"In the service of democracy, peace and development" – this is the motto that describes the work and mission of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. An understanding of democracy has to be newly acquired by every new generation. Young people in particular need to have political issues and interrelations clearly explained if they are to be motivated to commit themselves and to take on responsibility. In sh
ort: democracy requires political education. In addition to work on behalf of our democracy, freedom, the rule of law and a just social order, the fundamental principles and norms of our community also have to be ensured and firmly anchored in the conscience of all citizens. The fast-paced and far-reaching changes currently facing our country have increased the demand for values, reliable structures and a comprehensible order. In other words, the increasing pressure on state and society, on the economy, science and technology to be innovative makes it even more necessary to recall our historical roots and our intellectual and cultural foundations. Since it was established on 11 April 1967, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has been carrying out political educational work with the aim of promoting the "democratic and civic education of the German people based on Christian principles", as stated in the foundation's statutes. Consequently, the political education work of the Hanns Seidel Foundation is based on an image of man that includes both the unrestriced development of personality and autonomy as well as social responsibility and solidarity. Today, this mission is more relevant than ever, in view of the increasing demand for more personal responsibility, for a "culture of self-reliance" and an "active civil society" which are so characteristic of our times.
