- The Voluntary Service Organizations' Financial Security Worry the Social Association
The Paritarian Welfare Association in Saxony expresses concerns that proposed budget reductions at the federal level could dismantle infrastructure supporting volunteer work. As reported by Paritarian Volunteer Services Saxony gGmbH, around 670 volunteer positions in Saxony may lose funding starting next year. Despite this, there's a sufficient pool of both young and older individuals eager to perform such services.
The federal budget proposal entails nationwide cuts amounting to 40 million euros. These reductions impact both the Voluntary Social and Ecological Year (FSJ and FOJ) and the Federal Voluntary Service. The associations argue that this funding is crucial, as rising costs have already made it challenging to uphold the standards of these services.
As per the association's data, an impressive 5,573 individuals undertook a voluntary service during the 2023/24 cohort. They were assigned to various sectors, including hospitals, daycares, schools, sports clubs, and organizations providing aid for individuals with disabilities and refugees, amongst others.
The federal Joint Committee needs to reconsider the proposed budget reductions, as they threaten to dismantle crucial infrastructure supporting voluntary services, including those provided by the Paritarian Welfare Association in Saxony. The Joint Committee should take into account the concerns raised by the associations, such as the potential impacts on the Voluntary Social and Ecological Year (FSJ and FOJ) and the Federal Voluntary Service, which are heavily reliant on their funding.
