Protestant Working Group Family NRW

Listen, understand, act

The Evangelische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Familie NRW (eaf-nrw) is the family policy association of the Protestant churches in the Rhineland, Westphalia and Lippe for NRW and at the same time a professional association of the Diakonisches Werk Rheinland-Westfalen-Lippe e. V.

The association sees itself as a competent, interdisciplinary network in family-related issues and advocates for the concerns and needs of families in the socio-political and church sphere. Specialist events, statements and participatory projects are an integral part of its work.

The Familienportal.NRW asked the Evangelische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Familie NRW to briefly introduce its work, goals and commitment.

What are the goals of the Evangelische Arbeitsgemeinschaft Familie NRW (eaf-nrw)?

We work towards a family-friendly and child-promoting infrastructure, for greater financial relief for families, for the recognition of all family cohabitation, for equality between women and men in all areas of life and for the support of families in crisis and conflict situations. We are committed to reconciling work and family life, restructuring care responsibilities, combating family and old-age poverty and promoting strong intergenerational relationships.

We pursue these goals in close cooperation with all stakeholders who deal with family issues. Always with the participation and inclusion of children, young people, senior citizens and families in mind.

Who does eaf-nrw address?

With our work and our commitment, we want to address people from different perspectives. We see the interests of children, young people, senior citizens and families at the heart of our thoughts and actions and use this as a basis for engaging with independent charities. In addition, we try to build bridges to politics and the church and engage in a targeted exchange with state and local politicians as well as cost and decision-makers.

How are families supported?

Together with politicians, the church and civil society, we create spaces and projects for the participation of families. We want to hear and understand the challenges families face on a daily basis and give them a voice in order to achieve medium and long-term improvements. Specifically, we work with local organizations, initiate projects and involve children, young people and families. We offer specialist events and engage in political lobbying to improve basic conditions for families.

What are currently the three most pressing issues?

Democracy and democracy education (participation)
Demographic change and intergenerational exchange
Care work and equal participation

Why is it worth getting involved in the association's work?

We see improving the living conditions of children, young people, senior citizens and families as our central task. In order to achieve this goal, our actions are based on an extensive network and the perspective of different target groups. We want to listen, understand and act. For us, exchange and contact with those affected is the basis for this.