"Rhineland-Palatinate thrives on the strength and diversity of its voluntary work: around 1.5 million people volunteer and thus make a decisive contribution to making our state strong and vibrant," explained Minister President Alexander Schweitzer during a visit to voluntary initiatives and projects in the Birkenfeld district. He was accompanied on his tour by District Administrator Miroslaw Kowalski and Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf. "With my volunteering trip, I not only want to express my gratitude and appreciation for this commitment, but also listen to the experiences of those involved, hear their needs and gain suggestions on how we can further develop the promotion of volunteering in a targeted manner. An open dialog at eye level is of central importance for this."
At the same time, Schweitzer emphasized the great democratic importance of volunteering: "Democracy is evident wherever people get involved, help shape things and take on responsibility. Our society and our democratic culture benefit directly from the commitment of our citizens. Their commitment strengthens social cohesion and makes our coexistence vibrant." At the same time, volunteering faces major challenges and needs stable structures and reliable framework conditions now more than ever. This is why the state government supports volunteering with a wide range of support, advice, networking and educational opportunities. "In particular, we provide targeted and effective impetus through the Volunteering and Civic Participation Center. It is a personal concern of mine to stand up for the interests of volunteers," emphasized the Minister President.
Minister President Alexander Schweitzer started his tour with a visit to the PRO Vollmersbach e. V. support association in the citizens' fitness room. He then met volunteers in Idar-Oberstein town park who play a key role in setting up and supporting the Nahbollenbach recreational area. The idea was born in a future workshop of the youth participation project "Jump-IO! - Jugend macht Politik für Idar-Oberstein" and was awarded the state's Youth Engagement Prize in 2019. "The participation of young people has been exemplary here. The fact that their ideas were heard and implemented makes this process a democratic showcase project. With the new city park, a modern and versatile leisure area has been created that impresses with its liveliness. It is a gain for the entire urban society," emphasized Minister President Alexander Schweitzer. Today, the area is used intensively by young people and school groups. With a skate park, beach volleyball court, small playing field, stage, inclusion swing, sports equipment and direct access to the banks of the Nahe, it offers a wide range of possibilities. The skater community is also actively involved and supports operations together with local socio-educational specialists.
After a detour to the organic energy village of Gimbweiler, the Minister President continued on to the "Musical Kids" at the Auf der Bein elementary school. For 23 years, they have been delighting audiences in the municipal theater with musicals that change every year - organized on a voluntary basis, regularly sold out and supported by great cross-generational commitment. Children, parents and senior citizens work together on stage, in the technical department and on the costumes. "The Musical Kids show impressively that acting not only inspires, but also has educational and social added value. Taking part strengthens the children's personal development, self-confidence and musical, creative and linguistic skills - and also promotes team spirit. This outstanding cultural and social project is an enrichment for Idar-Oberstein and far beyond," emphasized Minister President Alexander Schweitzer.
Finally, the Minister President visited the Environmental Campus Birkenfeld (UCB) to find out more about projects that combine research, teaching and commitment to sustainability. At the end of his honorary trip, he invited committed citizens from the Birkenfeld district to a public discussion at the UCB. "I don't just want to talk today, I want to listen. After all, voluntary work depends on people who lend a hand - and they deserve not only recognition but also support," emphasized the Minister President.
Minister President Alexander Schweitzer invited all citizens to the state-wide Volunteer Day on August 31, 2025 in Alzey. The Volunteer Day is the central event to say thank you to the 1.5 million volunteers in Rhineland-Palatinate. More than 60 organizations, projects and initiatives from all over the state will present themselves at the "Volunteer Marketplace" and provide insights into their valuable work. Visitors can look forward to encounters, exchanges and a varied program - a day on which volunteering can be experienced at first hand.