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?

Medienkompetenz:

Folgende Empfehlungen stammen aus der Toolbox für Demokratiebildung der Hertie-Stiftung

 

Extremismusprävention und Antidiskriminierungsarbeit

 

Menschenrechtsbildung

 

Politische Bildung und Demokratieförderung

 

Generell

  • Spenden sammeln
  • Weiterbildung durch Online-Kurse oder Bücher (siehe unten)

Further materials

Further education offers:

 

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: