FORUM Gruppenregeln / Global group rules

The following rules apply to all social media groups of the FORUM:

  • WhatsApp group „Forum dts Namibier“ (FORUM members only)
  • Closed „FDN + Friends“ groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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1. Follow the goals of the FORUM

The FORUM, motivated by its civil responsibility, love for and loyalty to Namibia, and being an integral part of the multicultural, multilingual Namibian society, commits itself to participate in an effective and meaningful way in the public life in Namibia and thereby contribute to the well-being of the country and all its peoples.

2. Help to make the aims of the FORUM become reality

The FDN shall strive towards achieving mutual acceptance, understanding and trust among members of the German-speaking community as well as with the other language, cultural and interest groups in Namibia by means of regular meetings, communication and dialogue, with the aim of promoting and consolidating national unity, integration and peaceful co-existence in the country.

3. Try to communicate as good and often as possible

The FORUM shall regularly encourage discussion of current issues related to political, social, economic, cultural or other spheres of relevance and may issue public statements in this regard.

4. Work towards just and sustainable development

The FORUM shall engage itself for the just and sustainable social and economic development of Namibia whereby it shall avail itself, if possible, of expertise in the fields of education, culture, the judiciary, politics and commerce in order to promote the rule of law and long-lasting social and economic development in Namibia.

5. Promote Namibia wherever and whenever possible

The FORUM shall contribute towards promoting Namibia as an attractive business location and may – should the occasion arise – act as mediator between local and foreign enterprises and institutions.

6. Fight for basic human rights and freedoms for all

The FORUM shall stand for equal human rights for all Namibians in all spheres of life, as entrenched as ‘Basic Human Rights and Freedoms’ in the Namibian Constitution.

7. No hate speech or bullying: Be kind and courteous

We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required. Make sure that everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated.

8. Respect everyone’s privacy

Being part of this group requires mutual trust. Authentic, expressive discussions make groups great, but may also be sensitive and private. What’s shared in the group should stay in the group.

9. Report rule-breaking, but not unnecessarily

If you see a post/comment that violates our rules, report it to the admins — DO NOT verbally attack the author of said post/comment.  But please think before you report. Don’t report posts or comments that aren’t breaking any rules just because you don’t like or agree with their content.

10. Colloquial language is German, but not exclusively

To join this group, your mother tongue doesn’t need to be German; you don’t have to speak it fluently. You’re welcome to pose & respond to questions in English, but you’re expected to be able to read & follow German passively. Customarily, when a non-German speaker joins a conversation among German-speakers, common decency & respect would command switching to English. However, in line with our commitment to promoting mother-tongue use & education, the predominant language here will be German.