Marina Weisband: Promoting democracy for our children!

Marina Weisband: Promoting democracy for our children!

Today, on July 2, 2025, promoting democracy also represents a central challenge in Cologne. Marina Weisband, a committed psychologist and former political director of the Pirate Party, made it clear in her latest lecture that democracy must not only be wanted, but actively lived and learned. In schools and projects, she works tirelessly to anchor democracy promotion at an early age in order to give young people a feeling of self-efficacy and personal responsibility. It is particularly important to her that schools offer students more creative freedom in order to counteract a state of learned helplessness, which can serve as a breeding ground for extremism and populism. She represents these views not only as a member of the Green Party, where she focuses on education and digitalization, but also as head of the aula student participation project.

Weisband, who was born in Ukraine in 1987 and now lives with her family in Münster, has experienced the transformation from an apolitical student to a politically active personality from her own experience. This shows how important it is to enable young people to participate in society as responsible citizens at an early stage. Democracy, she emphasizes, is a condition that always has to be fought for and is not a given of nature. Heidelberg Current reports on their urgent appeal that each individual can contribute to strengthening democracy through their commitment.

Democracy education in all areas of life

The challenges facing democracy today are diverse. Social divisions are increasing and democratic values ​​are being tested worldwide. It is therefore all the more important to promote democracy education not only in schools, but also in daycare centers, in vocational training and in adult education. In daycare centers, children already learn what participation and co-determination mean and how they can appreciate diversity. In schools, it is crucial that students internalize values ​​such as tolerance and respect. The educational servers provide information about various materials on democracy education, particularly with regard to racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination. However, this education must not only be theoretical, but also experienced practically, because democracy thrives on the commitment of citizens.

The CJD advocates democracy as a valuable asset that everyone can learn and live together. This promotes the active participation of all people in an open, inclusive society. Current attention is on the dangers of extremism and social crises, which represent one of the greatest challenges to democracy. The CJD offers prevention and support programs that include both entry assistance and support for those wanting to leave extremist scenes. This is particularly important in times when many students are feeling insecure and teachers are increasingly asking for help.

Education as the key to democracy

The education servers underline the importance of education in democracy education. This concept must be anchored across subjects in lessons and throughout youth welfare. Particularly in social education, democracy education is seen as a preventative measure against radicalization. Current specialist days and discussions show how important political education is for social cohesion. Therefore, all educational offerings must also address the inclusion of people with disabilities in order to achieve a “Nothing about us without us!” to realize. This supports the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which demands co-determination and participation from all people.

Given the current political situation, it is therefore essential that we all do our part to build democracy. Only together can we defend our values ​​and create a democratic society that offers space for everyone. The education server and many other initiatives are available to support this important task.