On 8. September 2021, a mini sit-in took place in Berlin under the motto “Money for education instead of banks”. Protesters called for a change in fiscal policy and greater investment in education.
The protest action was organized by the initiative “Education Strike 2021”. The participants in the mini sit-in are made up of high school students, college students, and teachers.
The initiative is particularly critical of the fact that current fiscal policy favors banks and financial institutions instead of investing in educational institutions and public infrastructure. The mini sit-in is intended to stimulate political discussion to achieve fairer fiscal policy.
The demand for more investment in education has many supporters among the population. It remains to be seen whether political decision-makers will react to the protest action and implement changes in financial policy.
What is the mini sit-in strike?
A mini sit-in is a type of protest in which participants gather sitting or kneeling to push a specific demand.
The budget for the mini sit-in for “money for education instead of banks” is to gain attention and support for a change in education policy.
The initiators of the mini sit-in strike are demanding more money for education and less for banks. They believe that the current education system in Germany does not provide an equal opportunity to education for all students and that the lack of funding is a major obstacle.
- The demands of the mini sit-down strike include:
- More investment in public education
- More money for teachers
- More financial aid for students in need
The mini sit-in is a peaceful and non-violent form of protest and is intended to help bring public attention to the issue and to encourage policymakers to push for changes in education policy.
Why mini sit-ins for “money for education instead of banks” are important?
The “Money for education instead of banks” campaign is a long-standing initiative that advocates for better funding for educational institutions. In light of the current crisis, many people are concerned that the state will instead continue to support banks, leaving education and other public services by the wayside.
Mini sit-ins are a form of peaceful protest used by many supporters of the initiative to highlight the importance of education and public services. This involves people sitting down on the ground or in a specific location for a short period of time, symbolically blocking the path of decision-makers.
These actions are intended to build public pressure for politicians and governments to allocate more funds to education and other public services, rather than exclusively supporting banks. The goal is to create a more equitable distribution of resources and to emphasize the importance of education as a social good.
- The mini sit-ins are part of a larger commitment to education and public services.
- Serve to build public pressure and persuade politicians and decision-makers to rethink their policies.
- Symbolic actions are intended to distribute resources more equitably and highlight the importance of education.
So overall, it’s about being a voice for education and public services and putting these issues on the political agenda.
Organizations involved in the “Money for education instead of banks” campaign
The campaign “Money for education instead of banks” is supported by various organizations that advocate for a fair distribution of financial resources. One of these organizations is, for example, the Union for Education and Science (GEW), which stands up for the interests of teachers and scientists.
The peace movement is also involved in the campaign. The German Peace Society – United Opponents of War e.V. (DFG-VK) is one of the largest pacifist organizations in Germany and campaigns for a peaceful world without military and war.
Another partner of the action is the Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance – Against Extremism and Violence (BfDT). The BfDT stands up for an open society and is committed against right-wing extremism, racism and violence.
- GEW: Union for Education and Science
- DFG-VK: German Peace Society – United Opponents of War (Deutsche Friedensgesellschaft – Vereinigte Kriegsdienstgegnerinnen und Kriegsdienstgegner e).V.
- BfDT: Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance – against Extremism and Violence
These organizations and many others are joining forces to advocate for a fairer distribution of financial resources and demand that the money be invested in education and social projects instead of being put into questionable banking operations.
How the action is carried out?
For the mini sit-in as part of the campaign “Money for education instead of banks” first of all a suitable place has to be found. Ideally, the location should be a well-frequented square or a busy street.
Subsequently, posters and flyers should be designed in which the demands of the campaign are presented briefly and concisely. It should also be made clear that this is a peaceful protest action.
On the day of the action, all participants gather at the site of the sit-in and set up comfortably. Tent tarpaulins and blankets can serve as a base. It is important that all participants express their protest through signs, megaphones or chants.
For a successful action it is also helpful to involve the media. Press releases and invitations to local broadcast and print media can help draw attention to the action and the demands of the campaign.
- find a suitable place
- Designing posters and flyers
- Joint gathering at the site of the sit-in
- Involvement of the media
How to participate and support the action
The mini sit-in for “money for education instead of banks” is a great way to actively participate in the movement and advocate for a fairer distribution of public funds. Here are some ideas on how you can contribute:
- Participation in the sit-in – by physically appearing on the street you express your support and solidarity with the action.
- Sharing on social media – You can also help spread the idea using social media platforms by sharing pictures and posts in your network.
- Raise awareness – another important step is to discuss the topic in your community to make more people aware of the issue.
- Donate – action organizers also welcome financial support through donations to provide materials and resources.
These simple steps are a good start to support the movement and create a change in social attitudes and policies.
Everyone who wants to get involved should feel encouraged to do so, regardless of the resources and skills he or she has. Because every voice and every action counts when it comes to creating a positive future for everyone.