Mission of the Hanns Seidel Foundation
“Serving democracy, peace, and development” — under this motto, the Hanns Seidel Foundation carries out its work both in Germany, primarily in the Free State of Bavaria, and abroad.
Former Federal President Roman Herzog once described “education for democracy” as a “continuous and real task of political foundations.” This contributes to enabling “citizens of an open society to participate in the development of democracy as informed as possible.”
Understanding of democracy must be formed from the very beginning in each generation. Young people in particular must be clearly explained political contexts. Only in this way can they be motivated toward greater participation and responsibility. In other words: democracy needs political education.
Since its establishment on 11 April 1967, the Hanns Seidel Foundation has been engaged in political education with the aim — as stated in its statutes — of promoting “democratic and civic education of the German people on a Christian basis.” Closely associated with the Christian Social Union (CSU), the Foundation is named after the former Minister-President of Bavaria and CSU Chairman, Hanns Seidel. Party-affiliated foundations are independent of their respective parties in economic, legal, and organizational terms, but they work in the spirit of their values and ideas. The Hanns Seidel Foundation embodies Christian-social values that guide our work in Germany and abroad.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation seeks to foster politically aware citizens who combine individual freedom with social responsibility and solidarity with others. This mission is particularly relevant today, when there is an increasing need for personal responsibility, a new “culture of self-reliance,” and an active civil society.
Detailed information about the Hanns Seidel Foundation (in German) can be found at:
https://www.hss.de/ueber-uns/