SichWählen

SichWählen is a term used in German-language discourse to describe a process in which individuals select themselves for roles or tasks within a group, organization, or public process. The term is a neologism formed from sich (reflexive pronoun) and wählen (to choose) and is associated with discussions of participatory governance and self-organization.

In practice, candidates volunteer for positions such as committees, moderation teams, or advisory bodies. Selection can occur through self-nomination in open calls, followed by informal verification of eligibility. Some models combine self-nomination with subsequent peer review, simple open ballots, or rotating terms to balance continuity with opportunity.

SichWählen has been explored in civic technology projects, participatory budgeting initiatives, open-source governance, and cooperative or community organizations. In online platforms, users may nominate themselves for moderator or decision-making roles, with role assignment proceeding through transparent, community-led processes.

Advantages and challenges. Advocates argue that SichWählen lowers barriers to participation, strengthens legitimacy, and increases commitment by those who chose to take on a task. Critics warn of self-selection bias, underrepresentation of marginalized groups, and challenges in accountability and equity when authority emerges without formal vetting.

Relation to related concepts. It is distinct from generic self-selection as a measurement bias and should be understood as a governance mechanism or social practice. The term remains informal and its use varies by community; there is no universally adopted standard.