Submit proposals for the state award "Social Civic Engagement"

To recognize voluntary work in the social sector, the Hessian Ministry of Labour, Youth, Integration and Social Affairs will once again present the state award "Social Citizen Commitment" to committed individuals or groups from Hesse in 2025.

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 they deserve," says Schwenke.

The award is intended to honor people who have a special role model function due to their activities. This is because voluntary work is a central foundation for the community and an important condition for tolerant and peaceful coexistence.

Proposals can be submitted by institutions, associations, churches and initiatives and, in justified cases, also by individuals. The award recognizes outstanding and exemplary achievements by people, groups or initiatives that set new social impulses with creative ideas and inspire others to join in. We are also looking for projects that build bridges and connect people in the neighborhood, the city or beyond. Special recognition is given to initiatives that encourage children and young people to help others or support families and senior citizens to live as independently as possible and be there for each other. Projects that create sustainable local networks - whether for mutual help, support in special life situations or to promote social cohesion - can also be submitted.

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."

All suggestions are collected by the State Working Group of Volunteer Agencies in Hesse and form the basis for the jury's selection for the state award. The award winners receive prize money of 1,000 euros each for volunteer projects of their choice. The "Social Civic Engagement" state award will be presented on Friday, December 5, 2025, during a ceremony in Wiesbaden. Social Affairs Minister Heike Hofmann will present the awards. Up to five individuals and five groups will be honored with a sculpture.

The closing date for applications is September 12, 2025. 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 (opens in a new tab)

If you have any further questions about the award, the project office of the State Association of Volunteer Agencies will be happy to help at landesauszeichnunglagfa-hessende or by calling 0176 7661 7905.