New call to strengthen democracy: Projects wanted for Bernau!

New call to strengthen democracy: Projects wanted for Bernau!

In Bernau, funding is provided through the “Living Democracy!” program. go to the next round. From now on, all motivated citizens can submit their creative project ideas to strengthen democracy and social cohesion in the city. The decision to promote stories of dialogue and community comes at just the right time.

The new funding criteria are broad. The topics range from democracy education to dialogue and conflict culture to active fighting against right-wing extremism and group-related inhumanity. Particular attention is also paid to the participation of children and young people, which is a very important factor in actively involving these groups in decision-making processes.

Diverse project ideas welcome

Creative ideas such as workshops, discussion groups or even street festivals are expressly welcome. Up to 5,000 euros can be applied for to implement individual projects. However, interested project managers should seek prior application advice as there are new billing modalities and application forms. The deadline for submitting projects is Friday, September 10, 2025. Further information is available on the website www.demokratieleben-bernau.de and the contact person is Johanna Seeger, who can be reached on +49 15155529461.

The Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth supports the Bernau Partnership for Democracy, which underlines the important role of state funding. This sends a strong signal for the art of collaboration, which also contributes to strengthening appreciation for democratic processes.

Promoting democracy on a broad basis

The initiative in Bernau fits into a larger context of promoting democracy in Germany. Youth associations and youth rings are important building blocks in this structure and make an indispensable contribution to political education. They rely on support from central funding instruments such as the federal children and youth plan as well as a variety of local resources. However, it is currently being pointed out that future funding periods between 2025 and 2032 could no longer take many important youth work projects into account.

The Bavarian Youth Ring expresses particular concern because important funding for partnerships to promote democracy has been canceled in several cities. Cities like Augsburg, Würzburg and Bamberg are faced with the challenge of sustainably securing and strengthening their child and youth work programs. This shows how essential support from above is in giving young people a voice and involving them in democracy lessons.

The Specialist Unit for Radicalization Prevention and Commitment to Nature Conservation (FARN) was also given great importance as it offers young people and youth organizations important information and qualifications. It is crucial that such offers are maintained in order to actively face the challenges of today and to develop a sense of one's own political participation and responsibility.

Opportunities to participate and help are of enormous importance, especially for young people, as is also the case in the upcoming lectures and events planned from 2025, which will focus on current social issues and their relevance for young people. With a lively exchange and a strong network, young people can be strengthened to actively shape democracy.

Overall, it can be said that initiatives like the one in Bernau lay the foundation for a lively and participatory society. It remains to be hoped that the support offered through diverse youth work programs will not only be maintained, but also expanded so that young people continue to actively participate in democracy.

For further information and details about the application and the projects, those interested should definitely visit the pages mentioned on the left: Barnim Current, DJI and DBJR.