Congratulations on reaching your 300th member! The Greens celebrate this significant milestone.
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, the local branch of the Greens has been witnessing a remarkable surge in membership since the beginning of 2024. This growth, contrary to the general trend of declining party memberships, has been almost 50% since January, culminating in the joyous welcome of their 300th member during this year's summer festival.
Elisabeth Watzlawek, co-speaker of the local branch, attributes this growth to the increasing need for active engagement towards a social and livable future. She highlights the urgent need for democratic values and addressing the climate crisis, and the Greens' role in enabling constructive political engagement.
The influx of new members can be partly attributed to the political developments surrounding the AfD and their inhumane policies, which have motivated many people to seek alternatives. Heike Zelinski, the 300th member, joined the Greens out of her concern about the rise of clowns and dictators in power and her desire to preserve and improve the Earth.
The local branch plans to collaborate with diverse community groups to create a political space for everyone. This collaboration, they view as a means to further foster the positive development they've experienced. The monthly new member meetings now usually have between ten and twenty participants, a far cry from the quieter meetings of the past.
While the exact reasons for this growth are not definitively known, factors such as increased local activism, effective leadership, national political developments, and greater youth involvement could potentially play a role. If more detailed, localized information is required, checking local news, official party communications, or interviews with local representatives could provide further insights.
The Greens in Bergisch Gladbach remain optimistic about their future, seeing this growth as a reflection of the community's desire for change and a more sustainable future.
