On Friday, January 9, Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons welcomed around 600 volunteers from Aachen to the Coronation Hall of the Town Hall. At the traditional New Year's reception for committed people, he thanked the representatives of more than 320 associations, organizations and initiatives for their commitment and set an example of cohesion and confidence.

The varied program, which had been prepared by the Office for Volunteering and Civic Engagement, was opened by the newly crowned Thouet Mundart Prize winners: the children's choir of the Cathedral Singing School delighted the audience with the hymn to the city of Aachen "Urbs Aquensis", interpreted in Öcher Platt. The young singers were given a standing ovation.

Looking optimistically into the future together
In his welcoming speech, the Lord Mayor explored the question of where the optimism that futurologists find in surveys and that he also feels in Aachen comes from in the face of so much negative news. "I am convinced that optimism comes from the people. Optimism arises wherever we feel humanity and compassion and where we can rely on each other." The main reason for this is volunteer work, for which he expressed his sincere thanks to the guests. Ziemons, who himself volunteered for many years as the director of the Brander Bücherinsel and in social projects at home and abroad, invited everyone to look to the future together in Aachen with optimism.

Registration launched for "Aachen shows commitment" campaign day

The Lord Mayor then gave the official go-ahead for registration for the big "Aachen shows commitment" day of action. On May 31, 2026, all associations, initiatives and groups are once again invited to transform the Stadtpark into a stage for the diversity of Aachen's engagement landscape.

Surprise guest Cordula Stratmann thanks volunteers

Surprise guest comedian and family therapist Cordula Stratmann thanked those present for their voluntary work in a very personal and humorous way: "You don't always see what you make possible - but without you, many things would not be possible!" With her sober conclusion "Volunteering immediately lifts the spirits. From everyone!" she spoke from the soul of many volunteers.

The New Year's reception made it clear just how diverse and vital voluntary work is in Aachen - and motivated the participants to work together with confidence on the future of the city's society.

Further information on getting involved in Aachen can be found at aachen.de/engagiertinaachen.

Interested parties can find opportunities to become active themselves on the Engagementdirekt platform: engagementdirekt.aachen.de.