German-American relations experienced ups and downs in history. The Trump administration was not the only time when things cooled off in the transatlantic partnership. But in the shadow of large-scale politics, civil society organizations kept cooperation & dialogue alive. GSI and its American partners were among them. For years we organized on-site exchange programs. Now, with the pandemic still restricting personal encounters, we run an online project with our partners in Pennsylvania.

Which stories can we share to help "the others" understand how we see them? How do we view the American influence on German politics and what does this mean for our bilateral relations? How do we address hot issues and taboo topics from history in each country? What matters in the context of racism that we experience(d) in our societies? Where is democracy at risk under the auspices of strong populist movements in both countries? And how can we personally contribute to building (new) bridges across the Atlantic?

With our online project, we will find answers to those burning questions. We will discuss them together with young people from the U.S. And next year we might have the chance to meet in person.

When registering through our website, please ignore request for room (single or double) and billing address.

prep. German group: 19.07., 16:00-18:00 The danger of a single story (experiences with the U.S.)
prep. American group: 19.07., 18:00-20:00, The danger of a single story II (experiences with Germany)
Session 1: 20.07., 16:00-19:00, "Tear down this wall" U.S. on unification)
Session 2: 22.07., 16:00-19:00, "Inherit the truth" (taboo topics)
Session 3: 27.07., 16:00-19:00, "All lives matter?" (Racism)
Session 4: 29.07., 16:00-19:00, "Great again?" (Challenges of populism)
Eval. German group: 30.07., 16:00-18:00, "We are the change we seek."
Eval. American group: 30.07., 18:00-20:00, "We are the change we seek." II