Former "Democracy Alive!" Alliance Merges into HDV Advisory Board / Continuity and New Synergies for Hanau
Hanau's New Advisory Board Steers Future of Democracy and Diversity Center
The city of Hanau is establishing another key component in the development of the House for Democracy and Diversity (HDV): In early February, the newly formed HDV Advisory Board held its inaugural meeting at the Walloon-Dutch Church.
With this board, the former Partnership for Democracy—operating under the federal program "Democracy Alive!"—is being restructured and integrated into the HDV's new framework. The content and funding priorities of the previous alliance will remain unchanged, now consolidated under the HDV Advisory Board. This ensures that existing activities are sustained, streamlined, and meaningfully linked with the development of the House. The city is thus creating synergies between programmatic work and institutional growth.
Mayor Dr. Maximilian Bieri underscored the significance of the new body: "The Advisory Board exemplifies democracy in action. As early as 2025, the working group tasked with drafting the mission statement for the House for Democracy and Diversity worked with such dedication that the city council unanimously adopted it at the end of last year. This is a powerful testament to successful collaboration between the city, politics, and civil society. I am delighted that, once again this year, individuals have stepped forward to contribute their energy to advancing the HDV—and that by integrating the former 'Democracy Alive!' alliance, we are now pooling our strengths and securing structures for the long term."
The newly appointed board builds on this momentum, institutionalizing cooperation between municipal administration and civil society for the House's ongoing development.
The Advisory Board comprises representatives from both the city administration and civil society. Many of its members were already involved in the 2025 working group that shaped the mission statement for the House for Democracy and Diversity. This close collaboration between government and civic actors will now continue in a renewed structure.
The board will actively guide the HDV's establishment, helping to ensure the House becomes an open and inviting space for the entire community. During its first meeting, members approved initial funding projects and discussed further structural steps leading up to the planned opening in 2027. Over four sessions, key frameworks will be developed, including house rules, guidelines for space usage, and program concepts.
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