Ausländische MitbürgerInnen e.V.

The Citizens' Initiative Ausländische MitbürgerInnen e.V. (BI) was founded in March 1990, four months after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in Hohenschönhausen. The association arose from the need to support migrants in the district who were confronted with numerous challenges during this time of upheaval, including job loss, eviction from hostels, and racist hostility.

• Consultation and Support: The BI offers low-threshold consultation on residency law and everyday issues, social benefits, and assistance with housing searches. Additionally, it supports contacts with authorities and offices and refers clients to specialized counseling centers[1][2].
• Language and Cultural Mediation: The BI team acts as language and cultural mediators, translating important information and explaining counseling content.
• Events and Courses: The association organizes various events, courses, and meetings to promote cultural diversity and build bridges between cultures.
• Legal Advice: Regular office hours are offered for free legal advice, particularly on criminal and contract law[2].

The main mission of the BI is to support migrants in navigating life in Germany and to promote their equal participation in social life. The association actively opposes xenophobia and works to prevent isolation and loneliness. Cultural diversity and open encounters between people of different backgrounds are at the heart of the BI's work[1][2].

• Long-term Support: Over more than 30 years, the BI has responded to new demands and challenges, whether by supporting war refugees from former Yugoslavia, late resettlers from the former Soviet Union, or current refugees from various regions of the world.
• Inclusive Community: The Neustrelitzer Treff, the home of the BI, provides an accessible and conveniently located place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to meet, learn, and celebrate[1].
• Cultural Diversity: Projects like "Gemeinsam gestalten - Vielfalt verbindet" collect fabrics and patterns from different cultures to celebrate and promote cultural diversity[2].

The Citizens' Initiative Ausländische MitbürgerInnen e.V. is a central anchor point for integration and cultural exchange in Berlin, characterized by long-term commitment, cultural openness, and the promotion of equal participation of migrants.

• 1 - https://bi-berlin.org/uber-burgerinitiative-auslandische-mitburgerinnen-e-v/
• 2 - https://bi-berlin.org
• 3 - https://www.berlin.de/einwanderung/service/business-immigration-service/
• 4 - https://www.berlin.de/sen/wirtschaft/vielfalt-in-der-wirtschaft/lotsenstelle/
• 5 - https://www.bwb.de/de/unternehmen.php