If there is one federal state knowing what integration and diversity really mean, it is North Rhine-Westphalia. The acronym “NRW” thus does not only stand for the joining of Rhineland and Westphalia, but also for a history of migration.

The historical development of the Ruhr region is unimaginable without millions of immigrants from all over the world. One only needs to think of the “Ruhr Poles” from the turn of the last century – the Schimanskis in the Ruhr region and the Podolskis in the Rhineland. And through all difficult changes and structural upheavals, the Ruhr region and NRW show on a daily basis how people from various different backgrounds can peacefully live together as a diverse community.

“Together in NRW”

With this in mind, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung's office in NRW calls its program “Together in NRW” – a name that speaks for itself: Participants talk with each other – the Iraqi refugee with the minister of labor, the citizens' initiative with the minister of justice. But they also talk about cooperation, in all areas of life.

The FES is traveling all over the state and covering all kinds of topics within this framework. Under the motto of “Working together in Dortmund”, “Studying together in Cologne” or “Worshipping together in Düsseldorf”, hundreds of city residents come together and take part in discussions. And practical examples show how integration can succeed, and refugees are given a voice of their own.

A comprehensive schedule of the program, comprising of evening events, seminars for volunteers and student workshops can be found here.

Report on “Living together in Essen”(May 23, 2016): “When politicians talk about refugees, they usually argue about costs, quotas and fair distribution. Last night was different: politicians, church representatives, refugees and labor market experts got together at the Carl Mine in Altessen – and talked with each other. Objectively, calmly, without either fighting or resorting to stereotypes.” (source: Radio Essen) .

Martin Pfafferott, Consultant at the regional office NRW