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Hermann Müller-Franken Prize: Gardener for Democracy awarded!
Heinz Gärtner will receive the Hermann Müller-Franken Prize 2023 for his long-standing commitment to democracy in Franconia.
Hermann Müller-Franken Prize: Gardener for Democracy awarded!
On Saturday evening, the Franconian Academy at Schloss Schney was the venue for a special celebration: the Hermann Müller-Franken Prize was awarded, a prize that stands for outstanding commitment to democracy in Franconia. The 2023 award winner is Heinz Gärtner, a committed social democrat and trade unionist from Schney, who was honored for his tireless work for democratic participation. The award ceremony was given by Prof. Dr. Günter Dippold and Stefan Hinterleitner organized the event, while the laudator Susann Biedefeld, retired MP, who had suggested the winner for this award, enriched the evening with moving words.
Heinz Gärtner, who was born in Lichtenfels in 1949, is known for his constant work against racism, right-wing radicalism and anti-Semitism. In his long career as works council chairman and city councilor, he has launched numerous initiatives to support senior citizens as well as asylum seekers and refugees. Gärtner, who joined the SPD and IG Metall in 1966, is described in the laudatory speech as a “tireless, versatile marathon runner for our democracy,” highlighting the constant dedication he has shown over decades.
The importance of the prize for democracy
The Hermann Müller-Franken Prize not only commemorates the democratic values that Hermann Müller-Franken shaped as chairman of the SPD from 1919 to 1928, but also aims to increase awareness of democratic participation. Gärtner is a prime example of how personal commitment and social responsibility can go hand in hand. The prize, which is endowed with 1,000 euros and an honorary prize, is intended to motivate other actors to stand up for democracy, which is more relevant than ever in view of global developments.
In today's world, promoting democracy is becoming increasingly important. Projects to promote democracy are diverse and range from educational work to special programs that strengthen democratic awareness. This is what the blog reports blog-foerdermittel.de that new funding calls will be created to take current global political events into account.
Funding opportunities for democracy and education
The funding market is constantly expanding and includes numerous providers such as the Federal Agency for Civic Education, which supports numerous initiatives. An example of this is the “Living Democracy!” program, which promotes structures and projects that promote diversity and counter extremism. The bpb.de emphasizes that there are numerous funding opportunities to realize projects for political education and civil society engagement.
In particular, the new challenges in the global political landscape require innovative approaches to preserve and promote the values of democracy. For example, the Ha-Kesher e.V. project “Festival ‘Connect!’” receives 6,000 euros to combat anti-Semitism. There are also various programs in Bavaria that support democratic values and civic engagement. As the Funding page shows, inclusive projects that appeal to different target groups are particularly popular.
The Hermann Müller-Franken Prize and the associated funding opportunities are important steps towards strengthening democratic coexistence and promoting lively social engagement in the future. At a time when democracy is being put to the test in many places around the world, it is crucial that we in Franconia, through people like Heinz Gärtner, adopt a combative and solidarity-based stance.