Proposals for the state award for "Social Civic Engagement" can be submitted

To recognize voluntary work in the social sector, the Hessian Ministry of Labour, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs will once again present the state award "Social Citizen Commitment" to committed individuals or groups from Hesse in 2026.

Lord Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke is calling for particularly deserving groups or citizens to be nominated for the award. "In many areas of our society, people benefit from voluntary work in our city. By volunteering in the social sector, you help other people in a very concrete way in their everyday lives. Recognizing volunteer work can give those involved the expression of thanks and recognition that they deserve. I would be delighted if suggestions from and for people in our society were submitted again this year," says Schwenke.

Suggestions can be submitted via an online form by September 11 at the latest. Institutions, associations, church institutions and religious communities as well as private individuals are eligible to make suggestions. Self-proposals are excluded. In addition, the nominated persons or groups must not belong to the nominator's immediate family. As a rule, the commitment should have been exercised for at least two years and should not have been recognized at state or national level in the past ten years.

The focus is on voluntary work in the social sector that supports people in special circumstances, promotes participation and strengthens self-help. We are looking for outstanding and exemplary achievements that provide new social impetus, inspire others to get involved, build bridges or create sustainable networks. These include initiatives for children and young people, families, senior citizens or people who are dependent on support. Other areas of commitment such as the preservation of customs, art and culture, monument protection, environmental protection or sport as well as outstanding professional achievements in the social field cannot be considered.

City Treasurer and Head of Social Affairs Martin Wilhelm explains the value of social commitment: "This selflessness and the assumption of responsibility in the various areas of activity are the core of social commitment and social welfare. The main aim is to support disadvantaged or needy people at various levels such as education, health, life, housing and work and to improve their quality of life. The volunteers are motivated to do something meaningful. They want to make a difference and they are enthusiastic and satisfied when a result is visible and recognized."

At the end of the nomination phase, an expert jury will select the winners. The awards will be presented on Friday, December 4, at the Hessian Ministry of Labor, Integration, Youth and Social Affairs by Minister of State Heike Hofmann. Up to five individuals and five groups will be personally honored during the ceremony. The award winners will receive a donation of 1,000 euros, which they can dedicate to a charitable project of their choice in Hesse.

Further information on the state award can be found at: www.soziales.hessen.de/preise-und-ehrungen/soziales-buergerengagement. (opens in a new tab)

You can go directly to the online form for submitting proposals at: www.soziales.hessen.de/landesauszeichnung-soziales-buergerengagement-2026 (opens in a new tab)

If you have any further questions about the award, the State Association of Volunteer Agencies in Hesse will be happy to help by telephone on 069 823 67 233 or by e-mail at landesauszeichnunglagfa-hessende