An election alone does not make a democracy. A democracy only thrives when citizens also take part in political life between elections. There are countless ways for people to participate:

• Everyone can join a political party of their choosing
• Young people can take part in school and student representative bodies
• Parents can serve on parent councils and committees
• Employees can join trade unions, works councils and staff councils
• Older people can get involved in councils and advisory boards for older residents
• People who care about their local neighbourhood can join neighbourhood councils or serve as citizen representatives
• People who are passionate about a particular issue can join citizens’ initiatives or other civic organisations
• People can also participate directly at the district level, through citywide petitions, popular initiatives and referendums in Berlin

By taking part, you can influence politics and help shape Berlin, your district and our shared life between elections.

Don’t leave politics to the politicians – get involved!