Since 2009, Coexister has chosen to transform diversity of conviction into a vector for social cohesion and innovation, thanks to the local Active Coexistence programme. Active Coexistence is a philosophy that translates into a grassroots method to help all citizens, especially 15–35-year-olds, to live together better.

This model of society is based on a threefold conviction: diversity exists, it is an opportunity, and it is even necessary to create social links.

It’s a 4-stage process that takes place in currently 20 local French groups, 13 European groups, one African (Nigeria), and one Asian (Philippines), to help us live together better thanks to our differences.

Coexisters are among the primary beneficiaries and players of Coexister. Throughout their experience as volunteers, they implement a four-stage local programme that includes simple meetings, dialogue events, solidarity operations and awareness-raising workshops in schools. The philosophy implemented is known as Active Coexistence. It is a pedagogy of working together, teaching young people to build unity, not ‘despite’, but ‘thanks to’ their differences.