Information and Education Office against Right-wing Extremism (ibs)

The information and education office against right-wing extremism – (thereafter ibs) – has supplemented and expanded the scientific and educational work of the NS Documentation Centre since January 2008 by adding the aspect of discussion of current right-wing extremist ideology organisations and groups. The IBS was founded based on a resolution of the city council of Cologne. The aim was, and remains to raise awareness for human rights, democracy, cultural diversity and non-violence as well as preventing and countering right-wing extremist thinking and action. The focus is on both the implementation of educational events for youths and adults as well as giving support of various kinds to those who want to counter right-wing extremism actively on the other. But the tasks of ibs also cover documentation, public relations and networking activities.

The ibs developed a comprehensive programme of workshops and lectures, which can be booked via the contact mentioned below. These are free of charge. The activities and events can be implemented both in the EL-DE House and on site – for example in schools, youth centres or companies. Three-hour-workshops are recommended for school and youth groups. These activities do not only impart knowledge, but focus also on interactive methods, which take into account the needs, interests and positions of the parti - cipants. The aims of the workshops are illustrated on the webpage www.nsdok.de/ibs and may be adapted as needed according to the type of group.

The educational approach of ibs is characterised by a clear human rights-based anti-discrimination approach, which looks at different kinds of group-related misanthropy. The educational work of ibs does not embark on a project of social engineering to replace ‘wrong thoughts’ in the minds of people with humane attitudes. It is rather to be seen as an opportunity to understand, an incentive for learning processes and a way to provide arguments that make people think. The workshops provide information on contents, structures, practices and the way of life of rightwing extremists and are a motivation to discuss immi - gration-related conflicts in our society. Youths and adults are enabled to relate these issues to their own experience and knowledge.

In addition to the workshops and lectures, seminars and conferences are prepared and organised. Moreover, ibs advises organisations and individuals in relation to the development and implementation of projects and activities against right-wing extremism, provides materials insofar as possible and offers support in finding suitable approaches to promote an awareness of democracy. However, advice does not mean psycho-social or educational advice but rather factual advice in the sense of providing information. In dealing with right-wing extremism and developing suitable counter-strategies, the ibs cooperates with authorities, agencies, associations and civil society initiatives in Cologne. Thanks to this, a network developed involving many different stakeholders.

Right-wing extremist publications (flyers, stickers, magazines or publications on the Internet) and materials are archived and documented. These materials are supplemented with collections of various topics, which are relevant in connection with right-wing extremism and with the documentation of counter-activities. This collection may be made available to interested parties for purposes of research and scientific work.

In addition to publications in the category ‘Beiträge und Materialien der ibs’ (contributions and materials of ibs) as well as the production of hand-outs, which can be downloaded on our webpage, there is the monthly newsletter, which reports on events, publications and projects on the topic of right-wing extremism, racism/anti-Semitism and migration/immigration in Cologne. The newsletter can be subscribed to via ibs@stadt-koeln.de. Contact: Phone 0221/221-27963. Fax 0221/221-25512. E-mail: ibs@stadt-koeln.de.