Berlin is our home. The one we chose. Our second base. Clearly, we care about it just as much as – if not more than – the one we were born into. And caring is the rocket fuel of change!
We are on a mission to create a Berlin where everyone can feel at home. Where everyone feels respected, heard and equal. Regardless of their passport of origin.
And we’re not the only ones who share this premise: The German Constitution says, “No person shall be favored or disfavored because of sex, parentage, race, language, homeland and origin, faith or religious or political opinions.” (I./3)
With more than a third of its citizens coming from 190 countries, Berlin is the true definition of tolerance, resilience and a variety of voices. The city of infinite possibilities, where walls have fallen, systems were broken and history was written. Our goal is to make the next chapter of her (hi)story as diverse and inclusive as its community – both native and newcomer.
The 6 point plan to turn our vision into reality
1. Strengthening small communities
We love Kiez-Leben. Neighborhoods. Strong Haus-communities. Sommer-festivals. Therefore we aim to bring local decisions to the grassroots. Allocate resources, budget, responsibility to them. Make districts (Bezirk) into a network of small communities.
2. Activate citizens
The easiest way to organize community life is by using existing institutions and giving every permanent resident (regardless of nationality) the right to vote and be elected at the municipal elections. To achieve this, Wahlheymat will run in the elections as a voting community.
3. The language of inclusivity
Berlin’s primary language is German and it always will be. However, in order to help the integration of newcomers, we need to exercise tolerance. Hence we suggest using English as a second language during city administration processes with every new Berliner.
4. Direct and digital
Technology has impacted our lives on all levels. What if it could impact our communities’ as well? We wish to create a modern community organization tool using existing technologies to gain more influence beyond voting once every 5 years.
5. Live together, lead together
Living together might be challenging sometimes – especially within diverse communities. Newcomers mean new possibilities, but also new challenges. Therefore we have to handle them together! The leadership of a community should reflect the diversity of its group.
6. Act now
Try. Fail. Adapt. Innovate. Try again. Fail better. Challenge conventional wisdom. Debate existing systems. Question what has become a new reality. And do it with respect to others, to nature, and to yourself.
With more than a third of its citizens coming from 190 countries, Berlin is the true definition of tolerance, resilience and a variety of voices. The city of infinite possibilities, where walls have fallen, systems were broken and history was written. Our goal is to make the next chapter of her (hi)story as diverse and inclusive as its community – both native and newcomer.
Change of action today might only manifest in some time from now. But the earlier we start, the faster the impact.
Change of action today might only manifest in some time from now. But the earlier we start, the faster the impact. Join us on our mission today to make everyone in Berlin feel at home!