In the workshop during the day, with the volunteer fire department on weekends: Many tradespeople volunteer their time. Their employers support them. (Photo: © Dmitrii Shironosov/123RF.com)
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1 November 2019
Around 30 million Germans volunteer, for example, in sports and cultural clubs, churches, and rescue organizations. Many of them are skilled tradespeople. In the East, there's still a lot of catching up to do. A new foundation aims to help.
A strong volunteer base is one of Germany's hallmarks. Around 30 million people volunteer, for example in sports and cultural associations, churches, the volunteer fire department, or environmental protection. There are also many volunteers in the skilled trades , whether employees dedicate their free time or tradespeople contribute to their guilds.
However, this commitment is unevenly distributed. Volunteer work is particularly in need of support in eastern Germany and in structurally weak and rural regions . Only nine percent of all civic foundations and only 15 percent of all volunteer agencies in Germany are located in the east.
Craft policy
The Chambers of Skilled Crafts in Germany - HWK Münster
Craft policy
The German Federal Government therefore intends to establish a "German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteering" and locate it in Neustrelitz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania . The Federal Cabinet approved this on October 9, 2019. The foundation is an outcome of the "Equal Living Conditions" Commission.
In coordination with existing federal programs, the foundation should:
Source: Federal Government
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