Democracy and tolerance

Democracy can only function if its citizens subscribe to key values such as tolerance, civic engagement and commitment to the commonweal. Such values cannot be taken for granted, but must be promoted day in and day out. Together with a number of partners, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has therefore developed a series of educational programs designed to foster democratic values among the public. Given its growing pluralization and individualization, Germany's democracy needs structures that provide opportunities for social participation if it is to function properly. As philosopher Volker Gerhardt has said, "Participation is the fundamental principle of politics." Germany thus needs new ideas and solutions if it is to strengthen its democracy by helping its citizens get involved.     

The confluence of various life styles in an immigration society is unsettling and overwhelming for many people. But a system of law alone cannot guarantee peaceful coexistence. Democratic values and qualities like tolerance, community spirit and engagement are also necessary. To this end, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has developed educational programs to encourage immigrants to integrate into and participate in their communities.

Fighting right-wing extremism

Immigration in Germany has long been a taboo topic, something that has helped promote xenophobia and right-wing extremism among the general population. Today, such attitudes are no longer to be found only among society's more marginalized members. Some 40 percent of Germans now agree with the statement that the country has become "non-German to a dangerous degree because of its many resident foreigners." Such sentiments strike at the heart of Germany's democracy and its social cohesion, and they demonstrate that right-wing extremism will remain a pressing problem for years to come. At the same time, right-wing extremism is not only a German problem, but one that has made itself felt throughout Europe. What can Germany learn from its European neighbors in this regard?

Integration and communities

In terms of their future prospects, integration is one of the most important challenges communities currently. In addition to major metropolitan areas, where immigrants comprise some 30 percent of the overall population, rural regions also need to make it possible for people of different ethnic heritages to live together in harmony. The Bertelsmann Stiftung publishes strategic responses to immigration-related issues as well as studies and reference data, all of which have been developed based on a recent competition highlighting successful integration efforts in Germany. An integration training program has also been developed for policymakers, public administrators and migrant-group representatives. In addition, our website provides in-depth information on exemplary integration policies.

European Union

As the European Union grows larger, the issue of managing migration and integration is becoming increasingly important. Since 1992 the Bertelsmann Stiftung has been developing a proposal for standardizing European immigration law. In order to bring new momentum to the integration agenda in Germany and Europe, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has joined with the Migration Policy Institute in Washington DC to found the Transatlantic Task Force on Integration and Immigration, which convenes to develop strategic proposals for innovative migration and integration policies.

Helping immigrants get involved

The key to helping immigrants integrate is making sure they have adequate opportunity to participate in society. Above all, this means ensuring there is equal inclusion in the educational system and job market, as well as in civil society and politics. For such participation to be possible, immigrants must accept Germany's basic laws and values. Together with German President Johannes Rau, the Bertelsmann Stiftung organized a national competition in 2002 to call attention to the importance of helping immigrants become involved in their communities. With its new Leadership Program for next-generation managers from migrant organizations, the foundation is helping create "bridge-builders" capable of helping others integrate.