Head to Pforzheim is the request made.
City Plans to Introduce State Honorary Card for Volunteers
Following a comprehensive assessment and public feedback, the city intends to launch the State Honorary Card as a means to recognize the commitment of its volunteers. Despite concerns regarding funding and administrative burdens, city officials view this initiative as an essential addition to their recognition culture. Mayor Peter Boch stated, "We are deeply invested in visibly honoring our city's dedicated citizens, and we hope to implement this symbolic gesture in Pforzheim soon."
The city administration expects a response from the Ministry of Social Affairs concerning the introduction and implementation date of the State Honorary Card by July 2025. The card would offer another instrument to acknowledge voluntary work, with Susanne Wacker, coordinator for citizen participation and volunteering, noting the high demand from committed citizens seeking recognition in this form.
In model regions, eligible recipients of the honorary card are individuals demonstrating substantial societal engagement, including at least 200 hours of voluntary, unpaid service in a public organization over a given period. Existing organizations such as the volunteer fire brigade, technical relief agency, and tactical units of disaster relief services are guaranteed claimants.
The State Honorary Card entails advantages like discounts on admission to various facilities, including museums and swimming pools. A trial run for the honorary card is currently underway in Calw.
Although specific eligibility criteria and benefits regarding the State Honorary Card for recognizing volunteer activities in Germany were not provided in the search results, volunteer work is generally recognized and valued in Germany through various programs and awards. For instance, volunteering with refugees is acknowledged as a significant contribution to social integration and community development.
For those interested in attaining more detailed information about the State Honorary Card, it is advisable to reach out to local German authorities or organizations involved in volunteer recognition programs.
In light of the upcoming State Honorary Card, the city's recognition culture might also extend to lifestyle, home-and-garden, and sustainable-living sectors, as individuals demonstrating substantial engagement in these areas through volunteering could potentially be eligible. The State Honorary Card, if adopted, could offer discounts on admission to facilities such as gardens owned by cultural institutions or eco-friendly home improvement workshops, acknowledging the crucial role of volunteers in promoting a sustainable lifestyle.
