New format invites associations to a board meeting in the town hall

The City of Offenbach is launching a new service to promote civic engagement. In future, Offenbach associations, voluntary organizations and initiatives will be able to hold their board meetings in a new format in the town hall in the company of the volunteering officer. Every two months, a meeting room will be made available for an association that would like to take advantage of this offer. Interested board members can apply for one of the dates in advance.

"Our associations make an invaluable contribution to cohesion and quality of life in Offenbach. With this invitation to the town hall, we would like to express our appreciation for this commitment and offer the associations a professional environment for their important work. It is important to me and my team to understand the needs of volunteers well and to continue to actively promote the exchange between the city administration and civil society. Many volunteers invest their free time in organizing projects, events or activities. For this, they deserve not only thanks, but also concrete support," says Lord Mayor Dr. Felix Schwenke, explaining why this offer is now being tested to see whether it is accepted by citizens who are committed to volunteering.

The opportunity to hold a board meeting in the town hall is aimed at committed groups in Offenbach - from traditional associations to voluntary initiatives from the city of Offenbach. The meetings can take place on a weekday between 3 pm and 9 pm. A room with a large screen (smartboard), a flipchart, a pin board, a presentation case, Wi-Fi and drinks are available for this purpose. The meeting room is barrier-free.

Each meeting is accompanied by the city's volunteering officer, Manuel Dieter, who would like to have a direct exchange with the association representatives, thereby gaining insights into their current topics and being available to answer questions. Political or party-political topics are excluded. The focus is on internal association matters and the exchange of ideas to promote civic engagement. All meeting contents are treated confidentially. Naturally, the associations have sufficient time for internal discussions without being accompanied by the city administration.

Interested association board members can apply for a board meeting at the town hall using an online form at www.offenbach.de/vorstandssitzung. All available months until the end of 2026 can initially be viewed there. Desired weekdays can be specified in the application. After reviewing the applications received, the dates will be allocated in the order in which they are received. The exact dates will be arranged individually with the volunteer representative after a successful application. Expressions of interest from the political sector and from commercial providers are excluded. Depending on demand, a decision will be made on whether to continue the format on a permanent basis.

Manuel Dieter is looking forward to the initiative: "I am very much looking forward to receiving numerous applications and direct contact with the boards of our Offenbach clubs. This new opportunity offers an excellent chance for mutual exchange and to strengthen our voluntary work. For example, we can also support associations that often do not have their own premises for their board meetings. At the same time, we as the city administration gain important insights into the current challenges and topics of the associations. This creates a better understanding of each other - and, in the best case, new solutions."

Manuel Dieter is also available for direct discussions outside of this format and is happy to take part in an association event or meeting on request, subject to availability. Mr. Dieter can be contacted by telephone on 069-8065 2624 or by email at manuel.dieteroffenbachde.