"The AWO district association stands for a wide range of activities," Mike Stauder emphasized, adding that unfortunately we are often reduced to city recreation and the senior citizens' center. "Without our many volunteers, we would not be able to offer these services so comprehensively." The volunteer card is therefore a nice bonus for the volunteers.
On the one hand, the volunteer card is a visible symbol of this commitment, but on the other hand it is also associated with tangible benefits. Anyone who receives the card can take advantage of all the discounts offered by the participating municipalities throughout the country. "This is a small thank you for the tireless commitment of volunteers," emphasized Mayor Marx. After all, this is what makes a community worth living in.
Since 1 January 2016, the city of Idar-Oberstein has been participating in the state-wide volunteer card for Rhineland-Palatinate, which recognizes the extremely important civic engagement. It is both a symbol of public recognition and also offers tangible benefits. In Idar-Oberstein, this includes a 10 percent discount on tickets for the theater summer, a 20 percent discount on admission to the municipal swimming pools, a 50 percent discount on the purchase of a guest or family card and 20 percent and discounts at the dezibel dance and music school. Holders of the card can take advantage of the discounts not only in their home municipality, but in all participating municipalities in Rhineland-Palatinate. Across the state, 147 municipalities have currently signed the corresponding cooperation agreement.
The volunteer card can be obtained by anyone who has been volunteering for at least five hours a week or more than 250 hours a year for one year and does not receive any lump-sum financial compensation for this. It is valid for two years and can then be applied for again. There is also an anniversary volunteer card. This can be obtained by anyone who has volunteered for 25 years or more. The other requirements do not apply and it is valid for life.
- Further information on the volunteer card can be found on the website www.wir-tun-was.de or on the municipal website www.idar-oberstein.de.