At least since the election of Donald Trump, our world has become more political: in the circle of friends and in the family is discussed, people go for women's rights and equal rights on the streets, Facebook groups are founded and initiatives are launched. For example, we also started an action with PinkFirst that works for peace, freedom and equality.

Many people simply feel that things can not go on and that they themselves want to do something to defend their values. You also? Perfect! But where do you start? The problems of the world seem to be too great and too extensive for an individual to be able to make a difference on their own. Or?

Start on a small scale

In truth, it's not always the big things. If you want to get involved, you can start wonderfully on a small scale. Because not only the people in crisis regions, on the run or in Third World countries need help, but also your neighbors. Old people are often lonely, children sometimes have no one to listen or read to them, young people lack perspective, unemployed people feel useless, people living on the streets are hungry and cold. You can tackle all these problems directly and immediately by spending only a little bit of your time.

Here are 10 ways to volunteer:

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A good point of contact is, for example, the page gut-tat.de. Under the motto "Everyone can help" you can become an angel in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg almost immediately. We are looking for helpers from all areas, from animal welfare to youth coach, from reader to hobby teacher, from health care to working with disabled people.

Or look at local democracy. There you will find many opportunities to network and get involved.

Join others

The good news: you are not alone with your wish. If you want to get involved, it's always good to look for like-minded people who want the same.

SAVE DEMOCRACY CAMP

For example, the non-partisan platform Save Democracy Camp is a great place to start for anyone who wants to listen, learn and try political engagement for the first time. At the Hackdays beginners come together with experienced activists, thinkers meet creators and helpers meet strategists. If Campaign, regulars' table, app, sports party or information center ? What will happen, the participants decide alone. The next dates (so far only in Hamburg) will be announced on time on the Facebook page. Or you start your own format in your city ...

DEMO

By contrast, DEMO, a youth movement founded by journalist Mareike Nieberding, works throughout Germany (and beyond). Under the Motto #DEMO moved The movement advocates democracy, dialogue and an open society.

The most important goals: to bring people into conversation, to burst filter bubbles, to awaken political awareness and to motivate people to vote. This can happen in different ways: via Visits to schools, festivals, sports tournaments and concerts. Anyone who has ideas and wants to participate is welcome in the regional groups. Anyone who wants to join in discussions online can do so at DEMO on Facebook.

THE OPEN SOCIETY

The initiative 'The Open Society' has a similar goal: to defend democracy, without party affiliation, but with a lot of creativity. In the year before the general election there is the motto ? 365 days open society? countless Music festivals, debates, plays and demonstrationsthat you can easily attend. If you have an idea yourself, you can start your own events and find advice, deeds and financial support from the Open Society.

On 17 June, for example, to Open Society Day people all over Germany long boards to eat together and approach each other. The idea: "Get tables and chairs out and cover them up nicely! Invite friends, friends, neighbors and strangers, eat, debate, celebrate and show together which country Germany wants to be and can be." If you want to organize a board yourself, you can register here.

Be creative

Not the right thing? Then get creative yourself! Which area is particularly close to your heart? You want something against Fake News do and contribute to the objectification of political discussions on- and offline? Then do it like the Thinbeard Network and show boundaries when falsehoods, distortions or fakes are spread.

Loaded refugees to Welcome dinner a, give language teachingto facilitate the integration, inform you and others, turns Movies or organize festivalto bring people together. Or you make it like the founders of Bridge & Tunnel, who have taken matters into their own hands and now make sustainable accessories out of recycled jeans with refugees and people who have been out of work for a long time.

There are so many ways to get involved? and most of them are really fun. Find yours now!

What Can You Do RIGHT NOW To Save The Earth? (April 2024).