Volunteers Demand Improved Work Environment
Volunteers in Saxony Demand Better Conditions
Last Tuesday, June 4th, volunteers took to Dresden's Alaunplatz for a day of voluntary services under the banner "With Heart. Not by Compulsion". These volunteers typically commit to a year of service through the Federal Voluntary Service, facilitating a plethora of social projects.
This event was organized by the state speakers' council of voluntary service providers in Saxony, where they raised concerns about the current conditions. Primarily, they criticized the legally fixed minimum pocket money of 350 euros per month for a 35-hour week, striving for remuneration at the level of the BAföG maximum rate instead.
State speaker Katharina Kaestner expressed the sentiment that volunteers should have the financial independence to live without their employment being a barrier between them and voluntary service. Their demands echo the challenges faced in the broader German volunteer sector, with regional and event-specific factors playing a role.
Still, volunteers acknowledged the positive aspects of voluntary service: gaining first-hand work experience, taking on social responsibility, and building connections with like-minded individuals. Reinforcing the central motivation behind their work—voluntariness.
Through this action day, volunteers aimed to signal a call for a future of voluntary services, emphasizing their heartfelt commitment rather than being compelled.
🔍 Behind the Scenes
Saxony's demands for better framework conditions, as well as increased recognition for their social commitment, mirror broader trends in Germany's nonprofit and volunteer sectors.
- Remuneration and Material Support
- Most volunteer opportunities are unpaid or only offer indirect compensation, such as accommodation, meals, or festival entry.
- Expectations of non-financial rewards, such as skill-building, are mainly driven by youth and students, seeking experiences and personal growth.
- Framework Conditions
- Workload and task distribution are often flexible and physically demanding, from setup and breakdown to guest assistance and site maintenance.
- Maintaining a reliable and motivated volunteer base is a challenge, as volunteers need to feel valued, supported, and a part of a community.
[1] Source: Stiftung Risikokompass[2] Source: Paritätischer Voluntary Service Saxony and various event organization websites
- In light of the demands made by volunteers in Saxony for improved working conditions, there is a growing call for policy and legislation changes in the education-and-self-development sector, specifically addressing the remuneration and material support for volunteers.
- As the issue of volunteers' financial independence, workload, and task distribution gains traction in Saxony's nonprofit and volunteer sectors, general news outlets are highlighting the need for more comprehensive policy-and-legislation reforms to support and value these vital contributors in the broader German political arena.
