Strengthening local democracy: civic engagement and diversity in rural Thuringia

Johanna Treidl & Friederike Holbein, IDZ Jena
Project: Diversity-oriented democracy work in rural areas of Thuringia

Series: Research for Democracy – Institute for Democracy and Civil Society meets Jena
6.00 pm – 10.30 pm | Stadtlab

Democracy cannot be taken for granted. The rise of the far right, social polarisation and attacks on open, democratic society pose major challenges for politics, civil society and academia. The Institute for Democracy and Civil Society (IDZ) in Jena is investigating these developments, examining their causes and consequences, and presenting research findings to inform the public debate.

On this evening, you will gain insights into the latest research being carried out by the Institute for Democracy and Civil Society. In short keynote talks, researchers will outline their current research and the implications this has for Thuringia and beyond. You will learn how the influence of the far right affects society and democracy, what the investigation into the NSU case reveals, how research into right-wing extremism provides insights for policymakers and civil society, and how democratic culture and participation – particularly in rural areas – can be strengthened.

Two keynote talks will round off the programme with a look back at the 1990s in Jena: Pia Boller from the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences will speak about the (lack of) victim protection in youth work with far-right youths in Jena-Winzerla. Leonie Dellen, the current Rosenthal Fellow of the City of Jena, will address right-wing violence in Jena and how it was perceived and contextualised at the time.

At the IDZ information stand, you can chat with the researchers, ask questions and find out about handouts, studies and other information materials. The Chair of Theory and History of Social Work and Child and Youth Welfare at the Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences will also be present with an information stand.