Gegen Vergessen für Demokratie e.V.
Gegen Vergessen – Für Demokratie e.V. is a non-partisan association that is committed to the remembrance of the National Socialist crimes and the SED dictatorship. It promotes democratic participation and civil society engagement through educational and cultural projects.
Gegen Vergessen – Für Demokratie e.V.
editAbout the Association
editGegen Vergessen – Für Demokratie e.V. is a non-profit, non-partisan, and non-denominational association, founded on April 19, 1993, in Berlin. The association has over 2,000 members and includes around 40 regional working groups that are committed nationwide to the remembrance of the National Socialist crimes and the injustices of the SED dictatorship.
Mission and Values
editThe main mission of the association is to connect historical remembrance work with engagement for democracy and civil society participation. The goals include the processing and preservation of the legacy of resistance against the Nazi dictatorship and the SED dictatorship, raising awareness about the origins of National Socialism and Fascism, as well as depicting the opposition, resistance, and persecution in these systems. Another focus is on addressing enemy images, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, and other forms of political extremism to promote democratic attitudes and support tolerance in all areas of culture[1][3].
Key Products and Services
editThe association realizes a variety of cultural, educational, and informational events and projects. These include lectures, panel discussions, eyewitness talks, film screenings, exhibitions, concerts, memorial site trips, and student projects. These activities serve political education and invite participants to reflect on the past, present, and future. In addition, the association offers advice on dealing with right-wing extremism and supports civil society groups in their work[1][2][3].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editGegen Vergessen – Für Demokratie e.V. is actively engaged in promoting democratic participation and civil society engagement. For example, the association has contributed to public discussions about the compensation of Nazi forced laborers, which led to the establishment of the Foundation "Remembrance, Responsibility, and Future." This foundation manages the fund for the payment of compensation sums to the still-living victims. The association is supported as part of the federal program "Live Democracy!" by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth[1][3].
History and Background
editThe founding of the association was initiated in 1989 by former resistance fighter Heinz Putzrath, who wanted to create a platform for opponents of National Socialism and victims in the Soviet Occupation Zone or the GDR. Under the leadership of former SPD chairman Hans-Jochen Vogel, a non-partisan initiative emerged, which was officially founded in 1993. The founding took place against the backdrop of racist and xenophobic riots, to be a strong voice for democracy and tolerance[1][3].