Democracy-focused initiative "Shape Your City" kicks off in the city
The city of Essen is set to launch a new campaign on August 26, 2025, aiming to foster democratic participation and promote a diverse and inclusive society. The campaign, entitled "#DemocracyShape", is a joint initiative by the city administration and the German Federal Agency for Civic Education (Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung).
The campaign targets approximately 10,000 employees and leaders of the city administration, encouraging broad participation with slogans like "Democracy lives from participation", "Show stance", and "for democracy and cohesion". The city administration, known for its commitment to diversity and value-oriented practices, sees this campaign as a clear signal against racism and right-wing extremism.
The "#DemocracyShape" campaign builds upon the city's existing efforts against right-wing extremism and racism. Essen has been actively participating in events such as the annual Diversity Day and the "International Weeks against Racism". The city is also part of the "Charter of Diversity" and has initiated the initiative "We are all Essen" with other city actors.
Democracy, as the campaign emphasizes, is based on the idea that all people are equal in value and have the right to express their opinion and participate in the political process. The city's new leadership guidelines explicitly recognize diversity as a strength, and the campaign aims to make democratic values such as respect, diversity, and cohesion visible.
The campaign offers new training programs, including "Sexual and Gender Diversity (LGBTIQ+)" and "Handling of stereotypes and unconscious bias", to foster a more inclusive and respectful work environment. Other municipal institutions are invited to participate in the campaign, as the city seeks to engage the wider community in shaping a more democratic and diverse Essen.
The campaign will be communicated internally and externally via various channels, including postcards, posters, digital media, and public events. The messages conveyed will highlight central values of the Basic Law such as freedom, equality, and human dignity.
As the city of Essen continues to shape its democratic landscape, the "#DemocracyShape" campaign serves as a reminder that everyone is relevant in a democracy and can contribute to its shaping through engagement, responsibility, and daily life contributions. By promoting participation, the campaign encourages employees to demonstrate a stance for democracy and diversity in their daily work, contributing to a more inclusive and democratic Essen for all.
