One of our objectives is historical and political education about National Socialism and its aftermath as well as current forms of discrimination and exclusion. This is also the main reason why the International Youth Meeting Dachau was founded in 1983 – to bring young people together to learn about history and to exchange their views with each other. Another goal is strengthening democracy education and youth participation. Learning about the history is important to gain a better understanding of our present and that democracy can never be taken for granted. To make young people aware of that and teaching them that they can get active and shape their environment is another big part of our program. Therefore, we have a focus on historical topics during the first week and a more reflective and creative offers in the second week of IYM. This closely connects with our third goal of cultural education. Additionally, to workshops, eyewitness talks, excursions etc. our participants use also music, dance, writing, theatre, art or food to reflect perspectives and create something together. Furthermore, there build friendships independently from nationality, religion or cultural backgrounds.