INTRODUCTORY SEMINAR / 1-3 DECEMBER 2024
Since 2021, WerteInitiative – jüdisch-deutsche Positionen (WI) has organised an annual educational trip to the federal capital for young adults who take a lasting interest in political democracy education from a Jewish-German perspective and are committed to it. On this basis, and with the support of the Stiftung Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft (EVZ), it was possible to develop a new, sustainable leadership programme for young talent. The introductory seminar taking place within this framework for the first time offers a direct insight into political Berlin. The participants are given the opportunity to fill the abstract image of “politicians” and their work with concrete content. In meetings with members of the Bundestag from several parliamentary groups, with Jewish political actors and with the representatives of the political foundations, the participants can receive first-hand input on important skills, insights and experiences for their own political work. Up to the end of 2025 there will then be further coaching and mentoring offers for the participants and, finally, an in-depth seminar building on the content of the introductory seminar. The aim is to motivate the participants towards lasting political engagement in democratic parties and to form a network among them for exchange and potential cooperation.Application deadline: 03.11.2024In cooperation with:
Why take part?
Jewish citizens of Germany are strongly under-represented in politics. In cooperation with the Jüdische Studierendenunion Deutschland (JSUD), our educational trip aims at a stronger participation of Jewish people – and of people close to Jewish-German topics – in the democratic parties and in politics.
The participants of the educational trip are to have the opportunity to get to know federal politicians, to ask them about their political career paths and to understand how one finds one’s way through the “thicket” between constituency group, state list, direct mandates and working groups and can nevertheless continue to pursue one’s own political goals. Furthermore, the particular linkage of Jewish-German topics to the fundamental pillars of a free and democratic society is to be made clear to the participants. Added value is also conceivable for the participating politicians of the Bundestag parliamentary groups: in direct contact they experience and learn what concerns citizens from our section of the population as well as people who show solidarity with us.
Who?
The call for applications is addressed to young politically interested people over 18 years of age living in Germany. A link to Jewish participation and engagement, or a sustained involvement with Jewish-German topics, is a prerequisite for taking part in the leadership programme for young talent.
How?
Send us your CV and a meaningful letter of motivation (max. 2 pages) to:
politisches.forum@werteinitiative.de.
In it, please also set out your connection to the content above (under “Who?”). As the number of participants is limited, we ask you to register promptly. The closing date for applications is 03.11.2024. We are happy to answer any questions at any time via the e-mail address given above. Both the confirmation of participation and the rejections will be sent out by 17.11.2024 at the latest. We look forward to your application.
Participation in the seminars, including accommodation and meals, is free of charge. Travel costs are reimbursed in accordance with the Bundesreisekostengesetz.
What?
To begin with, a varied and demanding three-day programme is planned. A mixture of discussion rounds with political professionals, visits to Bundestag parliamentary groups and panel discussions means that an exciting experience awaits you. There will also be time for exchange and networking among participants. For suitable participants of the introductory seminar, coaching and mentoring support up to the end of 2025 is also envisaged, in which further support of the existing political engagement is to take place, as well as an in-depth seminar at the end of 2025, in which more detailed knowledge about the various actors surrounding Jewish life and democracy in Germany is to be conveyed. You will receive all further information with the confirmation of participation.The project is funded by the Stiftung Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft (EVZ).
