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» Why the youth center is called Friedrich Dürr?
» Our concept of self-government
What is the JUZ?
The self-managed youth center “Friedrich Dürr” (JUZ) in Mannheim’s Neckarstadt district has existed since 1973 (until 1994 it was located in the city center’s Quadrate district). The JUZ emerged from the need for a place where people could shape their lives independently of capitalist profit-driven logic—through political events, parties, concerts, and simply by having a space to meet, exchange ideas, and organize without any pressure to consume.
The JUZ is a meeting place for anyone interested in creating and organizing things themselves. It is neither a club nor a “cheap” party venue. Instead, it provides a non-commercial space for exhibitions, informational events, group meetings, concerts, parties, a pub, communal meals, film screenings, and much more. Anyone can independently organize events and help bring life to the JUZ.
The JUZ is a place that thrives on the participation of many people. The more people get involved, the more can be achieved there. Getting involved can mean taking part in discussions at the general assembly, joining a working group (for example, the Concert Working Group) or founding a new one, helping design and clean the building, cooking, organizing events, speaking up when something is going wrong, keeping an eye on the space and noticing when something needs to be done—there are a thousand ways to contribute.
A good way to get to know the JUZ is to attend the general assembly (VV), which takes place every Monday at 7:00 p.m. There, all matters concerning the JUZ are discussed, decisions are made, and event dates are scheduled.
