Adult education centre events in October 2022

Tuesday, 4 October, 7 to 9.15 pm
Café Philo: The limits of reason
Location: Kulturhaus Arthur, Hohe Straße 33, 09112 Chemnitz
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2213000

Café Philo is starting again and would like to discuss the limits of human reason and rationality together with the participants. In addition to a multitude of non-rational constructions of reality such as magic, religion, mythology or art, we repeatedly notice the limits of reason in our everyday lives. The hosts would therefore like to discuss the question of the effectiveness of rational arguments in controversial social debates. Café Philo is a co-operation between the Freie Institut für Bildung e. V. and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.

Thursday, 6 October, 5 to 7.15 p.m.
Heroes in the shadow garden
Location: online
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W221M515
Registration until 6 October, 12 noon. You will receive the access link by e-mail at least three hours before the start of the event.

Every gardener knows the problem when almost nothing grows in shady places. In this event, participants will learn how uncomplicated plants can be used to create a beautiful blaze of colour in green problem areas.
can be used to conjure up a beautiful blaze of colour for bees and bumblebees. There will also be tips on growing fruit in a shade garden and utilising bulbous plants.

Friday, 7 October, 4 to 8 p.m.
Speaking for democracy - communication training against right-wing slogans and anti-democratic sentiment
Location: TIETZ, course room 4.07
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2210110

Discrimination is part of everyday life. People of a different skin colour, sexual orientation or religion are repeatedly subjected to hostility, exclusion and condescending comments. But people who are politically active and campaign for democracy are also verbally attacked. Do we have to accept this? No! In this communication training course, you will work together to develop simple methods for responding to and countering anti-democratic statements and right-wing slogans. You will learn about the mechanisms of prejudice and discrimination, look at your own attitude and discuss ways and means of dealing with inhuman statements and attitudes. You will learn how to represent your point of view confidently - e.g. to club members, colleagues or family members - and thus speak out in favour of democracy in your professional environment and your personal everyday life.
The programme is aimed at volunteers in clubs and associations and anyone else who is interested. It is open to people who are themselves affected by hostility and also to those who are not affected but do not want to stand idly by and remain speechless.
The event is a cooperation between the Bürgerstiftung für Chemnitz and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre. It is sponsored by the Local Action Plan of the City of Chemnitz.

Monday, 10 October, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Becoming a lay judge is not difficult - but being a lay judge is? ... No, absolutely not!"
Location: TIETZ, event hall, 3rd floor
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2211015

Actively and democratically helping to shape the administration of justice - this is possible in Germany: for example, as an honorary judge for criminal cases, i.e. as a lay judge at local and regional courts.
at the local and regional courts. We are looking for interested citizens who would like to take on this important task for the new term of office for lay judges from 2024 to 2028. The information event will provide practical information about the requirements, conditions and basic principles. Anyone interested should definitely make a note of this date.
The event is a co-operation between the non-profit Association of Honorary Judges of Central Germany and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.

Monday, 12 October, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Floor guidance systems for blind and visually impaired people
Location: TIETZ, course room 5.42
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2218010

What do the white ribbed and studded plates at traffic lights, bus stops and railway stations that can be found everywhere in Chemnitz mean? What other aids are there for blind people? Which guidance system is located at Chemnitz main station and why? These and many other questions will be answered during the course. Kathrin and Lars Geithner from the Chemnitz/Stollberg district organisation of the Saxony Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired will explain what a floor guidance system means for blind people and explain how helpful it can be. They also use a construction kit to build a simple guidance system for information points on a scale of 1:10 in accordance with DIN standards. The aim is then to create a bus stop that is suitable for the blind using the construction kit. Participants not only receive information during the course, but can also try out for themselves what needs to be considered when installing a guidance system. Sighted, blind and visually impaired people are invited to attend.
The course takes place as part of the "Week of Sight" from 8 to 15 October 2022.

Thursday, 13 October, 6 to 7.30 p.m.
Learn languages without grammar using the language block method
Location: online
Participation fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2242001
Registration until 13 October, 12 noon. You will receive the access link by e-mail at least three hours before the start of the event.

Learning languages without cramming grammar and vocabulary? Gabriel Gelman shows how it's done. The aerospace engineer is now a language coach and speaks six languages fluently. This makes him one of Germany's polyglots. In 2014, he founded one of the largest language learning websites in Germany: Sprachheld.de. He is also co-organiser of language conferences and co-founder of Spring Languages, another language learning website. His language block method is designed to help learners embark on a new path of language learning and stay motivated in the long term. His secret to discovering a new language: intensive listening to native speaker input and identifying relevant language blocks. The lecture explains what language blocks are, introduces the basics of the method and explains how you can learn successfully and quickly in three steps. Gabriel also gives lots of practical and tried-and-tested tips on how you can incorporate language learning into your own everyday life.

