Ankommen und teilhaben Wie Mentoring-Tandems zum gesellschaftlichen Zusammenhalt beitragen

As learning formats, tandem programs open up meeting spaces in which people with different biographies come together and encounter each other with their own perspectives, values and attitudes. Two people get to know each other, learn to trust each other and build a relationship, creating further individual opportunities for action. On a very personal basis, tandem programs promote democratic skills such as listening and understanding the other person's world, social resilience and solidarity with and for each other. At the same time, the programs face practical challenges, such as recruiting volunteers, ensuring sustainable structures and institutional recognition.

We take a look at mentoring tandems. They have an individual focus and aim to connect people and make it easier for them to arrive in a new place: with support during training, with formalities, with homework, speaking German, cooking together, dancing, discovering the city and much more. Our geographical focus is on Stuttgart. However, the questions that concern us play a role for all tandem programs, regardless of location:

- How do you attract people with different biographies
biographies and life situations?
- Which activities and formats strengthen partnership-based
tandem relationships based on partnership?
- What learning processes are initiated in tandems?
- How can tandem programs contribute to a diverse,
inclusive urban society?
- What framework conditions make tandem programs
effective in the long term?

The symposium aims to facilitate exchange and networking between very different people - from full-time coordinators to people who are dealing with tandem programs and issues of participation for the first time. In the morning, the focus will be on keynote speeches and moderated discussions at table groups. We want to engage in practical discussions on a reflective level: with coordinators and volunteers in tandem programs, with social work, education and integration professionals, with people from companies, foundations and initiatives as well as with actors from local government and all interested parties. The afternoon is open to a wide audience and offers opportunities for exchange and networking with, by and for volunteers, for all those who would like to become volunteers and for all interested parties.

A warm invitation to all those who would like to attend and be part of the symposium.