Volunteering in Lower Austria: The invisible hero in difficult times!

Volunteering in Lower Austria: The invisible hero in difficult times!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - On December 5, 2024, the international day of volunteering will be celebrated, and in Lower Austria the selfless contribution is recognized by around 800,000 people in a variety of areas. These volunteers are involved in sports and leisure clubs, at emergency services, in the fire brigade and in church communities. Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister, state chairman of the Lower Austria, emphasizes how important this commitment is for society, especially after the recent flood disaster. "We thank these tireless helpers who make our country a place worth living in," she said. ots.at

Not only volunteer work is a central topic in this context, but also the challenges that rural regions face. According to a report on the life situation in rural areas, demographic movements show that many people move from the country to the city. This shift can endanger social cohesion. While mobility increases and new technologies could improve living conditions, there is also a risk of loneliness, especially for older people and people with limited mobility. A constant adaptation of the quality of life in rural areas through innovative approaches is indispensable in order to cope with challenges such as aging and social integration, the report continued. Community initiatives and a balanced distribution of resources are necessary to maintain the quality of life and at the same time to promote social cohesion.

volunteering and social innovation

The commitment of volunteers in Lower Austria enables numerous social services that can often only be maintained by volunteers. This is particularly important in rural areas, where volunteering covers many basic needs of community life. At the same time, digital transformation and the development of new social structures requires creative solutions to counter the social challenges caused by population transformation and economic changes. The promotion of integration and equal treatment is also crucial to ensure a stable and fair coexistence.