Volunteering in Freising: The key to strong cohesion!

Volunteering in Freising: The key to strong cohesion!

In Freising, volunteer work is becoming increasingly important, especially in times of social change and social challenges. Volunteers in the region take on responsibility in social projects, refugee aid, youth work as well as in clubs and initiatives. According to a report by the Wochenanzeiger, their commitment is an indispensable contribution to social cohesion and forms an important pillar of our community.
Without the commitment of these people, many offers and support structures are simply unthinkable. They often act as the first point of contact, listen and mediate, accompanying and strengthening other people.

The German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering (DSEE) was created to promote civic engagement, particularly in structurally weak and rural regions. The DSEE offers a wide range of support measures, such as needs-oriented advice and an online seminar series under the motto “#DSEE explains”. Its goal is to empower committed people and offer them the opportunity to actively participate in social changes. Since its founding in the summer of 2020, DSEE has supported over 13,000 projects with more than 90 million euros to overcome specific local challenges. Ecclesia reports that these projects promote a culture of solidarity and trust and create structures that can be activated in times of crisis.

Civic engagement and its forms

Civic engagement includes more than just volunteer work. It also includes self-help, political participation, protest and social work. This commitment is voluntary and is generally not aimed at personal gain. Around a third of Germans have done some form of voluntary work - this is shown by the figures from a comprehensive study. However, in traditional areas such as sports clubs, a decline can be observed, while new forms of engagement, such as via social networks, are on the rise. Wikipedia explains that both membership in clubs and participation in charitable institutions are essential components of civic engagement.

Whether in youth work, helping refugees or in social initiatives - volunteer work in Freising is a living expression of our communal spirit. It thrives on the diversity of people who are prepared to invest time, attention and passion. This commitment not only has direct benefits for society, but also leads to greater resilience in times of crisis. The DSEE plans to organize the German Engagement Prize in 2024 in order to increase the visibility and appreciation of voluntary work nationwide.