Voluntary services: 60 years of commitment to our society celebrated!

Voluntary services: 60 years of commitment to our society celebrated!

A great day for volunteer work in Germany! On November 17, 2025, an important parliamentary technical discussion under the title “Voluntary services as the backbone of civil society – for 60 years and more” took place at the Turn-Klubb in Hanover. The event was hosted by the LandesSportBund Niedersachsen e.V. (LSB) and the Lower Saxony State Working Group for Free Welfare (LAG FW). reported.

The meeting brought together politicians, representatives of civil society and practitioners to recognize the essential role of voluntary services in society and to engage in lively discussions about their future. In his welcoming speech, Prime Minister Olaf Lies emphasized how important voluntary commitment is for social coexistence and thanked the associations and clubs that offer such services. He also called for more offers for committed young people in order to further strengthen volunteer work.

Voluntariness: A central aspect

The chairwoman of LAG FW, Kerstin Tack, described voluntary services as a motor for democracy and participation. She advocated improved framework conditions and a future-oriented further development of voluntary services. A legal right to voluntary service and volunteer money equal to the BAföG level are the central points of their proposal. Tack made it clear that voluntary services not only enrich social life, but can also play an important role in the fight against the shortage of skilled workers.

But the discussion is not just about support, but also about the need to consciously forego mandatory services. The Federal Youth Council decided last year to demand a legal right to voluntary service instead of a mandatory year of social service. According to their resolution “Voluntariness strengthens democracy and cohesion”, it is crucial that commitment remains voluntary. Every year, up to 100,000 young people get involved in a Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), a Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) or other international voluntary services, which underlines the importance of voluntary work announced the Federal Youth Council.

The challenges of the future

Another central point of the technical discussion was the possible reintroduction of compulsory military service. It was emphasized that a mandatory year would cause more costs and bureaucracy than a legal right to voluntary service. Marco Lutz, deputy chief executive of the LSB, warned that democracy and civil society were at risk; It is crucial to incorporate the expertise of the voluntary service providers into the discussion.

What remains to be done? The federal government is responsible for ensuring access to voluntary services for all people, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion or socio-economic background. The Federal Youth Council's wish list for politicians includes, among other things, financial compensation for providers and placement agencies to promote inclusion, as well as strengthening social and educational support - points that are important not only for the current but also for future generations.

The event provided a fertile ground for political discussions, personal encounters and the exchange of experiences between volunteers, supporting organizations and decision-makers. The conclusion? Voluntary services are not only a backbone of civil society, but also a variety of opportunities for everyone involved.