Programme in 2025
You come without a car? At ride2rave.de/jamel you find a lift to the festival.
Horst & Birgit Lohmeyer Democracy Prize
The prize, established by Birgit and Horst Lohmeyer, not only rewards positive examples of social engagement by young people but also raises awareness of them. The prize money amounts to 1,000 euros. In addition to the cash prize, there is a trophy designed by Korinna Rennefeld in collaboration with Wismar University of Applied Sciences.
Award ceremony: Saturday, before the start of the music programme on the main stage
Information about the prize at: https://demokratiepreis-mv.de/
Updater – School without Racism 2.0 at the Cooperative Gesamtschule Dorf Mecklenburg
We are the “Updater – School without Racism 2.0” group at Cooperative Gesamtschule Dorf Mecklenburg. At our school, we strive to regularly address discrimination and racism and are delighted to have Birgit and Horst Lohmeier by our side as mentors.
We are part of the ‘School without Racism – School with Courage’ network, which is supported by the RAA Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. At our stand, there will once again be opportunities to expand your knowledge in a fun way and to design your own ‘2026 Forstrock’ badge. We look forward to seeing you there!
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Regional Association for Sociocultural Affairs
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Regional Association for Sociocultural Affairs is an umbrella organisation of sociocultural centres and associations in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that are committed to an open, democratic and tolerant society and offer cultural activities throughout the region, including in the villages. You can find out more at the stand. What’s more, visitors of all ages can make their own stamps at the stand and start stamping straight away.
Workshop:Making stamps – colourful designs and slogans against the far right
MV Workplace Advisory Team
The MV Workplace Advisory Team advises and supports those affected by discrimination in the workplace. In particular, we focus on attacks by far-right groups and their attempts to establish a political foothold in workplaces. We’re bringing our knowledge and experience back to Jamel and look forward to your interest and to chatting with you at our stand! We also offer information on anti-feminism as part of a radical right-wing worldview.
Workshop: Everyday heroes against the far right: Let’s take action together!
KBAN – No Way with Nazis
Kein Bock e. V. is a non-profit organisation based in Berlin. Under the name ‘Kein Bock auf Nazis’ (KBAN), we have been running Germany’s largest independent youth initiative against right-wing extremism and racism since 2006. Nationwide, we provide free information material, attend over 200 events each year and organise our own campaigns, protests and concerts. Through social media, we raise awareness and mobilise people to engage in democratic action against the shift to the right and the AfD. Our work is funded exclusively by donations, which go directly towards education, campaigns, materials, postage, rent, fair salaries and creative protest actions.
WIR. Success needs diversity
Since 2008, the “WIR. Success needs diversity” initiative has seen itself as a driving force and supporter of small and large-scale campaigns and events in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania that are committed to combating all forms of extremism, racism and discrimination. Our alliance now comprises more than 2,200 members and is growing steadily. We have been supporting the festival since 2014 through our ‘Democracy Share’ fundraising scheme. At our information stand, we collect donations and provide information about our projects. You can also sign our election appeal and become a member of our initiative.
Workshop: Inhuman and anti-democratic attitudes continue to gain ground in society through far-right networks and narratives that resonate with them. In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, state elections are also just around the corner: what might this mean for us and our allies? Let’s take a closer look at how we can be prepared to tackle potential changes in our everyday lives. Join us for a discussion and to develop strategies!
Shut down the ifs collective
Background: Schnellroda (Saxony-Anhalt) is the headquarters of the ‘Institute for State Policy’ and its successor organisations, which were founded, amongst others, by Götz Kubitschek. Events are held there several times a year, which have become a meeting place for the ‘IB’, members of student fraternities and AfD members, etc. Schnellroda is one of the key hubs of the ‘New Right’ and, as such, is too important to be ignored. For this reason, we have come together to maintain a regular presence in the town and to create alternative activities.
Our stated aim is reflected in our name: ‘Kollektiv IfS dichtmachen’ (Shut down ifs collective)!
MISSION LIFELINE INTERNATIONAL e. V.
Whether at sea or on land, whether in the Mediterranean, in Afghanistan, on Lesbos, in Ukraine or in everyday life – we do what we can: we want to be human. We not only feel a sense of responsibility, we are also prepared to shoulder it. We help those who need our help and we rescue people when their lives are in danger.
Workshop: Refugee Chair
The Refugee Chair is an excellent way to introduce the topic of displacement and migration. Global displacement patterns should be considered in relation to the wealth of the continents. The activity encourages reflection and discussion, often with unexpected results.
Protestant Children’s and Youth Organisation of Mecklenburg and “The Church Strengthens Democracy”
Under the motto “Democracy doesn’t just fall from the sky”, the “The Church Strengthens Democracy” project has been active in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for 15 years, working to strengthen democracy in challenging times. Our focus is on promoting democratic coexistence. To this end, we offer training, advice and networking opportunities.
The Evangelical Children’s and Youth Organisation is responsible for church-based youth work in Mecklenburg. It is committed to providing contemporary programmes for children and young people and sees itself as a guarantor of enabling children and young people to participate in the best possible way, or of calling for such participation where it does not yet exist.
Workshop: Introduction to the ‘Council’ method
‘Council’ is an invitation to cultural change, because it is not about right or wrong, but about empathetic ‘communication from the heart’.
ver.di Youth North
ver.di Youth North is a cross-company representative body. As a trade union youth organisation, we work alongside and on behalf of young people under the age of 28 to improve their working and living conditions.
Solidarity, equality, equal opportunities and anti-fascist work are more than just the core values of our trade union. We put these into practice in our day-to-day work, whether in the workplace, at school or at university. We support and organise numerous events and demonstrations for democracy, diversity and tolerance.
Workshops:
1. Love and Limits – Setting boundaries, living love
Together, we want to discuss the interplay between personal boundaries and interpersonal relationships
2. The kitchen isn’t enough! – Countering anti-feminism
Rock gegen Rechts Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e. V.
Speaking out against racism – that’s what RgR MV e.V. stands for!
We’re active throughout Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and part of a nationwide network, and we actively campaign against racism through various initiatives. Our group includes, for example, the mobile disco ‘Fette Elke’, which is often on the road across the state, for instance at small festivals and parties. As every year, on Saturday after the first night of partying, you can enjoy a delicious homemade breakfast with us – in return for a donation. Just follow the smell of coffee and bread rolls. Or the signs on the site. We’re also offering a self-defence workshop for women (FLINTA) for the first time this year. You can get more details at our stand. Do pop by.
Workshop (Saturday only): Self-defence for women (including FLINTA*) with a qualified instructor. Two sessions available.
OMAS against the Far Right Lübeck & Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
We are committed to democracy, human dignity, diversity and social cohesion. As a non-partisan initiative, we actively campaign against far-right extremism, racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of misanthropy. With conviction, experience and perseverance, we stand up to the shift to the right in society and champion an open, united and just society. Whether at demonstrations, information events or in direct conversation – we stand up for democratic values and a future worth living for all generations.
Workshops:
- Friday from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm: “THEN AND NOW – Women in the Resistance against National Socialism”
- Saturday from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm: “Enemy lists, weapons, police officers and the AfD – what the Nordkreuz complex reveals about far-right networks”.
Schacht Konrad Working Group
For over 35 years, we have been campaigning across Germany for the safe management of nuclear waste. On 15 April 2023, the last nuclear power stations in Germany were shut down – a momentous day for the anti-nuclear and climate movements. At last, a major obstacle to a sustainable transition to a decentralised supply of renewable energy has been removed. What remains after just 60 years of nuclear power generation is a huge amount of radioactive waste that must be stored safely for at least a million years. The big question is: where? Certainly not in the old, dilapidated Schacht KONRAD iron ore mine near Salzgitter. www.ag-schacht-konrad.de
Workshop on nuclear waste policy, nuclear waste disposal, the search for a final repository, the renaissance of nuclear power, SMA, fusion reactors, and renewable energies in the context of climate protection and refugee movements
Stand Up Against Racism – Together with Kerstin Butenhoff and Hendrik Mewes
Stand Up Against Racism is a nationwide alliance against the AfD. Our campaign is supported by a wide range of organisations, individuals and regional alliances. Our work is based on three key pillars. We raise awareness about the AfD through leaflets, brochures and other information material. Through our educational programme, the ‘Stammtischkämpfer*innen’, we have held over 2,500 seminars, encouraging more than 36,000 people to speak out against far-right rhetoric in their everyday lives. With more than 80 local groups, we confront the AfD on the streets wherever they appear, from information stands to large-scale protests against the AfD’s federal party conferences.
Workshops:
- Become a ‘Stammtischkämpfer’!
The AfD relies on fear – we rely on each other. The state elections in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt are currently a cause for concern for many people. But whilst the AfD seeks to divide us, our response is solidarity! In our ‘Stammtischkämpfer’ seminars, you’ll learn how to counter right-wing slogans in everyday life. In the run-up to the state elections, we’re creating spaces where activists and those interested in politics can come together, learn from one another and strengthen each other. Join forces with us: resistance starts with you!
Duration: 4 hours, maximum 25 participants
- Fake news – how and why it threatens democracy.
It has never been easier to express one’s opinion or to share news oneself. However, information can be misleading, manipulated or deliberately falsified. This opens the door to abuse: fake news and disinformation threaten the debate on current issues such as climate change, migration and democratic institutions by introducing mistrust, scepticism and hatred into public discourse.
In this workshop, we therefore aim to discuss why misinformation is spread and to develop strategies for recognising and responding to fake news.
It all starts at the centre
Self-managed cultural and youth centres (AZs) are under pressure: political attacks, funding cuts and evictions are threatening their very existence. Yet they are vital hubs for culture, community engagement and political education – and are working to counter the shift to the right. The MONOM Foundation in Leipzig has launched the fundraising campaign ‘It all starts at the centre’ to draw attention to this situation and to build a solidarity-based support network for alternative centres. The funds will be used, amongst other things, to finance repairs, legal aid and safety measures. Centres can apply for emergency aid at www.allesbeginntimzentrum.org, whilst supporters can donate directly.
Mecklenburger AnStiftung / ‘WarmUp! – Youth Culture for Democracy’ project
As part of the ‘WarmUp! – Youth Culture for Democracy’ project run by the Mecklenburger AnStiftung, we have been working for more than 13 years to promote democracy and diversity in schools across the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. A functioning democracy depends on the active participation of all citizens. This is precisely where WarmUp! comes in with its workshops, aiming to raise young people’s awareness of democratic values and encourage them to get actively involved.
Workshops:
- A Look to the Right: Learn about the foundations of the far-right scene.
- Disinformation and Conspiracy Theories: Who actually believes that sort of thing?
RESQSHIP e. V.
RESQSHIP e.V. was founded in 2017 to support the existing sea rescue fleet in the central Mediterranean.
Our decision to operate a sailing vessel has proved very successful over the years; it allows us to act flexibly whilst also operating in a highly economical and environmentally friendly manner. Over the past few years, we have been able to assist well over 10,000 people in distress and help them reach a ‘safe harbour’. All crew members are volunteers; we undertake 10 missions of three weeks each in the Mediterranean every year and are funded entirely by donations.
Take a look: www.resqship.org
Workshop (Saturday only): Flight, migration and sea rescue
RESQSHIP e.V. is celebrating its anniversary; nine years have passed since it was founded in 2017, and since then we have been able to assist around 14,500 people in distress with the Nadir.
This year, at our stand, we’ll be introducing you to an additional vessel, the Samia – a slightly larger sailing ship that’s being launched as part of the civilian fleet of Rescuefleet e.V. We’ll also be explaining during our workshop why we feel a sense of responsibility.
Alliance “The Herzogtum of Lauenburg Remains Nazi-Free”
We carry out concrete anti-fascist work in our rural home region, the Herzogtum of Lauenburg, which lies just a few kilometres from Jamel. As an alliance of organisations, we bring together a broad cross-section of society, encompassing both regional and supra-regional structures. Thus, alongside youth groups and associations, our ranks also include various political parties, trade unions and, for example, the Church. As well as information evenings, demonstrations and cultural activities, a key focus of our work is researching local far-right structures.
Workshop: Far-right extremists? Now in your area too!
Together, we’ll learn practical ways to research far-right structures, with a focus on rural areas, as well as how to act on the findings. No prior experience is necessary.
Lübeck CSD with LSVD Queer Mecklenburg-Vorpommern e. V.
LSVD Queer MV is the regional association of queer organisations, initiatives, groups and individuals in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Workshop: Making diversity visible
Kuhle Wampe (Hamburg)
‘Kuhle Wampe’ was the name of a tent city in Berlin in the 1920s. The community of tent dwellers lived in a spirit of solidarity, overcoming their difficult circumstances through cohesion and mutual support. Motorcycling was part of that. That is how the name came to be adopted by the motorcycling club. We want to carry on the tradition of solidarity embodied by this name. We are an association of more than 40 motorcycling clubs for whom political engagement is a top priority. You can find further information at: www.kuhle-wampe.de
Odyssee Party and Prevention Project (PPO)
PPO Kiel – Information & support on party drugs
Do you use party drugs or are you interested in them and want to find out more? Then come and see us! We at the PPO Kiel Party and Prevention Project (Odyssee e.V.) will be there for you at the festival with an information stand – open, non-judgemental and without moralising. Through one-to-one conversations, we’ll share our knowledge about substances, their effects and the risks involved. We’ll provide information on safer use, give tips on risk reduction and have helpful leaflets for you too.
Our aim? Reflection rather than judgement. We’ll help you make sense of your use – in a personalised, accepting and non-judgemental way. Do pop by – we look forward to seeing you!
IG Metall Youth MV + Lübeck & DGB Youth North
The trade unions’ democracy workshops send a clear message of solidarity, diversity and co-determination. In an open atmosphere, we discuss the challenges we face in our everyday working lives and in society, and highlight why it is important to take a stand. In doing so, we strengthen democratic values and moral courage.
Together, we develop practical and solidarity-based approaches to combat exclusion and right-wing extremism. We encourage participants to speak out, because co-determination and solidarity must be actively practised and, now more than ever, defended.
Workshops (Saturday only, 12:00 – 16:00):
- Democracy needs pressure – Who is actually fighting for us?
- ‘Are young people really apolitical? – How can youth participation succeed?’
Maximum participants: 20,
- ‘Creating vision boards – How do I envisage a democratic and good life?’
And two ‘sporting activities’ to balance things out:
- ‘Screen printing for beginners – How to design beautiful jute bags with a political message’
- ‘Bucket hats & good talks – For creative minds and good conversations’
Duration: 3 hours
Wismar University of Applied Sciences – Faculty of Design
The Faculty of Design at Wismar University of Applied Sciences is delighted to be taking part in the festival once again this year. Students from the Architecture, Architectural Lighting Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Jewellery Design, and Communication Design and Media programmes are supporting the festival by helping to erect and dismantle the Jamel huts, which were developed in 2017 for the Village of Democracy and Tolerance.
Anfachen Award X – Justice in Public Spaces
The international poster competition, the Anfachen Award, will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026. Under the theme of ‘Justice’, 25 award-winning posters illustrate how unevenly access to health, prosperity, happiness and power is distributed across the globe. Sometimes critical, sometimes humorous, the works encourage reflection and discussion. Following their display in Hamburg’s public spaces, the winning posters will be on display on 4 and 5 September 2026 at ‘Jamel rockt den Förster’ – as an artistic statement for democracy, human rights and social dialogue.
One-to-one forest conversations
The Anfachen Award team brings people together for interesting conversations. In each session, two people meet for 30 minutes in private, get to know one another, exchange ideas and discover potential points of connection for joint projects.
Friday and Saturday, from 12:00 to 20:00, respectively.
Register on the day, by email at presse@anfachenaward.de or by telephone on 0176 / 32240117.
#wirsagenMOIN
“Wir sagen Moin e.V.” was founded in 2015 as an initiative that stands for an open society in which humanity and a spirit of helpfulness are actively practised, regardless of origin, faith, appearance or language. Through its ongoing presence, public relations work and the sale of merchandise, the initiative supports and promotes various projects that benefit refugees.
Kaltenkirchen Chess Club e. V. with a chess café
We have been running our chess café in Jamel since 2014 and, over time, have become a regular meeting point
For first-time-visitors to Jamel, it may seem a rather unusual combination to come across us amidst the hustle and bustle of the festival. It soon becomes clear, however, that we also use the popularity of our chess activities to promote political and social projects.
In particular, we have materials from the ‘Aktion Zivilcourage’ campaign with us and are happy to hand them out to anyone interested.
After all, we are the ones who pioneered the idea of ‘uniting action and tranquillity’.
ecolea | Schwerin International School
ecolea | Schwerin International School has been part of the ‘Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage’ network for over eleven years. We work continuously on issues such as discrimination, democracy education and diversity. This includes numerous projects and partnerships (including NDC and RAA M V), as well as the compulsory subject ‘Courage’ in Years 5 and 6. Pupils from our elective courses will be running interactive workshops that encourage participation, reflection and discussion. In addition, two members of our ‘Courage’ steering group will be hosting a networking space where examples of best practice will be presented – practical and inspiring experiences from courageous school development. We look forward to an open and constructive exchange.
Workshops on Courage & Diversity:
- ‘Effective Together: SoR – SmC as a living school culture’
Since May 2015, ecolea | International School Schwerin has held the title ‘School without Racism – School with Courage’. To bring this title to life, fixed programme elements were developed in cooperation with the NDC and with the active participation of pupils, such as Courage lessons in Years 5 and 6, a Courage trip in Year 7, compulsory-elective and project-based courses, as well as events that support the promotion of a democratic school culture. The two educators, Lars Röding-Jahn and Mirco Frähmke, will present these implementation concepts and ideas, and report on their practical experiences in everyday school life.
- ‘Skill Training Workshop’
Stress, pressure, feeling overwhelmed – emotions that many are familiar with from school, everyday life or social situations. Yet mental strain is often underestimated or not taken seriously. Many people do not know how to cope with stress or how to help others in difficult situations. In our skills training workshop, we aim to explore various methods for coping better with stressful situations. We will also discuss how to support people experiencing panic attacks and what those affected really need during such moments. Through practical exercises, discussions and helpful tips, we aim to create a safe space where we can learn from one another and develop strategies for everyday life together.
- ‘Ableism Workshop’
‘You spastic! You cripple! Are you disabled?’ People with disabilities hear deeply offensive and discriminatory remarks like these every day, even in Germany. Around 7.9 million people with severe disabilities live in Germany. These are people who struggle every day with an issue that very few of us are even aware of. To counteract this ableism and educate you about prejudice, language and discrimination, we would like to work with you to create a safe space for discussion and action.
Regional Centre for Democratic Culture in West Mecklenburg (RAA)
The Regional Centre for Democratic Culture, run by the RAA Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, provides support, advice and training on the topics of democratic development and right-wing extremism. The Regional Centre’s work is aimed at all democratically minded stakeholders, including citizens as well as state and civil society institutions. The work aims to empower people to recognise far-right strategies and to discover and put into practice their own ways of contributing to democratic society.
Workshop: Far-right… how absurd is that?!
If a family member, a friend, or children and young people you work with are turning towards – or have already turned towards – the far-right scene, you may be wondering what you can do in this situation.
The workshop examines processes of radicalisation, provides practical insights (including perspectives from relatives and those who have left the scene) and outlines possible courses of action.
Lebenshilfe Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Regional Association e. V.
The Lebenshilfe MV Regional Association e. V. has been campaigning for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities since 1990. We represent 19 local and district associations as well as over 1,700 members, and offer advice, support and political advocacy for people with intellectual and multiple disabilities and their families. Through our travelling exhibition ‘Selbstverständlich – Miteinander – Sein’ (‘Of course – Together – Being), we show how people with disabilities advocate for their own rights. The exhibition panels make it clear: inclusion is a human right – and a democratic culture needs strong voices against exclusion. Together for diversity and a Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania based on solidarity.
- Exhibition ‘Selbstverständlich – Miteinander – Sein’.
- Political education quiz – voting rights, explanations
