Kreisjugendring Dachau

The District Youth Council of Dachau (Kreisjugendring Dachau, KJR) is the umbrella organization of youth associations in the district of Dachau and represents the interests of children and young people vis-à-vis politics, public administration, and society. Its core mission is to empower young people in their personal development, strengthen democratic skills, and create genuine opportunities for participation and co-determination. Political education is a key focus of the KJR’s work. It provides spaces where young people can engage with social, political, and historical issues, enabling them to experience democracy in practice and encouraging active civic engagement. Through its role as the coordination and specialist office of the Partnership for Democracy in the district of Dachau, the KJR supports civil society initiatives, youth-led projects, and activities that promote democracy, diversity, and opposition to extremism—often with strong youth involvement. Youth participation is a guiding principle across all activities. The KJR supports youth councils and participatory structures, empowers young people to articulate their concerns, and helps them bring these issues into political decision-making processes. At the European level, the KJR is involved in Erasmus+ projects such as "Diversity of Youth Participation”, which explore innovative and inclusive approaches to youth participation, exchange good practices, and strengthen democratic engagement across borders. Initiatives such as the 57Festival not only offer cultural expression but also give young people the chance to plan events themselves, take responsibility, and actively shape their communities. With the International Youth Meeting Dachau, the KJR provides a space for international exchange, intercultural learning, and historical-political education. Against the backdrop of Dachau’s history, democratic values, human rights, and solidarity are critically reflected upon and made tangible. Overall, the KJR Dachau sees itself as a platform that takes young people seriously, amplifies their voices, and enables them to actively shape democracy and society.