The President of the German Red Cross (DRK), Gerda Hasselfeldt, has voiced concerns regarding the current financial support provided to participants in the Federal Volunteer Service (BFD) and the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) programs.
Speaking to newspapers within the Funke-Mediengruppe, Hasselfeldt emphasized the need to bolster these crucial volunteer initiatives, particularly given discussions surrounding the potential introduction of compulsory service, which she noted would present “legal, structural and financial hurdles”. She argued that the current levels of financial assistance – ranging from €150 to €300 per month – render these services “not particularly attractive” and disproportionately accessible to individuals from financially secure households.
Hasselfeldt proposed aligning the allowance rates with the existing BAföG student financial aid system to significantly enhance the attractiveness of the programs. She further suggested additional incentives, such as the inclusion of a Deutschlandticket (national public transport ticket) and standardized nationwide recognition criteria, ensuring that completed services are universally acknowledged for potential academic credit.
The DRK President’s call for enhanced volunteer support comes amid ongoing reforms of the voluntary defense service, spearheaded by Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Hasselfeldt urged that any communication directed towards 18-year-olds include a specific mention of voluntary service options.
Highlighting the value of these programs for both individual development and societal benefit, Hasselfeldt stressed that these initiatives frequently inspire participants to pursue careers in the social sector, facilitate personal growth and often lead to continued voluntary engagement.
