Why should I get involved in our democracy?
Democracy means ‘rule by the people’. In a democracy, all citizens have the same rights and duties. If the government does a poor job, the people can elect another one at the next election. Democratic values are human dignity and equality, human and civil rights, the sovereignty of the people, the principles of democracy, the welfare state and the rule of law, as well as the principle of the separation of powers.
On the other hand, there are authoritarian attitudes and group-based discrimination. In recent years, there has been a polarisation of social conflicts throughout Europe and a disinhibition in the spread of misanthropic positions. This is associated with the rise of right-wing extremists.
If we are to continue to live in freedom and security in our democracy, we need more than a constitution, laws and political parties. We need committed citizens who stand up for democratic values and inclusive coexistence.
What effect can my actions have?
You can make a big difference by getting involved in strengthening our democracy. There are several starting points for promoting our democracy, which have a preventative effect in particular:
- Prevention of extremism and anti-discrimination work
- Values education
- Civic education and democracy education
- Commitment and engagement for an open and pluralistic democracy and strengthening social cohesion
What can I do specifically?
Prevention of extremism and anti-discrimination work
- Organisation of workshops at your own school together with: Violence Prevention Network, Extremism Prevention at School or e.g. Stand Up Against Racism
Values education and human rights
- Become aUNICEF Junior Ambassador
- SupportAmnesty Youth
- Jointhe German Association for the United Nations
- Join the ‘School without Racism’ initiative as a school
Political education and democracy education
- Become a member of a youth parliament or found one in your city
- Become a student representative, campaign for more student voice in your school and get involved in the Federal Student Conference
- Get politically involved with democratic organisations and parties in your city (start and circulate petitions, organise and hold demonstrations/events, join a party and submit motions)
- Win the DeGeDe prize for democratic school development
- Become a team member of the Network for Democracy and Courage
- Introduce an assembly hall at your school
Generally
- Collect donations
- Attention talent! Further education through courses (see further education list) or books (see book list)
- Get involved with a youth organisation
Further materials
Further education offers:
- Listen to the podcast Demokratie.Macht.Schule
- Political knowledge simply explained: Hanisauland
Books:
- Fight back! – How you can get involved in a democracy and make the world a better place (book by Nina Horaczek and Sebastian Wiese)
- Resistance in a democracy – Resistance in a democracy. Civil disobedience and confrontational campaigns. (Book by Martin Balluch)
Democracy Strengthening Starter Package:
- Democracy Education Toolbox
- Examples of projects and partners against misanthropy in Hesse
- Examples of anti-discrimination projects in schools
