Volunteering in Brandenburg: A Call for Community Engagement
Brandenburg's Minister President, Dietmar Woidke (SPD), rallied the population to join the volunteering movement, expressing a particular interest in involving young people. His sentiment aligned with his personal involvement in various associations for over three decades. At a reception honoring Brandenburg volunteers, he vocalized his support for encouraging youth involvement, referring to it as a long-standing question.
Woidke, an active member of multiple associations, emphasized the importance of improving conditions for volunteers and promised improvements to working conditions for these selfless individuals. He invited committed individuals to the 17th annual volunteer reception at the State Chancellery in Potsdam. Among the honorees was Nancy Petsch from Brandenburg an der Havel, who spearheaded the private initiative, Team Kleiderursel, providing clothing to families in need.
Joining Petsch's team is Arezoo Almasi, an Iranian mountaineer and former sports teacher, offering sports and fitness programs for children and young people, as well as interpreting services for refugees. Kerstin Tennius, a registrar from Strausberg, stands at the helm of the specialist committee of the state association of registrars, organizing further training opportunities.
Meanwhile, Diethardt Schulz, head of the village in Purow (Prignitz), has led a more than 30-year campaign for a village community center, which is now complete. Brandenburg strives to support volunteering initiatives through awards like "Volunteer of the Month" and an ideas competition titled, "Future of Volunteering," offering a prize of 15,000 euros.
The Greens view volunteer initiatives for refugees as a symbol of openness towards refugees. Alexandra Pichl, the state leader of the Greens, believes that Brandenburgers welcome people in need with open arms. She acknowledges that the focus should shift away from refugee smuggling and reception figures to embracing the people themselves.
Ursula Nonnemacher, Social Affairs Minister for the Greens, commended the volunteers' commitment. She expressed gratitude towards the volunteers, acknowledging that life in Brandenburg would be impoverished without their involvement, and that local services would cease to exist without their support.
Strategies to Enhance Volunteering in Brandenburg
Promoting volunteering among young people and refugees in Brandenburg involves implementing several strategies:
- Integration Programs for Refugees:
- Job Turbo Program
- Local civil protection initiatives (like the Blue Light Project)
- Encouraging participation in the BFD program (Technisches Hilfswerk)
- Youth Engagement:
- Public engagement through events (like the Jazz Festival)
- Education and Training:
- Networking and support (local campaigns and alliances)
- Awareness and education (heart health awareness campaigns)
- Mentorship and Tandem Programs:
- Start with a Friend
By adopting these strategies, Brandenburg can create an inclusive environment that encourages and empowers both young people and refugees to volunteer, fostering a stronger, more compassionate community.
Additional Insights
Young people, like the ones in Brandenburg, play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion through volunteer work. Their involvement can help reshape the community and promote positive change. Encouraging collaboration between young people and refugees in volunteer initiatives can yield substantial benefits, including increased cultural diversity and understanding. These engagements allow community members to engage with one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
By targeting young people and providing suitable opportunities for their engagement, Brandenburg can inspire a new generation of volunteers, ensuring a strong social foundation for the future.
References
- Demokrateam. (n.d.). Demokrateam - Arbeitsgruppe Onlinepolitik. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from
- Wesson, P. (2021). Active Community Engagement: Enhancing Social Connections and Well-Being Among Urban Older Adults. Dissertation Abstracts International, section A: Humanities and Social Sciences, 82(9-A), 3845.
- Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS). (n.d.). JobTurbo. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mathe und Naturwissenschaften Mediterranean Education (DMWMmedium). (n.d.). DMWMmedium - Medium-volleyball-outreach-project-2021. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from
- Initiative Offene Gesellschaft. (n.d.). Initiative Offene Gesellschaft. Retrieved February 14, 2023, from
