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“An important platform to promote the exchange of volunteer work and to expand the good framework.”
“Rethinking engagement for the world of tomorrow” – that is the motto of the II. Hessian Engagement Congress, which the Hessian Prime Minister Volker Bouffier today together with the head of the Hessian State Chancellery, State Minister Axel Wintermeyer, and Prof. Dr. Michael Vilain, Vice President for Research and International Affairs of the Evangelical University of Darmstadt (EHD) and Managing Director of the Institute for Future Issues in the Health and Social Economy (IZGS) of the EHD. “We are very proud of the willingness of the Hessians to work for the community. This voluntary commitment deserves special appreciation. This includes not only financial support, but also maintaining and expanding the good framework conditions for volunteer work and creating opportunities to discuss current issues. With the II. Hessian Engagement Congress and the more than 60 lectures, forums and workshops, we offer an important platform for an exciting exchange. We are very pleased that the event is taking place today and tomorrow and we warmly welcome the 400 or so registered participants, ”said Prime Minister Bouffier and Minister of State Wintermeyer.
The congress is jointly organized by the Hessian State Chancellery and the Evangelical University of Darmstadt and supported by the State Volunteer Agency Hessen (LEAH). Its motto is “Rethinking engagement for the world of tomorrow” and serves to promote the voluntary work of around two million volunteers in Hesse, to enable exchange beyond Hesse and to discuss various topics from the voluntary sector. Some of the contributions will be offered on site at the Evangelical University in Darmstadt, other formats can be visited online. The focus is on three current topics: Corona and civil society, digitization and volunteering, and volunteering in rural areas.
Volunteering plays a special role in pandemic times
“The world has changed due to Corona. This also applies to voluntary work. We had to find new ways to meet people and be innovative. But where are we a year and a half later? What will stay and what will not? Has engagement become more digital and what opportunities does it offer for rural areas in particular? Time to take stock, ”says Prof. Dr. Vilain, Vice President for Research and International Affairs of the EHD and Managing Director of the IZGS of the EHD.
Especially in times of the pandemic, volunteering is of particular importance, said Prime Minister Bouffier. “Hesse got through this pandemic comparatively well not only because the health system has always worked and was never overloaded, but also because many Hessians volunteered and took on a variety of tasks. Corona has influenced and changed all of our lives, but the world of volunteering in particular has made a lot of positive things happen in these times. People help selflessly and without asking whether they are responsible. This is an exemplary, exemplary commitment, ”said the Prime Minister.
In addition, digitization has experienced a particular boost in recent months. “Although we all miss the casual, personal togetherness, digitization simplifies participation for many: for example for people with physical limitations or for parents who want to continue to work on the board of an association in addition to everyday family life.” Especially for associations and theirs It is important for members to keep their voluntary work fit for the future, because they are the glue of society with their work and form the foundation for a functioning cooperation, according to Bouffier.
The focus is on rural areas
“Another focus of the congress is engagement in rural regions. Because wherever people feel at home, they are actively committed to their living environment. This means solidarity with home and brings more satisfaction, ”added Minister of State Wintermeyer. “As the Hessian state government, we stand firmly by the side of associations, initiatives and non-profit organizations and support them ideally, but also financially. Every cent of our voluntary work, which we have increased to more than 22 million euros this year, pays off for our citizens. “
“The Hessian state government is very grateful that we have such a competent partner at our side in the Evangelical University of Darmstadt and that we have set up this congress with them”, Bouffier emphasized in conclusion. “I am sure that we are making a valuable contribution to further promoting work for the common good in mutual exchange – because it is the lived togetherness in voluntary commitment that characterizes our society.”
(Text: PM Hessian State Chancellery)
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