Hermann Gröhe, the President of the German Red Cross, is calling for a doubling of the stipends provided to young people who complete a voluntary social year (FSJ). He stated in an interview with “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that this increase is necessary, particularly given how financially attractive military service currently is, and is required to ensure enough volunteers are recruited.
According to Gröhe, the current stipend of around 400 euros for voluntary service is too low and prevents not all young people from affording such service to the community. He proposes that this stipend should at least match the maximum rate of BAföG, which is approximately 990 euros. Additionally, a Deutschlandticket (national transport pass) should be included. Although this total would still be well below the military salary of 2,600 euros, Gröhe argues that it would significantly improve the opportunities for young people, even those from financially struggling families, to undertake voluntary service.
Beyond financial compensation, the DRK President highlighted the need for statutory rights for volunteer helpers within the Red Cross to receive paid leave from their employers. He noted that the organization has seen a welcome increase in helpers, with over one in three being under the age of 30, and stressed that these volunteers truly deserved this support.
However, he points out a disparity: unlike organizations such as the fire brigade or the THW, there is no universally regulated right to release time for training in recognized aid organizations. He deemed this situation unfair and calls for change, especially considering the level of service these individuals provide. He concluded that constant effort will be needed to attract and retain people in volunteer roles. The German Red Cross currently relies on 470,000 volunteers.
