Without voluntary work, our society would no longer function. What would happen if all volunteers suddenly went on strike?
- Social aid services such as food banks, neighborhood help, help for the homeless, etc. would only be able to function to a limited extent.
- Technical relief organizations and volunteer fire departments would collapse, especially in rural areas,
- Sports and leisure facilities would not be able to maintain their free or low-cost services.
- Without citizens' initiatives, citizens' councils, political bodies and other civic participation, democracy would suffer, especially at local level.
- And let's not forget the grandparents, who are also always there for their grandchildren and thus relieve the parents considerably.
This list could go on and on. Despite everything, these volunteers often receive little appreciation. Their work is seen as normal.
It is therefore a good thing that the NRW State Chancellery awards the NRW Civic Engagement Prize to outstanding volunteer projects every year. It also brings the work of volunteers, who work at grassroots level but are just as irreplaceable, into focus.