Social commitment
‘If we don't get up now, it could be dangerous’
Why is civic engagement one of the most important building blocks of a functioning democracy? How does it guard against extremism? And how does it bring people together in a society? The initiator of the 'United locally - for strong cooperation' programme and two representatives of 'Grannies against the Far Right' provide answers.
We talked to...
Many people in Germany are realising that democracy is not a given. In recent months there have been numerous demonstrations with up to 100,000 participants. Why is a strong civil society important for a functioning democracy?
Martin Modlinger: The core of our democracy is cohesion that goes beyond politics or professional life. Outside the family, the attempt to shape society together takes place primarily in civil society. How important this commitment is can be seen in the current situation: with the rise of totalitarian tendencies - internationally, for example in Hungary or the USA, nationally, with the high election results for right-wing populist to right-wing extremist parties - we are at a turning point. If we don't stand up now, it could be really dangerous.
"It shows how quickly democracy can be dismantled and what happens when a democratic centre can no longer stand up to extremist voices. Now more than ever, civil society needs to be heard as the voice of democracy."
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Anette Niemeyer: Absolutely. If we didn't have these civil society structures, our democracy would be nothing more than a state directive, nothing alive. Civic engagement in schools, sports or cultural clubs or other initiatives is crucial, and these structures have grown over a long period of time. Without a living democracy, we as 'Grannies Against the Far Right' would not be able to pursue our goals at all.
Heike Fiedler-Römhild: At the same time, the 'Grannies Against the Far Right' movement has shown us what a difference civil society engagement can make. It creates connections, you no longer feel so alone and powerless.
The Robert Bosch Stiftung's 'United locally - for strong cooperation' programme promotes cohesion in Germany's smaller towns and villages. Committed individuals, associations and initiatives come together to strengthen respectful cooperation. The aim is to create something together instead of talking about each other. Together with the Robert Bosch Stiftung, Änderwerk has selected 44 projects from over 500 applications to receive funding of between 5,000 and 15,000 euros, including 'Grannies against the Far Right Rostock Stadt und Land'.
With the 'United locally - for strong cooperation' programme and the local group of 'Grannies against the Far Right', you are actively shaping local society. What is the positive impact of this civic engagement at the local level?
Martin Modlinger: Democracy can only be experienced at the local level. Of course, it also exists in Europe or in the country, but you can only see its concrete effects and the influence of your own actions at the local level. And this is where we come in: in villages and small towns, there is a lack of resources and meeting places - at a time when it is particularly important to get involved. That is why we support initiatives that aim to strengthen cohesion. One project, for example, brings together women's rights activism, much of which has been shaped by the protests against the Iranian regime, with the 'Never Again Is Now' movement. Participants discuss their experiences of how both Islamism and right-wing extremism seek to oppress women. Through the project, two groups that are often largely separate suddenly share experiences, strengthen each other and consider how they can work together to build something to counter such tendencies. This is democracy in action.
"For many people, our involvement shows that they are not alone. It's always nice to see you at events and it shows us that we're making a difference."
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Heike Fiedler-Römhild: I am impressed to see how our initiative is growing and gaining support. When we set up the local group six months ago, we were eight women - now we are over 20. This shows that it makes a big difference when we are visible and express our point of view.
Founded in 2018, the civil society initiative 'Grannies against the Far Right' works across Germany to reduce fear of everything foreign and strengthen democracy. This is their response to the rise of fascism, racism, anti-Semitism and misogyny in the country. The initiative has many regional groups where members work locally to promote a strong democracy. 'Grandies against the Far Right in the city and county of Rostock' have been in existence since 2024.
Anette Niemeyer: That's the way I see it. Of course, when we are out on the streets, we would prefer to convince people who hold extremist views to change their minds. But we have learned that such conversations are often difficult. Now we want to encourage people to think about the issues.
Martin Modlinger: Speaking out in public and showing that we stand behind groups that are specifically threatened, such as refugees, queer people or the poor, is definitely a sign. I believe that this solidarity is the most important way of preventing extremism.
The CDU/CSU parliamentary group's small interpellation of 24 February questions the civil society commitment of some non-profit organisations - including 'Grannies against the Far Right' - and accuses them of being politically motivated. How do you see this development?
Anette Niemeyer: I am very concerned about this development in the country. The civil society organisations are backed by networks and contacts that have been working for democracy on the ground for years. Such networks are especially necessary in difficult times, so that people can speak out together. There is already relatively little support for projects that promote democracy in partnership - and then they are attacked at the federal level.
Martin Modlinger: I also find it significant that the report paints a false picture of civil society. The small interpellation suggests that it is not okay to criticise existing or potential conditions in a democracy. But that is what civil society is there for: not just to say 'yes and amen' to everything. Its role is to be vigilant and to stand up for society. In this context, I also think that the threat in the context of the small question to withdraw the non-profit status, especially from smaller organisations, is a very sharp sword. It is absolutely wrong to send out the signal: 'If you are critical, you must leave the room'.
The Änderwerk is a support organisation and a place for the implementation of projects for the common good of all kinds, from art and culture to environmental protection and human rights. Änderwerk itself is a home for commitment and cohesion, offering the necessary support so that committed people and groups can better achieve their respective goals. The staff manage and account for the funds, share their extensive knowledge, and enable non-profit initiatives to achieve their public interest goals.
Why is it important for committed people to be able to keep their place in society?
Martin Modlinger: Anything that really promotes cohesion only works because these civil society groups exist. And if their scope is restricted, they will be lost. As Annette Niemeyer said, civic engagement does not happen overnight. Such structures take years to develop and need a secure framework to flourish. Most structures are supported by volunteers - people who work for democracy in their spare time, in their retirement or on weekends. They need to be valued. If this framework is threatened, many wonderful things, from youth clubs to integration groups, could no longer take place.
Anette Niemeyer: I can only emphasise this. I recently visited an exhibition in the Rostock town hall about the women's movement in the GDR. During a panel discussion, it became very clear how valuable it is for these women today to live in a democracy where they can express their ideas and opinions without fear or repression. This is the core of our civil society - and we must not let it be taken away from us.
