Ani Popova from Open Embassy (Amsterdam) and Leonie van Bruggen from Villa Vrede (Utrecht) join Julia Tschersich and Ozan Alakavuklar from Utrecht University in this episode of AndersUtrecht podcast series. In this episode, recorded live in front of an audience at the Huis van Actief Burgerschap at the Utrecht Library Neude, we talk about democracy and social inclusion from the ground up. How do grassroots initiatives step in to support migrants and refugees where the state institutions and market forces fall short? How can these efforts contribute to a more democratic and inclusive society and counter increasing social polarization? What are the everyday practices and lived experiences of grassroots organisations that are actively working on this, and how might citizens get involved? Tune in to learn more about Open Embassy and Villa Vrede, and what you can do differently with AndersUtrecht! Note: This episode features a live Q&A session towards the end. A few of the questions asked by audience members are not clearly audible in the recording. For reference, the two final questions asked are as follows: • What is the role of cultural institutions in fostering democracy and social inclusion? • How can newcomers adapt to the hosting country and culture, and how small attempts at speaking the local language can help?