Background
the shift towards THE RIGHT is very real and very much here
In February, Germany voted for a new parliament; at the end, the centre-right party (Christian Democrats) came out as the winner, followed by 20% going to the far-right party, the AFD.
And you know what? Most of us weren’t surprised. This shift towards right-wing politics has been palpable in our society for a while now.
A turning point came to me sometime last year — after separate conversations which took me aback. It became clear to me that, as economic dissatisfaction is growing, so is the resentment against a scapegoated other (immigrants and refugees), not just contained in certain circles, but across the societal spectrum. A deeply unsettling discovery.
According to the typical polemic, “illegal and unintegrated migrants” are at fault for all ills in society, mainly crime and the housing crisis. These populist narratives override truths about complex social problems, and, in my opinion, basic human empathy. It is the start of fascism.
“Helping people fleeing armed conflict and persecution is a humanitarian obligation under international law, not a question of profit. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany therefore bears responsibility for one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Refugee protection is laid down in the Geneva Refugee Convention and in the fundamental right to asylum, among other things.”
My mother always taught me this: there are good and bad people, all over the world. We are all the same. And the refugees I’ve gotten to know taught me this: no refugee ever leaves their home willingly.
We are facing massive issues in this country: rise of the cost of living, lack of social housing, crumbling infrastructure, lack of funding for social services and integration efforts, worker shortage in elderly care — a system which by the way greatly benefits from migrant workers.
It is understandable to fear for one’s own existence when faced with economic hardships, but it is simply illogical and cruel to place the burden of all of society’s problems on the shoulders of the most vulnerable.
In a moment of reflection, I asked myself: and what the f*ck am I doing about it?
So the seed for starting a community project was planted.
Logo ©️ Kat J. Weiss, with preliminary sketches (see below)
What is DAS BLAUE HAUS?
The idea at it’s core
I’m calling this project Das Blaue Haus because it’s descriptive of the location and easy to remember. See more info under next heading: Location.
I want this to be a place where everyone feels welcome and respected, and is free of discrimination of any kind as much as possible: no racism, no homophobia, no transphobia, ableism, classism, ageism, sexism, antisemitism, islamophobia, etc.
I dream of a space where people can come if they feel lonely, need help with small daily tasks or even bigger life struggles, or just want to chat.
Concrete offerings could be: creative and handicraft meet-ups (e.g. for knitting and crocheting), “Drink and Draw” meet-ups, clothing swaps, book clubs, vegan brunches, repair cafés, yoga, tech- and smartphone-assistance for the elderly, intergenerational board game meet-ups, informative talks, and so on.
Location
a “Third Space” is born
In short: an empty store front in a blue corner house — the namesake for Das Blaue Haus — that belongs to my family, in Traben-Trarbach, Germany.
A community centre seems like a fitting option here; it’s also a way to breathe life into dying inner cities, which took a big hit especially during the pandemic, and to offer cultural activities for locals.
Lastly, I believe third spaces to be increasingly important in a world that has become more virtual and centralised in bigger cities. Third spaces, a term coined by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, is a place where people can meet and interact without cost, outside of their home and work life.
I believe that a lot of social apathy and disgruntlement comes not only from financial struggles, but also the feeling of isolation and never coming into contact with “the other”.
I organised the first knitting and crochet meet-up on the 15. March. Overall 6 people showed up, which I think isn’t a bad turnout for the first time :)
Steps taken so far
starting small and in my niche, with lots of support
Got connected with the local Caritas chapter to help me plan and organise volunteer and support networks, community round tables, and brainstorm ideas
Had a meeting with Caritas, our city mayor, municipal mayor, and local church representatives to ask for their support and involvement in the project
Hosted the first small-scale community event: a knitting and crochet meet-up
I joined a demonstration for democracy and diversity and against right-wing extremism alongside Omas Gegen Rechts and Bündnis Die Mosel ist Bunt; events such as these in small cities such as ours are few and far between.
What I have learnt in the process
It’s amazing what you can find when you start looking
(and putting yourself out there)
This is a non-profit, but funding is important: I will be relying on donations, community support and applying for grants
It’s amazing what you can find when you start searching for like-minded people, so far I’ve…
…met up with the local Omas Gegen Rechts (“Grannies against the Right”) group, and Bündnis Die Mosel ist Bunt, a newly founded activist alliance for democracy and diversity in the Moselle region,
…found out about our local Worker’s Welfare Association (AWO), which organises weekly support meet-ups for the elderly, immigrants and refugees,
…and taken part in a rubbish clean-up day.The amount of moral and material support I’ve received — even from people outside our community — just by talking about the project and making the first baby steps has been incredible. Thank you!
Some t-shirts I test printed for possible merch
Upcoming
Staying in my lane while reaching out to others
The first community round-table meeting will take place in the summer. We will be taking stock of existing volunteer projects, and brainstorming new offers based on the needs of the community
Several more round-table meetings will follow with interested participants, after which community project ideas will be finalised, planned and put into action
At the very least I hope to create a network of all the wonderful volunteer projects and activist groups already mobilised in our city, with an easily accessible and regularly updated directory online and in print
Volunteer projects requiring experts with specific know-how will take a little while longer to launch; in the mean-time I will be hosting small-scale neighbourhood events that are more creatively aligned and/or don’t require as many resources. See ideas listed under the heading What is DAS BLAUE HAUS?, fourth paragraph.
Photo ©️ Jean-Luc Caspers
Conclusion and my appeal to you
Community projects ARE where it’s at!
Voting, protesting, and driving your representatives up the wall are all important steps in safeguarding a democratic and diverse society.
We need more: funding and support for volunteer and welfare programmes. And we need civil solidarity with these programmes. We need every single one of YOU.
So get involved in your local neighbourhood in any which way you can. See what needs to be done, see who needs help, see who’s already doing something. Start small. Community projects are where it’s at!