Tuesday, 13 October, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
From fake facts to true facts - what really helps against conspiracy narratives
Location: online
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W221M102
Registration until Thursday, 13 October, 12 noon. You will receive the access link by e-mail at least three hours before the event begins.

Why do so many people believe in conspiracy myths? What factors play a role on a psychological level? And how do we discuss with people who believe they have discovered a hidden "truth"? Political scientist Katharina Nocun, together with social psychologist Pia Lamberty, has got to the bottom of precisely these questions. In their books "Fake Facts" and "True Facts", they give tips on how to help conspiracy supporters in your own environment out of the "rabbit hole" of a closed world view. Author Katharina Nocun will present the most important findings from both books.
The event is a co-operation between the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre. It is sponsored by the Saxon State Media Authority (SLM).

Monday, 17 October, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
NS forced labour and war economy 1939 - 1945
Location: TIETZ, event hall, 3rd floor
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2210125

The use of foreign labour, whether civilians or prisoners of war, had become a mass phenomenon in German wartime society by 1942 at the latest. At the peak of forced labour in autumn 1944, around eight million foreigners - civilians, prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates - were working in all parts of the German Reich.
In a new publication by the Saxon State Agency for Civic Education (SLpB), the authors Klaus-Dieter Müller (Dresden) and Dietmar Wendler (Chemnitz) present the current state of research and new sources on forced labour and the war economy in Saxony. On this evening, the two authors will present the publication and will be available for questions and discussion.

Monday, 17 October, 7.30 to 9 p.m.
The legacy of slavery - a journey through American history
Location: online
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W224EV10
Registration until 17 October, 12 noon. You will receive the access link by email at least three hours before the event begins.

In this discussion, Michael Hochgeschwender and bestselling author Clint Smith follow the traces of the transatlantic slave trade. They will introduce us to historical sites in the USA that tell the story of slavery. It will become clear how closely everyday places, holidays and even entire neighbourhoods are still interwoven with this violent chapter of American history and thus continue to shape the present.

The speakers: Clint Smith is one of the most important intellectuals in the USA. His book "What We Tell Ourselves" (original title: How the Word is Passed) addresses the legacy of slavery. It was selected by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2021. Former US President Barack Obama also counts Smith's non-fiction book among his favourites. Prof Dr Michael Hochgeschwender teaches American cultural history in Munich.

This online event will be held in English. The lecture is part of the series "vhs.wissen live - the digital science programme" as a cooperation between the vhs Chemnitz and the adult education centres in the Erding and SüdOst districts of Munich.

Wednesday, 26 October, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Violence against the press - What's going on? Where is it going?
Location: TIETZ, event hall, 3rd floor
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W221M103

Freedom of the press is one of the highest goods of democracy, regulated in Germany in Article 5 of the Basic Law. Every year, Reporters Without Borders publishes a global ranking of press freedom. Germany dropped three places in 2021 - mainly due to the increasing violence against journalists in recent years. Physical violence is becoming more frequent at demonstrations, among other things. But verbal attacks against media professionals are also becoming more frequent and more severe. In this event, we will examine the causes of this development, the specific and verifiable incidents, the role of the police and the extent to which the willingness to use violence against media professionals is becoming a challenge to our democracy.

The evening's speaker will be Ine Dippmann, deputy studio manager at MDR in Leipzig and chairwoman of the German Journalists' Association of Saxony. After her presentation, there will be an opportunity to talk to each other.

The event is sponsored by the Saxon State Media Authority (SLM).

Friday, 28 October, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Man and power. On the builders and destroyers of Europe in the 20th century
Location: online
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2210001
Registration until Friday, 28 October, 12 noon. You will receive the access link by e-mail at least three hours before the event begins.

To what extent did politicians' decisions determine the turbulent course of history? To what extent were they driven by circumstances? What are the prerequisites for gaining power and what qualities do political leaders possess? In several portraits, Prof Dr Ian Kershaw explores the powerful figures of the 20th century who shaped Europe for better or for worse. He fundamentally analyses the possibilities and limitations of "strong" leaders. Ian Kershaw was Professor of Modern History at the University of Sheffield. He is one of the most important historians of our time.

The event is part of the series "vhs.wissen live - the digital science programme" in cooperation with the adult education centres in Chemnitz, Esslingen district and SüdOst in Munich district.

Event dates that are part of themed series:

NEW SERIES on raw material and supply security
Is everything becoming scarce? - Part 1: Events on the topic of energy supply

Environmental damage, extreme weather, a global pandemic and wars reveal the overexploitation of our natural resources just as clearly as the fragility of our economic and political structures. The current tense situation in the energy sector can also be felt in our own wallets. With a view to the colder months, the question of security of supply also arises. We invite you to join us in analysing developments in important areas of our lives and finding practical solutions for everyday life. The upcoming events at the adult education centre will not only provide you with information on the causes and development of rising energy prices, but also valuable information on contact points and projects that can support you personally.

