International Volunteer Day

Effects of Corona on engagement - interim balance from the point of view of the Federal Network of Civic Engagement

Regardless of how you feel about the Corona problem: It definitely has serious effects on all areas of society, including on organized civil society and civic engagement. The shutdown in spring 2020 and the current situation in autumn have meant that many volunteering and volunteering activities have been and are massively restricted. The lecture tries to describe the effects of the corona crisis in more detail with reference to initial studies and on the basis of own observations and experiences. This interim balance is characterized by light and shadow and is intended to point the way to a future-oriented discussion.

The lecture is followed by an interview in which Corinna Graf, project manager (ALD e.V.) with Dr. Serge Embacher tries to find answers to what clubs can use for their specific work.

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What contribution can a university make to strengthening voluntary work? - The example of the TU Dresden

In addition to research and teaching, the so-called third mission is becoming increasingly important in the spectrum of tasks at universities. In the past few years, it has primarily been about the interplay of scientific knowledge and economic development. This social commitment is now understood more holistically in the sense of civic engagement. Universities also have a social responsibility. In this context, the Technical University of Dresden set up a new Vice-Rector for University Culture in summer 2020. It pursues the goal of becoming an excellent role model of a socially responsible, sustainable institution that implements equality, diversity and open-mindedness and has an impact on society. The TU Dresden sees itself as a civil actor who sensitizes and motivates its students and employees for the social responsibility of the university in various projects of social engagement. The lecture presents the profile and self-image of the department of university culture with a focus on the social commitment of the TU Dresden as well as concrete projects and the plans for setting up volunteer days.

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Honorary office platform ehrensache.jetzt starts a Saxony-wide rollout

The digital volunteer platform www.ehrensache.jetzt, developed by the Dresden Community Foundation and launched in 2019, is very popular with Dresden volunteers and volunteers. It will be rolled out in the Saxon districts starting from December 5, 2020. The offer is initially available for the districts of Bautzen, Sächsische-Schweiz Osterzgebirge and Leipziger Land, three more districts will follow in early 2021. The community foundation's platform will be available in all Saxon districts by the end of 2022.

The platform www.ehrensache.jetzt offers an overview of current volunteer positions and places committed citizens in suitable non-profit projects. All organized institutions of social life in which volunteers are active can publish advertisements free of charge and find support. Volunteers can advertise their request on the platform and offer their help.

The platform is looked after and maintained by the team from the Dresden Community Foundation. The volunteer agency ehrensache.jetzt is responsible for the Dresden pages. Three new moderators take care of the Sachsen-Seiten and travel a lot in the state. The operation of the Dresden platform and the volunteer agency is realized through funding from the state capital Dresden. The Saxony-wide rollout is made possible by funding from the Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs. Link to Ehrensache.jetzt

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Online brunch for committed people

Since this year, the Aktion Zivilcourage e. V. the home for the coordination and specialist office of the "Partnership for Democracy" in Dresden. The specialist office is the point of contact for all topics, content and goals of the federal program “Live Democracy!” In addition, the “Local Action Program for a diverse and cosmopolitan Dresden”.

On Volunteer Day, the department invites all coordinators and volunteers from associations in Dresden and the surrounding area to an online brunch from 10 a.m. We would like to talk to you, Anja Dietel, Head of the Citizens' Issues Department in the mayor's office of the state capital, and Charlotte Müller from the volunteer center of the Dresden Civic Foundation about the questions that should be dealt with in the specialist day.

What was particularly challenging for you in the last year? How did you fail and what creative solutions did you find? Where else would you like support from the administration? Grab some rolls and a hot drink and join the discussion!

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