Democracy and civic education

customized training COURSES and WORKSHOPS


Democracy is like a house: if you do not maintain it, it eventually falls apart. Therefore any vital democracy needs civic education that creates reflected and active citizens.


We mostly work with the Betzavta method developed by the Adam Institute. Its goal is to educate people about the willingness to mutually recognize the right to personal freedom. Hands-on activities followed by reflection sessions raise awareness for the rights guaranteed in a democracy - and the challenges arising when these rights are at odds. The special conflict-dilemma method encourages participants to understand that the position of the other could be one's own under different circumstances. There is no "correct" democratic behavior. This can create an inner willingness not only to realize one's own needs, interests and rights, but to actively participate in fulfilling those of others.


The Betzavta trainer does not only facilitate and guide the debate, but also challenges participants on their role in the group process with questions like:

  • What is the difference between equity and equality?

  • Who was heard and involved in the decision-making process? Why (not)?

  • Does a majority vote result in a government by the people, for the people?

  • Where are the limits of one’s own tolerance or compliance?

  • How can democratic values be practically implemented? How does democracy deal with e.g. minority language rights?

  • What does it mean to put all-or-nothing solutions into question and instead follow the concept of creative conflict resolution?


Our training courses are aimed at:

  • Working professionals in civil society and non-profit organizations, foundations or companies:

Teams that want to take a closer look at their decision-making processes and learn more about creative conflict resolution

  • Teachers and trainee teachers:

Teachers that are interested in reflecting on opportunities for equal participation and the practical implementation of democratic values in the classroom

  • Volunteers, fellows, groups of youth exchange:

People who want to reflect on what it means to live democracy in daily life and explore different ways to participate in the shaping of our communities

  • Curious minds:

Individuals that are interested in the plurality of society and want to explore their own limits of tolerance and obedience


Duration of the workshop:

4 hours to 5 days


Please contact us for further information on the training courses and our offers.