At its meeting on April 25, 2018, the AdB board adopted a position paper advocating for political education that promotes diversity and opposes exclusion. This position paper is based on extensive discussion within the association and input from the AdB Youth Education Commission. The position paper is presented in full below:
Political education is educational work that engages with the political sphere – that is, with matters concerning the community. Its task is to clarify, based on the interests and experiences of the participants, the connections between their own life situation and societal conditions, and to demonstrate opportunities for participation. It is guided by the central categories of politics: conflict, interest, power, consensus, domination, and the formation of will. This also includes making privileges, discrimination, and exclusion visible in order to overcome them.
Especially given Germany's past—the Nazi seizure of power based on a democratic constitution, the experience of totalitarian rule and genocide—a careful examination of current developments is essential. With the Basic Law of 1949, the opening of society after 1968, and the liberation from an authoritarian regime in 1989, our society has further developed and visibly lived its democratic values. In light of current social and political developments in Europe and the world, a well-defined political education is needed that enables participants to understand, reflect on, and analyze social developments and structures, both past and present, in order to situate themselves within society and strengthen their own capacity for action.
Democracy, participation and human rights form the frame of reference for this emancipatory, participatory political education.
In our understanding of political education, democracy must not only be a form of government and society, but also a way of life. Political education must therefore offer spaces where democratic negotiation processes and the handling of conflicts can be practiced and reflected upon. In addition to the competence to effectively represent one's own interests and viewpoints, it is also important to foster a willingness to consider other positions and, if necessary, to reach compromises.
Discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities, gender, sexual identity, language, appearance, age, origin, social status, or religious or political beliefs is incompatible with our understanding of political education. Resolutely opposing it is the mission of political education and thus of all those active in it.
We, the AdB and its member institutions,
- They advocate for democracy, the social welfare state and the rule of law, as well as the inalienable human rights enshrined in the Basic Law.
- We are committed to and support the unrestricted free development and growth of all people.
- We take a stand against hostility towards democracy and right-wing populism/extremism.
- Take a stand for a diverse, inclusive and inclusive society.
- We address our political education programs to all people living in society.
- We do not focus on perceived deficits, but rather on the resources of the participants.
- We welcome the diversity of people in our institutions and educational programs and understand diversity as an enrichment.
- We resolutely oppose racist and nationalist ideologies, as well as authoritarian and anti-democratic ideas. This also includes, for us, an examination of colonialism and its societal impact. We design historical and political education programs, including those addressing the crimes of National Socialism. Remembering the Shoah stands as a sign of our responsibility and remains a constant obligation.
Together, we stand up for the points mentioned here. Accordingly, we stand in solidarity against attacks by right-wing populist/extremist parties and groups against individual member institutions, their employees, and officials.
Adopted by the AdB board on April 25, 2018. This position is based on a broad discussion within the association and the input of the AdB Youth Education Commission.
Position statement: Political education in the AdB for diversity and against exclusion (pdf, 75 KB)