1. FC Union Berlin have been committed to social integration and tolerance for many years. Our numerous activities include the inclusion of people with disabilities as well as actions against discrimination and projects in support of refugees.
Anti-Discrimination
1. FC Union Berlin is politically and religiously neutral. It is committed to democratic and humanistic values in its actions. The club condemns all forms of violence and discrimination, regardless of whether they are of a physical, psychological, sexualized, religious or ethnic nature. It has set itself the task of initiating measures to protect children, young people and adults from all forms of violence and discrimination.
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1. FC Union Berlin's first official moves in the fight against anti-discrimination were set in place in 2007. Then, the club adopted a proposal from the fan and member's department for the stadium rules to be adapted, making it possible to take action against racism and right-wing extremist behaviour. The stadium rules state, among other things,
"The right of all persons to non-discrimination, regardless of race, ethnic origin, religion, ideology, age, disability or sexual orientation, is recognised by spectators who attend the Stadion An der Alten Försterei."
Together with the Berlin Football Association (BFV) and the Lesbian and Gay Association of Berlin-Brandenburg, Union launched an awareness campaign against homophobic discrimination in football under the motto "Red Card for Homophobia" in November 2011. This can be seen regularly at events such as the annual Respect Games, the CSD, the Kietz Summer and the Intercultural Week.
In December 2013, 1. FC Union Berlin officially took over the sponsorship for the Salvador-Allende secondary school in Köpenick, marking the start of the project, "School without Racism - School with Courage" with the aim of bringing young people closer to an understanding for minorities.
Refugees
1.FC Union Berlin are involved in a multitude of alliances and projects, which have collectively set the goal of integrating refugees in their new homeland in the best possible way.
Union are a partner in the Treptow Köpenick Alliance for Democracy and Tolerance, which was founded in 2000, are a project partner in the nationwide "Welcome to Football" programme, as part of the "Berlin Welcome Alliance" and are a supporter of the "Türöffner e.V." job network.
In addition, Union are also involved in further work with refugees through their own initiatives. For example, in 2015 the club invited the residents of the Köpenick refugee shelters to a joint dinner under the motto "Anstoß zur Begegnung" (impetus to encounter) and created accommodation for those in need in a club-owned property during the winter of 2015/2016.
Since 2022, 1. FC Union Berlin have also been offering refugee orphans from Ukraine a sports programme once a week, which primarily provides the children with exercise and a little distraction. For the children, the weekly training session should provide a small step back towards enjoying a normal life.
Fans with Disabilities
Since November 2011, blind and visually-impaired supporters have been able to follow home matches at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei in ever greater colour with an audio commentary of the match from their personal favourite spot in the stadium with a mobile receiver. This option is only available in German.
Special seats are available for wheelchair users and their companions at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. These can be ordered in advance from Union's representative for disabled fans, Mario Jänicke.
He is also available for advice and assistance when travelling out of town, as well as with ticket orders and travel arrangements.
