A donation for volunteers – a connection that transcends borders

“I will continue to work towards a united and strong Europe. I firmly believe that a strong and resilient democracy only works if you get involved, participate, and join in the discussion. This is often uncomfortable and often leaves me feeling pessimistic, sad, or angry. But commitment is the best medicine for my personal rigidity and fear of the future.”

This is the encouraging conclusion drawn by volunteer Wiebke after 12 months of peace service. Until September, she was involved in commemorating the history of German-Czech relations in Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic, and accompanied elderly people who themselves or whose parents suffered under German Nazi occupation and forced labor.

Her words clearly show how concrete engagement shapes and motivates young volunteers both politically and socially. She vividly describes her daily encounters with people of a different generation in her position at ASF partner Živa Pamět: “Because I work with seniors here, I naturally think about what it will be like for me to be old, how to age with dignity, what needs older people have, and what you want when you are old. The most important thing is probably to have a community and friends you can rely on. It’s just great that our group makes that possible here. Everyone looks out for each other and takes care of each other—I wish everyone in old age could have such a loving, attentive, and open community, and I will probably remember it for a very long time!”

Around 120 mostly younger volunteers can gain this important experience every year through ASF service. Over the years and decades, this has resulted in numerous encounters and connections with many individuals and ASF partner organizations – whether in memorials and museums, schools, kindergartens, retirement homes, and women’s shelters, or in neighborhood cafés, soup kitchens, and NGOs working to promote human rights and democracy. This is how volunteer services have an impact on both a personal and societal level.

These connections are by no means a given; they require trust and understanding, as well as good preparation on the part of the volunteers. To this end, ASF works with colleagues who are experts on each country and has long-standing partnerships with local volunteer agencies. Volunteers are prepared for their service and life in another country in several seminars and also exchange ideas during the year in seminars and reflection rounds.

This quality comes at a price. A volunteer position costs an average of €22,000 per year. In return, voluntary service is open to everyone, regardless of their financial background. In addition to public and church funding, this also requires donations from many friends and companions of ASF. They ensure the independence and quality of ASF’s work. And they create a personal connection to the volunteers and their commitment. We would like to thank all donors and the volunteers’ sponsors for this.