… had a workshop on saving democracy at the last retreat, and I was really happy to see so much interest in the topic. (Thank you, “the other Janet,” for doing the write-up!)

I’d just like to say, in case anyone missed it, that I compiled all the notes that were made and put them on the EUU Drive in Google Docs. There are six individual documents all together, which I uploaded on April 28.  I’ve sent a link to all the participants of the workshop so that these docs can be looked at again at any time and also commented on. If someone wants to correct something or add to anything, you can either use the comment box on the document or write to me at democracyworkshop@europeanuu.org.

In related news…

There was a demonstration organized by Democrats Abroad in Cologne on May 10, which I unfortunately missed due to illness, but a friend who went said it was well-received (although apparently no press) and involved an estimated 100 people.

There was another one on May 24, this time in Frankfurt. It was organized by 1Stand.org, which meant they could do some things that DA are not allowed to do, such as mention the AfD by name. DA is not allowed to mention any German political parties.

We started with a rally at Paulsplatz, partly in English, partly in German, then marched through the streets where we also chanted, and ended with a wrap-up rally a few streets away. In the wrap-up, the organizers invited anyone up to the mic who felt moved to share their thoughts. We also sang This Land Is Your Land, We Shall Overcome and Take Me Home, Country Roads.

It was great to meet both Germans and American expats who obviously had something very important in common. I also found the chanting very therapeutic, especially when people on the sidewalk stopped to watch and listen, showing obvious interest in what our signs said. What I found very disappointing was the low turnout. I would guess that fewer than fifty people took part in the rally.

On the other hand, I was heartened by the interest of other passengers on the train to and from Frankfurt as we made our way to our seats with our homemade placards. On the return trip, when my poster was already falling apart, someone on the train asked what we had been protesting for or against. My spontaneous response: “Against the world’s biggest … (unflattering term),” at which point the inquirer instantly and correctly guessed the name of the focus of the event.

And just before leaving Frankfurt, while my fellow rabble-rouser and I were sitting in a café discussing the current state of affairs, a young man at the next table leaned over, politely interrupted and said (touching his heart), “I just want you to know, I feel your pain.” Something similar happened at the train station when an older man caught a glimpse of what was left of my sign and started pouring his heart out about how he just couldn’t believe what was happening.

So as disappointing as the low number of participants was, I did get the sense that the general public does indeed notice and does seem to appreciate that fact that somebody is making noise. Showing up, speaking up, saying This is not ok and singing We shall overcome.

Next event that I know of: June 14. NO KINGS Day. Most likely in Frankfurt. For more info, contact info-germany@democratsabroad.org or go to https://www.democratsabroad.org/

It would be great to see some of you there!

Janet Mac Nair