Volunteer card and anniversary volunteer card Rhineland-Palatinate
Since January 1, 2016, the city of Idar-Oberstein has been participating in the state-wide volunteer card. It was launched by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate in 2014 and is a way of thanking people who show above-average voluntary commitment to society. In August 2018, the anniversary volunteer card was also introduced for those who have been volunteering for many years. The cards combine recognition and appreciation with monetary benefits. Holders can take advantage of all the benefits provided by the state, participating municipalities or private partners throughout the state.
The city of Idar-Oberstein grants the following benefits to holders of the volunteer card:
- 10 % discount on tickets for the Idar-Oberstein Theater Summer
- 20 % discount on admission to the municipal swimming pools
- 50 % discount on the purchase of a guest or family card
You can find out which local authorities and institutions across the state participate in the volunteer card and what discounts they and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate offer on the website http://www.wir-tun-was.de.
Who can receive the volunteer card?
The volunteer card can be awarded to anyone who is at least 14 years old, has been volunteering for an average of at least 5 hours per week or 250 hours per year for at least one year and does not receive any lump-sum financial compensation for this. No compensation in this sense is the reimbursement of expenses actually incurred for telephone, travel costs, etc. or the reimbursement of loss of earnings in accordance with the state law on strengthening voluntary work in youth work of October 5, 2001.
Voluntary work can also be carried out at different organizations or spread over individual time-intensive assignments with a total of 250 hours per year. The volunteer card is valid for 2 years and can be reapplied for after expiry.
In order to receive the anniversary volunteer card, you must have been a volunteer for at least 25 years. The other award criteria for the volunteer card do not apply. The commitment can be continuous in one organization or in different areas of activity. Long-term volunteers who are no longer able to volunteer due to their age or health situation can also receive the card.
This includes all forms of voluntary activities for the common good that are not geared towards material gain. This can take place in clubs, associations, churches, foundations, initiatives, voluntary services or self-help groups etc. and also includes forms of political participation. Mere membership or periods of availability are not counted.
How can you get the volunteer card?
The volunteer must complete the application form below. The club or organization must confirm the volunteer commitment and the amount of time spent on the form. Clubs and organizations have the option of submitting a collective application for several of their members. The anniversary volunteer card can be applied for either by the volunteer him/herself (application form) or by the organization(s) (proposal form). The application must then be sent to the Idar-Oberstein municipal administration, which will forward it to the Volunteering and Civic Participation Office in the State Chancellery after checking it. There, the volunteer card is issued and then sent to the city administration, which presents the card to the applicant.
Please send the completed form to
Idar-Oberstein City Council
Press and Public Relations
Georg-Maus-Straße 1
55743 Idar-Oberstein