WahlheYmat Turns Two — And Invites You In

Ivan Gabor,

Berlion, TV Turm
People who moved to Berlin from other countries are one of the largest untapped democratic potentials of the city. For two years, WahlheYmat has been working to activate that potential — and we are now inviting new members to join us.

WahlheYmat is looking for new members.
That is the message I would like to write about today.

Before my life in Berlin, I was never this direct. I am learning a lot here. And I don’t just mean the famous Berliner Schnauze — like going into a bakery and saying: “Good morning, so sorry for disturbing you, but maybe you could give me one of those excellent, famous Franzbrötchen that we love so much at home?” And getting a simple answer: “Nö.”

Exactly two years ago, on 1 March 2024, WahlheYmat was officially registered as a Verein. In these two years, we have focused all our energy on one mission: improving democracy by activating people who have moved here from other countries. Because they are the largest untapped potential of this society.

We are on a journey to create an inclusive, collaborative, international society — where everyone has a voice, where everyone can be heard, where we build our home together.

There is still a lot to do. First of all, we all need to be able to understand Berlin. How to berlin. To give people from other countries who feel engaged the chance to also feel empowered. Because politics here is often treated as something you begin at 16 by joining the youth organisation of a party.

We want to change this. Because politics is about the things we do together in this city.

That is why, over the past year, we focused on creating and launching WahlheYmatPost. That is why we developed the WahlheYmat Talks programme, why we are starting our survey panel, and why we are bringing the Talks into the districts.

But we cannot grow unless our community grows with us.

We are a community of people who offer their time and energy to move things forward. That is why we are opening our doors as a Verein and inviting new members to join us.

If you feel engaged, if you like what we do and how we think — please get in touch here.

“We build relationships based on blind trust first, with the intention of creating win-win situations.”

Author:

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