Our society functions well in many areas thanks to the dedication of over 1.7 million citizens who volunteer their time without pay. By working, for instance, with the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) or the voluntary fire brigades, these people play a crucial role in maintaining the fabric of our society. Their contribution to civil protection is invaluable.

Today’s stop on the 2024 Security Tour focused on the theme of volunteering. Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser visited the DLRG water rescue service, the fire brigades and the THW in Rostock, before moving on to Neustrelitz to get a first-hand impression of how the DSEE works.

Helping in case of fires, swimming accidents or floods

Whether it is flooding, severe weather, fire or water emergencies – seamless cooperation between all stakeholders is essential, including between federal and state authorities, professionals and volunteers.

Livesaving and swimming instruction – DLRG volunteers

That was the subject discussed by the interior minister and DLRG volunteers during a boat trip around the port. Throughout the summer, the DLRG is on constant alert at beaches and swimming pools. As a water rescue organisation, the DLRG ensures the safety of people in, on and close to the water. In 2023, the association had 600,000 members and saved over 1,000 lives. In Rostock alone, some 300 paying members volunteer their time to provide water rescue and swimming instruction.

Fire protection and rescue services – professional and volunteer firefighters

Fire brigades are responsible for day-to-day fire protection. The professional and voluntary fire brigades help each other, if necessary, as the situation demands. In Rostock, the fire brigades are based at seven fire stations and three emergency stations. Last year, these stations carried out some 480 firefighting operations, 2,000 assistance operations and assisted with 47,500 operations by the public emergency medical services.

The Rostock fire brigade also introduced Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser to the pilot project on a protection and prevention network for volunteers (Schutz- und Präventionsnetzwerk für das Ehrenamt). This project, carried out by the DSEE together with five umbrella organisations, aims to implement targeted measures to protect volunteers who face threats or assaults.

Threat prevention and power supply – volunteers at the THW

With its 88,000 volunteers, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is another key component of federal civil protection efforts. Minister Faeser visited the local THW section in Rostock to get an overview of its various operational capabilities. As one of the local threat prevention services, the Rostock local section is specialised in water hazards and power supply. The local section’s 120 volunteers have collectively contributed over 1,600 hours of service.

The minister thanked them and stressed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting volunteering within its mandate.

Supporting volunteers throughout Germany

By establishing the German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteering (DSEE) and continually expanding its activities, the Federal Government has provided volunteers with a strong and reliable partner. As the first national contact point, the foundation promotes and supports civic engagement and volunteering, thereby making a key contribution to strengthening democracy and social solidarity. The DSEE offers numerous programmes with good funding opportunities as well as individual and practical advice and training for volunteers. In this way, it strengthens civic engagement particularly in structurally weak and rural areas.

Recently, the DSEE’s Volunteer Academy trained some 2,700 volunteers during the UEFA men’s European Football Championship, fostering a new generation of volunteers whose service will extend beyond that single footballing event.

As a key recommendation of the Commission on Equivalent Living Conditions, the DSEE was established on 2 April 2020 by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and the Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture.