MISEREOR in Germany

MISEREOR is not only a partner in development projects, in the fight against poverty and oppression in the South, it is also a campaign, a "movement" in Germany:

The main objective of our work in Germany is to draw the public's attention to the situation of the poor in the world, and to defend the poor's interests.

Practical Solidarity
Through our experience in development cooperation and together with our partners we are able to identify underlying causes of poverty, oppression and ecological destruction in developing countries, in both the national and international contexts. We keep the German public informed of this and suggest way of exercising practical solidarity, e.g. by providing working materials for parishes and campaign groups, by offering project partnerships or by promoting fair-trade relations; but most importantly we do so by calling for donations, or by offering other channels for providing financial and material support.

However, we also know that the lifestyle of people in the industrialised countries is threatening the natural resource base and habitats on which life on earth depends, to such an extent that the very future of humankind is at stake.

Public Discussion of Development Issues
Aware of this, we therefore also take part in the discussion of development issues, both in Germany and within the international community. Our aim in doing so is to help bring about a process of change in our economic, political and general way of life, such that the developing countries gain greater scope for self-reliant economic development and utilisation of scarce natural resources.

We would also like to contribute to all German development cooperation becoming even more strongly geared towards the needs of the poor, and thus gaining greater developmental impact, political significance and support among the people.

Lenten Campaign
The overall aim of MISEREOR's work in Germany is to cast light on the ethical and religious challenge emerging from the North-South conflict. The intention is to suggest the ideas of sharing and of turning over a new leaf in one's personal life as basic norms of behaviour. MISEREOR's annual Lenten Campaign in particular is based on these two ideas.

Sharing with the poor does not make the giver poorer; it makes him or her "richer". Those in Germany willing to share will receive in return an opportunity to become richer in their relationship to their fellow human beings, through which they will develop themselves further, both as individuals and as members of the world community. Helping makes people rich. Helping is infectious.

Educational work
Children can learn about these things through play; adolescents can help through solidarity campaigns; young adults may be able to help as development workers; adults in general can help in both "word and deed", whilst the elderly may be able to help by giving advice; and in addition, everyone can help through creative ideas, sympathy or prayer, in solidarity with the poor.

Information and awareness campaigns
Our information and awareness campaigns in Germany target not only particular social groups in Church and society but also the general public, and especially those many individuals who are interested in these issues and wish to provide real help.