In the volunteer editorial team, Volunteers for Chemnitz 2025 publish reports on their experiences, assignments and adventures around the European Capital of Culture.
Sophie is 31 years old, works full-time in the justice system and lives in the Chemnitz area. She has been working for the Capital of Culture since May 2024 and has already gained a lot of experience in various fields since then. As a guiding volunteer for Chemnitz2025, she is therefore present at numerous events.
Peace Day took place in Chemnitz on March 5, 2025. A large memorial and action area was set up on Neumarkt, including “DemokratieStützPunkt Chemnitz” (Democracy Base Chemnitz).
As many people are talking about the threat to democracy, I, of course, took part in the DemokratieStützPunkt. Here, visitors could take part in a survey on what they understand by democracy and what is needed for democratic coexistence. They were able to record their answers on boards. These will be collected and evaluated by the Chemnitz Peace Day working group and published at a later date. Supporters were also able to obtain stickers and coasters.
Since the last Peace Day in 2024, many new banners with messages of peace have been created during workshops at various schools. These were also presented at the Neumarkt for Peace Day.
The following exhibitions were also included this year: “C the diversity - Colorful chairs for diversity”, “History construction site Chemnitz: March 1933 to March 1945” and a small exhibition by Greek photojournalist Wassilis Aswestopoulos called “Democracy and Culture”.
There was also a stage on which music, lectures, interviews and actions – all on the subject of peace, reconciliation and democracy - in our city and worldwide - took place.
After two hours, my assignment was over. I had many conversations with visitors about democracy and peace. I was given homemade yeast pastries by Etelka Kobuß, the city of Chemnitz's migration officer, as a gift of gratitude. Thank you once again for that!
