Let’s build a movement from within society that celebrates the small, kind, and positive everyday encounters between people. We believe these moments can be the spark for a renewed sense of social cohesion.
At the same time, many experience public discourse as harsher: more escalation, less genuine listening. Studies suggest that social cohesion is perceived as strained (Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt in Deutschland 2023”, data basis Oct 2023) and that focusing on common ground can help reopen spaces for dialogue (More in Common, policy paper “Wir rücken Gemeinsamkeiten in den Fokus”, 2025).
Based on our constitution, this is not about different viewpoints being bad (quite the opposite!). It’s about the how: Can we debate in a constructive and respectful way – especially when solutions diverge? Are we still able to tolerate nuance and genuinely engage with other positions?
What guides us (our beliefs):
People are basically good — We’re not naïve about the world, but we choose to meet others with the assumption that, at their core, people want to do the right thing.
Freedom with responsibility — Individual freedom is a great value, and individualism shapes our time. That makes a shared framework even more important: fairness, consideration, and inclusion.
It starts with us — A healthy social climate isn’t something you can create “from the outside.” It emerges when people realize they have influence—through how they show up, speak, and act.
Small actions, big impact — Everyday gestures—a smile, a kind word, a helping hand—can shift the mood and spark further positive ripple effects.
Hope is a catalyst for change — In a world full of negativity, optimism strengthens our resilience and creates energy for change.
What?
Where do we start? How do we create a climate of mutual respect – of seeing and truly listening to one another?
The idea is simple: start small – with everyday, friendly, positive encounters. We believe these moments can set something in motion: that we begin to notice the other person again, to listen, and to recognize them as a fellow human being.
Let’s notice these fleeting encounters – and celebrate them. Share your Respect Moments using the hashtags #respactivist #RespectMoment #WeAreAllChange.
What’s behind our logo? The flag – drawn with a deliberately playful touch – stands for cohesion: it connects people, builds identity, and is a statement in the sense of “showing your flag.” At the same time, we know that flags can also signal exclusion. That’s why there’s a circle. It “opens” the flag, removes what can feel divisive and shifts the focus back to what matters most: individual people and their stories.
Together, we can strengthen social cohesion – by making a difference in small, everyday encounters. Every one of these moments matters.
