Kreisau-Initiative e.V.

The Kreisau-Initiative e.V. was founded 1989 to address the need for international understanding, democratic education, and active engagement in human rights, particularly in response to Europe's history of division, conflict, and authoritarianism. The Kreisau-Initiative is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, social inclusion, and sustainability through international educational programs and cross-cultural dialogue. Rooted in the legacy of the Kreisau Circle, a German resistance group against Nazism, its mission is to empower individuals - especially young people - to actively shape just, inclusive, and democratic societies. At its core, the Kreisau-Initiative responds to pe... read more The Kreisau-Initiative e.V. was founded 1989 to address the need for international understanding, democratic education, and active engagement in human rights, particularly in response to Europe's history of division, conflict, and authoritarianism. The Kreisau-Initiative is committed to promoting democracy, human rights, social inclusion, and sustainability through international educational programs and cross-cultural dialogue. Rooted in the legacy of the Kreisau Circle, a German resistance group against Nazism, its mission is to empower individuals - especially young people - to actively shape just, inclusive, and democratic societies. At its core, the Kreisau-Initiative responds to persistent social challenges such as discrimination, social exclusion, extremism, and a lack of opportunities for youth participation in shaping democratic, inclusive societies. Recognizing that many young people - especially those from marginalized backgrounds - face barriers to education, empowerment, and cross-cultural exchange, the organization promotes non-formal education as a tool for social change. Today, the need for fostering social cohesion, gender equality, human rights awareness, and sustainability remains as urgent as ever. The Kreisau-Initiative continues to address these challenges by creating spaces for learning, dialogue, and action, empowering individuals to become active, responsible members of a democratic and diverse Europe. The organization's priority objectives are: - To foster social cohesion by addressing discrimination, exclusion, and extremism. - To promote human rights education and critical engagement with history to strengthen democratic values. - To advance gender equality and support marginalized groups through empowerment and participation. - To encourage socio-ecological transformation, raising awareness of sustainable development and climate justice. - To provide spaces for intercultural exchange, enabling young people to develop skills in dialogue, cooperation, and civic responsibility. Through non-formal education, transnational partnerships, and youth-centered approaches, the Kreisau-Initiative equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to drive positive social change across Europe and beyond.