As social climates are constantly changing in Germany and all over the world, the fight against racism, right-wing extremism, and violent crimes motivated by extreme ideologies becomes more and more important. While this puts more importance on the efforts of civil society organizations, nonprofits and NGOs that promote human rights and democracy, the shifting political debates also lead to more insecure funding or support for their work.

As a result, these organizations need to find innovative, creative, and engaging new ways of getting people involved and to support their work.

  • But how can nonprofit organizations inspire young people to stand up for democracy and against racism?
  • How can they build communities that are willing to support their work for democracy and human rights?
  • And how can creative communication campaigns turn important values into real action?

Help us find the answers in our project “Creating Support Against Racism”.


An international and interdisciplinary group of students will do volunteer work with the Stiftung für die Internationalen Wochen gegen Rassismus (abbreviated as Stiftung gegen Rassismus), the organization behind Germany’s annual “International Weeks Against Racism”. Together, they will focus on understanding and analyzing the Stiftung’s work, as well as its fundraising and nonprofit operations. The aim is then to develop fresh ideas and creative communication strategies aimed at engaging young audiences to support the Stiftung and to engage in their community of donors.

The project runs from June to September 2026 and is a mix of online/remote work and an on-site project week (likely in September 2026).

It is open to all students of JGU as well as students from the FORTHEM Alliance – regardless of their degree level or study program. Participation is free of charge and for the non-JGU students, FORTHEM can provide financial support for the trip to Mainz.

We need your ideas and skills to

  • Analyze and understand the Stiftung’s work and its implications for the project
  • Create a concept for a communication campaign including platforms and formats
  • Develop core messages and content based on an understanding of the target audi-ence, including text, graphics, audio, video
  • Possibly pursue other ideas and interests that you might have for the campaign.
  • Learn how to develop a communication campaign from concept to delivery.
  • Gain or enhance important skills in various fields, such as project management, research, fundraising, (social media) communication, and presentation.
  • Gather valuable work experience for your career orientation and career entry.
  • Volunteer for a meaningful cause and receive a certificate documenting your work.
  • Meet and connect with international students while improving your English skills.
  • Spent a wonderful project week in Mainz together with the other students.

Join our non-binding online info event on May 27, 2026, 16:30 (CET) to learn more about the project (goals, structure, timeline etc.) and how to get involved and to ask all your ques-tions.

We are looking forward to your ideas and participation!

The Stiftung gegen Rassismus was founded in 2014 and coordinates the annual International Weeks Against Racism in Germany. It is committed to promoting human dignity and combating racism, antisemitism, and all forms of group-focused hostility. Every year, over 5,000 events take place nationwide, attracting more than 300,000 participants. In addition, the Foundation works to combat racism through pilot projects in the healthcare sector and in rural regions. It is also actively involved in other initiatives for a democratic society, including organizing events around Constitution Day on May 23, which highlight the inviolability of human dignity as the foundation of our constitution. The International Weeks Against Racism take place in Germany over two weeks, always around March 21. March 21 is the United Nations’ “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” and commemorates the “Sharpeville Massacre,” in which South African police shot and killed 69 peaceful demonstrators on March 21, 1960, in the township of Sharpeville who had taken to the streets to protest the apartheid regime. Several hundred people were injured as a result of police violence.