Social cohesion: Discuss with experts in Baunatal!

Social cohesion: Discuss with experts in Baunatal!

Baunatal, Deutschland - An exciting evening awaits the citizens of Baunatal. On June 24, 2025, a discussion evening with Michael Nann from the Evangelische Akademie Hofgeismar will take place in the Evangelical Community House Grossenritte. Under the motto "Social cohesion in democracy" it is discussed how political education offers orientation and how important this is for our society. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and is organized by the Evangelical parishes Grossenritte, Altenritte and Baunatal-Mitte. Rev. Gerd Bechtel is available for questions on 05601/8335

Michael Nann, who works as a study manager for politics & society, brings extensive expertise in various areas, including international and European politics, peace ethics, migration and social inequality in Germany. At a time when social inequality in Germany is becoming increasingly important, the Baunatal dialogues want to address socially relevant topics in the Christian context. The focus is on the lower access of certain population groups for political participation.

political education in the context of social inequality

political education is essential to promote the democratic commitment of all citizens. It is particularly important for less privileged layers that they can take part in political decisions. According to Harry S. Truman: "Decisions Are Made by Those who show up", the essential role of democratic participation is shown. The possibilities for influence are diverse, but access is often characterized by social and educational barriers. According to the Federal Center for Political Education, both the turnout and membership in political parties have decreased, which also indicates the effects of social inequality. In the 1970s, the turnout was still over 90%, while in 2013 it stagnated at 71.5%.

A look at civil society shows that its vitality is threatened by social inequality. Civil society has the task of closing the gap between influential citizens and less privileged groups. As the Berlin State Center for Political Education shows in its “Political Education and Social Inequality” series of events, reflection processes and conceptual approaches in political education are urgently necessary in order to meet these challenges.

commitment and education - the way to more participation

A central obstacle to political participation is the low belief in one's own effectiveness, especially with low -education people. The influence of the family environment, educational institutions and the circle of friends should not be underestimated here. Long-term efforts are required to integrate social and educational-disadvantaged groups into civil society. The need to give political access to all parts of the population remains a central challenge of the coming years.

The evening of the conversation in Baunatal offers a great setting to pick up these topics and to discuss solutions. The social cohesion should not only be promoted in times of crisis, but as a basic principle of our democracy. High participation in such important events is the first step in the right direction - because each one counts.

For more information about the event, visit the website of the [Baunataler Dialogue] (https://baunatal.blog/Sgeselllichlichlichter-bübsteicht-in-der- Democracy-political--Bildung-biet-biete/). Further insights into the challenges of political education gives the [Federal Center for Political Education] (https://www.bpb.de/themen/dossier-bildung/189941/dieleiche-buergera. Education] (https://www.berlin.de/politische-bildung/veranstaltungen/veranstalt-der-beriner-landeszentrale/Politic-erwaxenenbildung-und-zial-unche-1128750.php). It remains exciting how the discussions develop!