Thursday, 6 October, 5 to 6.30 p.m.
Tips and tricks for saving energy
Location: TIETZ, course room 4.07
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2231010

Energy consultants from Caritas will demonstrate ways to save on electricity and heating costs. Interested parties will also receive helpful information about contact points and projects that provide personal and individualised support in saving electricity. Feel free to bring your own questions! Speakers are Tommy Tippner, Ulrich Sieber, Caritasverbandes für Chemnitz und Umgebung e. V.

The event is a co-operation between the Caritasverband für Chemnitz und Umgebung e. V. and the Volkshochschule Chemnitz.

Thursday, 27 October, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
What is the state of energy supply in Germany?
Venue: TIETZ, Neue Sächsische Galerie
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2231011

The energy sector is currently undergoing major changes that are dependent on complex issues. Particularly in light of the effects of the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but also in view of the phase-out of nuclear and coal energy, the question of security of supply is becoming increasingly important. And for the end consumer, this is not least a question of price. The lecture will shed light on the current state of the electricity and gas supply in Germany and how the energy sector will change in the coming years.

Speaker Prof Dr Dominik Möst holds the Chair of Energy Economics at the Technical University of Dresden. His research focuses on the long-term development of energy markets and prices, energy system modelling for decision-makers and the integration of renewable energies.

Events on the topic of species conservation

The drought of recent months has once again shown that climate change has long since reached us. The effects are particularly noticeable for nature and its inhabitants. The Chemnitz Adult Education Centre, together with its partners BUND Regionalgruppe Chemnitz and NABU Regionalverband Erzgebirge e. V., therefore invites you to events that focus on the protection of particularly endangered species.

Saturday, 15 October, 9 am to 2 pm
Excursion: Bird migration observations at the Eschefeld ponds
Meeting point: Botanical Garden car park, Leipziger Straße 147, 09114 Chemnitz
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2239205

The Eschefeld ponds are a well-known resting area for waterfowl and migratory birds. Various geese, lemurs, kingfishers and lapwings can be observed here. Especially in autumn, when migratory birds such as greylag and white-fronted geese head south, they stop off at the Eschefeld ponds. On the tour through the pond area, you can also get to know various habitats such as wet meadows and orchards and their inhabitants. Make sure you wear weatherproof clothing and sturdy shoes. Please also bring your own binoculars.

Speakers: Hans-Jürgen Görner, Lutz Röder, NABU Regionalverband Erzgebirge e. V.

The event is a co-operation between NABU Regionalverband Erzgebirge e. V. and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.

Note: If you would like to travel on the NABU bus, please register by calling 0371 336 4850. The bus journey costs 15 euros. The fare must be paid in cash on the spot. People who wish to travel by car can register online (see registration link) or by calling 0371 488-4343.

Tuesday, 18 October, 5.30 to 7 p.m.
Butterfly meadows in Chemnitz - useful or pointless?
Location: TIETZ, course room 4.07
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2239206

The BUND Chemnitz regional group has been committed to preserving insect diversity in the city for years and is also involved in the participatory project "Doll's houses wanted - flowering meadows for Saxony's butterflies". Over the past five years, the speaker has looked for insects in many places in Chemnitz and visited various flowering meadows designed for butterflies. In the course, he will share his experiences about the benefits of these butterfly meadows. The aim is also to show what everyone can do to protect species on their own doorstep in addition to creating flowering meadows.

Speaker: Benjamin Franke, BUND Regional Group Chemnitz

The event is a co-operation between the BUND Regional Group Chemnitz and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.

Friday, 28 October, 7 to 8.30 p.m.
Bats in Saxony
Location: Botanical Garden, main building, Leipziger Str. 147, 09114 Chemnitz
Fee: Participation free of charge
Registration link: www.vhs-chemnitz.de/kurs/W2239207

Bats are the most endangered mammals in Europe and are strictly protected. Their reputation as little vampires is completely unjustified. In a multimedia presentation, bat expert Reimund Franke explains the characteristics of these silent goblins of the night. Reimund Franke has been studying the bat population in Saxony for many years and raises injured animals together with his wife. The different species will be presented in the lecture. It will also focus on a variety of measures to protect the night owls.

Speaker: Reimund Franke, NABU Regionalverband Erzgebirge e. V.

The event is a co-operation between NABU Regionalverband Erzgebirge e. V. and the Chemnitz Adult Education Centre.

Current information at www.vhs-chemnitz.de