FC Bayern involved at town hall discussion | OneFootball

FC Bayern and its Red against Racism initiative were once again among around 40 Munich companies, initiatives, associations and organisations at the second Dialogue for Democracy at the invitation of Mayor Dieter Reiter. FC Bayern vice-chairman Michael Diederich reiterated the club's stance during the open dialogue, which lasted around two hours, that it is always available as a partner in its commitment to an open-minded society and a functioning democracy.

Countering disruptive forces with the strengths of democracy

At the dialogue forum, Diederich specifically suggested that we focus together on more positive storytelling, not least with a view to the European elections on 9 June: "We should counter all the corrosive forces in Germany with the strengths, achievements and advantages of our democracy. It is important to reach people, we can do this with authentic, real-life initiatives." In general, "such dialogue formats are essential in order to network even better and initiate joint actions. FC Bayern is happy to be an active part of the forum."

Reiter shared the view of the Bayern board member, adding that we should use campaigns to show why our democracy is a success story, what value basic democratic principles have in the life of every individual and why it is a supporting pillar for Munich's diverse urban society. He also referred to the many successful interplays with the club: "FC Bayern has a huge reach with Red against Racism campaign." Just last week, the club, together with the mayor, drew attention to the Giro di Monaco charity run organised by the Bellevue di Monaco social community on 12 May.

FC Bayern will once again be at the start of this year's Giro di Monaco as part of its Red against Racism initiative for diversity. You can read all about the charity run here:

Laps for an open society

The aim of the Dialogue for Democracy is to network the participants as effectively as possible in order to reach as many Munich residents as possible with campaigns and to promote the protection of our democracy. Various activities are planned around the summer’s UEFA European Championship, among other things, to combine enthusiasm for culture and sport and create common ground, such as the Stadium of Dreams in the Fat Cat of the Gasteig or as part of the fan zones, where Red against Racism will also be involved in each case.

Reiter: "A strong sign of cohesion"

Mayor Reiter concluded: "I am very pleased that we were able to continue our Munich Democracy Dialogue and that everyone from the first time was there again. This is a strong sign of the cohesion of our urban society, across all clubs, companies, religions and democratic parties. Together we are stronger. We can be even stronger if we join forces and show all right-wing extremist tendencies the red card. We have created a good basis for this. And we will continue the dialogue in the autumn."

Once again, participants included president Charlotte Knobloch of the Jewish Community of Munich and Upper Bavaria as well as other figures from the worlds of politics, culture, business, science, religion and sport. At the first meeting, president Herbert Hainer represented FC Bayern in the town hall. Under the motto "Be a human being", a joint declaration in favour of democracy and against right-wing extremism was adopted and it was agreed to build a network in further meetings.