives to our organization.
Speaker 2 (02:24):
A very particular character.
Speaker 4 (02:25):
I would say an.
Speaker 6 (02:26):
Approaching the way or we work.
Speaker 5 (02:28):
Working in ALDA is like being one of the one
part of the best team ever.
Speaker 1 (02:37):
Sounds like a mix of passion, pressure and playing tickets.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
And a lot of acronyms to memorize and public speaking moments.
Speaker 1 (02:47):
Honestly, when I first had to hold the speech, I
was so nervous I almost forgot my own name.
Speaker 2 (02:53):
And now you're hosting a podcast. Very proud moment.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
Just with you by my side, though, But let's pass
on to another point. Working at ALDA means adapting and quickly,
so we asked, what's something totally unexpected that you've learned
on the job.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
I think that's like the people that work in alder
and need to have a problem solving mind, and sometimes
you really face unexpected challenges and you really have to
think of all the possible solutions in order to overcome them.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
But actually we are pretty good at this.
Speaker 4 (03:31):
It allowed me to achieve many goals, to travel different
countries of Europe and abroad, and to be in touch
with people.
Speaker 7 (03:40):
There are so many young people who have so many
interesting capacities and experience while they are pretty young, which
is not really expected by the society, and I have
never worked in such a place where relatively young people
have all the capacities and no more languages than I do.
Speaker 2 (04:04):
Honestly, I didn't expect to become a part time graphic designer,
part time video editor, and full time event firefighter.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
I totally feel you, and I still can't believe how
much I've learned just by being thrown into things in
the best way of course.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Okay, let's talk about those moments, you know, the ones
when something was completely wrong but somehow becomes one of
the best memories.
Speaker 1 (04:30):
Oh yes, definitely, like that night during the last General
Assembly in Barcelona we had a photo booth with the
pirate hats, wigs, giants, sunglasses and everyone got completely obsessed
with it. The catering, which was actually pretty nice, was
totally ignored, and our partners from Bhutan basically took over
(04:52):
the booth. It was their moment to shine.
Speaker 2 (04:55):
I do remember it. That was such a hit, better
than the karaoke night the year before. Although speaking of disasters,
do you remember the helium balloon two years ago?
Speaker 1 (05:05):
How can I forget? We had the whole guest sank,
but of course the tube wasn't working, so there we
were in full pre event panic trying to inflate balloons
without any proper tool. For a second, it genuinely felt
like we were going to blow something up exactly.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
We should have a whole spin off called all the
moments that made us panic.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Or at least thinks we survived in the nim of democracy.
But beyond the chaos and the last it's really those
human moments that stay with us.
Speaker 2 (05:36):
That's so true. Not the perfect photos or the plant speeches,
but the real messy emotional ones.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
And this is why for our last part, we asked
our team to share a moment that truly stuck with
them from a project, an event, or just being out
there with people.
Speaker 5 (05:53):
The last Kappa meeting, which happened in Gunny, it was
super nice. I love the the team and the inputs
and the insights that were shared. And also I feel
that it is a super important project because it skills
up the energy approach to fight against energy poverty. So
(06:14):
that was very insightful and useful for the community.
Speaker 6 (06:18):
For this project called Inequalities Matter, we were in Louisada
in the municipality of Lusada and Portugal, and they organized
for us to plant trees with the elderly people and
very young people. Then they were like their grandfather and
grandmothers and their nephews and nieces and we did this
activity together and despite the fact that we didn't speak
(06:40):
the same language, it was very nice and we planted
a lot of plants and trees.
Speaker 2 (06:45):
Those are the moments that remind you why we do
what we do.
Speaker 1 (06:49):
Indeed, it's not just about reports and deadlines. It's all
about people, stories and the small things that build trust
and connection.
Speaker 2 (07:03):
So that was a glimpse into the Alder community, the
people behind the emails, the events, the ideas, and the
energy that keeps everything going.
Speaker 1 (07:12):
In the next episodes, we'll be stepping out of the
office and into the streets, talking to people, asking hard
questions and listening closely.
Speaker 2 (07:21):
Because democracy isn't just a concept, it's a lived experience
and we want to hear every share of it.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
But before we close, don't forget to reach out and comment.
We want to hear what you think and what you
want to hear next. So tell us what should we
talk about in the next season, What challenges matter to you?
Because Shades of Democracy isn't just a podcast, it's your platform.
(07:49):
Follow Shades of Democracy. You can listen to it on Spotify, Spreker,
Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Deezer, and of course on
all those websites. And if you like this episode, share
it with someone who believes in the power of local voices.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Thanks for listening, and see you again in the next episode.
Bye bye, bye bye.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.