In the midst of a fast-paced world in which anonymity often sets the tone, people long for a place to meet, for an open ear. This is exactly where the "Offenes Ohr Offenbach" project comes in, initiated by five committed women who were trained as "Engagement-Lotsinnen" last year through a qualification program run by the state of Hesse. During their training, they were supported by the City of Offenbach's Volunteering Officer, Manuel Dieter, and the Offenbach Volunteer Center.
Over the course of four training weekends, the participants were able to hone their project management skills and gain an insight into the structures of volunteering at municipal level. A particularly important part of the training was the development of a project.
"During the training, we learned how to develop small projects in order to implement our ideas locally and strengthen local involvement," explains the group of new volunteer guides. "Motivated by the desire to make a difference in our own city, we developed a project in which we want to listen to other people without prejudice, openly and patiently. Through direct communication in various public spaces, we want to help overcome speechlessness and counteract isolation."
Since November, the project has already been carried out in the KOMM-Center in the city center, in the Roland-Passage in the Senefelder quarter and in the Ring-Center. "The response has been consistently positive and the action days have shown how great the need for encounters and exchanges is in our city. Many people are grateful to simply get their thoughts out, tell stories from their lives or talk to others about current issues," say the initiators happily.
Folding chairs invite you to linger
Further action days are already being planned. The group can be found approximately once a month at various locations in the city. They can be recognized by their colourful balloons and folding chairs, which invite people to take a seat. The dates are deliberately not published in order to preserve the spontaneous nature of the meetings.
Manuel Dieter, Volunteering Officer for the City of Offenbach, emphasizes the importance of such projects for the city's society: "The 'Offenbach Open Ear' is a great example of how civic engagement can help to strengthen the community and promote cohesion. At a time when it is so important to listen, it creates a space for exchange and contributes to a city community based on solidarity."
The group of volunteer guides is based at the Offenbach Volunteer Center, where they also work as volunteer advisors. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Offenbach Volunteer Center (phone: 069 82367039 or email infofzofde.
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