Let’s create a movement from within the society that celebrates the small, friendly and positive everyday human encounters that can work as a nucleus for a wider recharge of social cohesion.
As a society, we face a wide range of challenges – and to meet them, we need different opinions and approaches to solutions. Friction and a diversity of perspectives are not a problem; they’re the key to achieving the best outcomes for everyone.
At the same time, many experience the public discourse as harsher: more escalation, less genuine listening. Studies also suggest that social cohesion is perceived as strained (Bertelsmann Stiftung, “Gesellschaftlicher Zusammenhalt in Deutschland 2023”, data basis Oct 2023) and that focusing on shared common ground can help reopen spaces for constructive 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 choice is essential to democracy – and it works best when grounded in shared values that protect fairness and inclusion.
It Starts With Us – A healthy social climate isn’t something “others” can deliver. It emerges when individuals 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 wider change.
Hope Is A Catalyst For Change – In a world overwhelmed by negativity, optimism inspires resilience – and helps movements grow toward better futures.
What?
But where do we start? How do we create a climate of mutual respect – of seeing and 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.
