A second example of civic engagement in Dresden is called the Menschenkette (human chain). Before I explain what the Menschenkette is, I first need to give you a little bit of history. Over 80 years ago, there was a huge war called World War II. Lots of people died in this war and cities were destroyed. Dresden was one of those cities that was partially destroyed in the war. Every year, on the anniversary of the bombing of Dresden (13 February), people in the city of Dresden come together and hold hands around the old part of the city that was destroyed. Holding hands with people from around the world is a symbol of overcoming difference and looking for what unifies us. I have held hands here with people from Germany, Syria, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. The Menschenkette is an example of civic engagement because it is a way for people to peacefully show or say their opinions and make Dresden the kind of city they want to live in.
How are you civically involved? Do you help out in your classroom and school? Do you listen to others’ opinions?
