First club mile in Delmenhorst: Commitment to education, sport and culture!

First club mile in Delmenhorst: Commitment to education, sport and culture!

On September 6, 2025, Delmenhorst will be the meeting point for everyone who is interested in civic engagement and the diverse club work in the city. Under the motto “Make commitment visible – present education, sport and culture together” the city administration invites you to the first club mile in the city center. The aim of this event is to put the valuable work of local associations in the spotlight and to inspire people to get actively involved.

All Delmenhorst clubs have the opportunity to take part in this special day. The organizers invite you to set up stands, organize participatory activities or even be part of a stage program. “We want citizens to see what a diverse commitment is being made in our city,” explains Patrik Kolbe, head of the education, sport and culture department. Clubs that are interested can register by email until July 27th. Kolbe answers questions by calling (04221) 99-1140.

A look at civic engagement

The importance of civic engagement should not be underestimated. According to a report by the Federal Agency for Civic Education, it is an essential social resource that often consists of voluntary, unpaid and public activities. In Germany, a total of 43.6% of those over 13 are involved, particularly in areas such as sport, culture and social issues. It turns out that engagement in rural regions and the south of Germany is higher than in the north, which may create incentives for future events such as the club mile.

This event coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Delmenhorst Community Foundation, which was founded on November 8, 2004 by 50 founding donors. The foundation specializes in promoting a liveable Delmenhorst through voluntary and charitable work. Delmenhorst Community Foundation reports that she has already carried out numerous successful projects in the areas of education, health, art and culture. “Everyone can participate in our foundation because we are a foundation run by citizens for citizens,” is the message from the community foundation.

The role of clubs in society

Associations play an important role in civil society, especially in today's times of individualization and digitalization. They promote social cohesion and actively contribute to the development of the common good. There are now over 400 community foundations in Germany, which are often in direct contact with such associations and support voluntary work.

Involvement in clubs not only promotes the community, but also strengthens the personal development of the members. As various studies show, younger people in particular, especially between the ages of 14 and 49, are involved in clubs. This makes it clear that events like the club mile not only serve to present the work of the clubs, but also create an incentive for new members and interested parties.

In these turbulent times it becomes clear that civic engagement is not only important for survival, but also a sign of the strength of a civil society. We can't wait to see what creative ideas the Delmenhorst clubs will bring to the club mile and how many new faces will be enthusiastic about the common good on this day!