City-wide Action Week: Empowering Urban Democracy
The Viersen Democracy Coalition sprung up in the heart of spring 2024, following two democracy protests in Viersen and Süchteln. It's an alliance of local associations, groups, and communities in Viersen, with the Protestant churches in Viersen and Dülken, the pedagogical service Rat plusTat, the initiatives "Never Again," Parents for Future in the district of Viersen, and the group "The Quiet Majority Stands Up" among its fervent members.
Their common goal: a thriving, diverse city society - culturally, socially, politically, and religiously. What ties them together: democracy isn't just for the elite. It concerns us all!
As Angelika Wanders, a Rat plusTat pedagogical service employee involved in the coalition, explains, "Democracy offers us freedom, participation, and mutual respect - regardless of where we come from, our gender, or if we live with a disability. But democracy isn't self-sufficient. It needs people who speak up, engage, and participate. People who keep our democracy alive."
The coalition is non-partisan, accessible to all, and prefers democratic governance from the grassroots level. Members actively seek dialogue with people in Viersen, aiming to strengthen democratic roots right in the heart of society. As Hans-Jürgen Voit from "Never Again" in the coalition points out, "Anybody can voice their opinion at the public Stammtisch, which takes place every third Thursday of the month at 7 pm at Café Mokka. It's a great chance to exchange ideas, network, or just stop by."
For the Week of Democracy from June 22 to 28, themed "Democracy Finds the City" and under Mayor Sabine Anemüller's patronage, a diverse program has been put together in collaboration with various Viersen organizations. Expect lectures, films, exhibitions, and discussions on democracy-related topics, with the Protestant church, the debating club, the adult education center, several parties, and more as the organizers.
You can participate in a debate, attend a workshop on speaking and listening, or visit an exhibition on the paths from conspiracy theories to the Reich citizen movement. Be sure to check the new homepage at https://demokratienetzwerkviersen.de/ for the complete program details.
On June 28, from 10:30 am to 4 pm, the coalition invites you to the Festival of Democracy in the Viersen pedestrian zone. Enjoy a music program on two stages, innumerable information stands, a painting action, and more, all working towards a vibrant, united Viersen where citizens stand shoulder to shoulder for democracy. As one Stammtisch participant said, "The 'Fan Mile of Democracy' should also be fun!"
Viersen, a city located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is well-known for its historical significance and cultural events. Democracy networks or initiatives typically aim to promote democratic values, civic engagement, and community participation. You can find more specific details about the Viersen Democracy Coalition by checking local news sources, social media platforms, or visiting the official city of Viersen or North Rhine-Westphalia government websites.
- Despite the focus on local issues, the Viersen Democracy Coalition also highlights the importance of democratic engagement in broader topics like lifestyle, politics, and general news, as demonstrated by their upcoming Festival of Democracy featuring discussions on conspiracy theories and the Reich citizen movement.
- In pointing out the need for citizens to keep democracy alive, Angelika Wanders, a member of the Viersen Democracy Coalition, stresses the importance of understanding that democracy isn't just about elite politics; it encompasses aspects of lifestyle, cultures, and religions too.
