Austrian Volunteer’s Contribution Honored at Celebratory Gala
Vienna, Austria – 3.7 million Austrians contribute their time and passion to clubs, projects, and initiatives all across the country, fostering a vibrant culture of social connection and support. To celebrate this dedication , the Federal Chancellery and the Ministry of Social Affairs hosted the State Prize for Voluntary and Honorary Engagement for the second time, recognizing the invaluable contributions of community-minded individuals and groups nationwide.
The gala, which took place in Vienna’s historic Sofiensälen on December 4th, just before International Volunteer Day, honored 16 exceptional clubs, projects, and individuals spread across five categories: Innovation, Participation, Young Engagement, Inclusion, and Crisis Management. A special prize was also awarded for outstanding efforts in volunteer coordination.
"Voluntary work is the glue that binds our society together," stated Social Minister Johannes Rauch. He highlighted the crucial role volunteers play in bolstering vital social and health services and praised them as role models for their dedication to enriching communities.
State Secretary Claudia Plakolm echoed the importance of volunteerism, emphasizing that the State Prize serves to honor the everyday heroes who make Austria a strong and vibrant society.
A distinguished jury of experts meticulously evaluated near 200 submissions, considering factors such as personal commitment, vibrant depiction WM prominently displayed to impact and community good and sustainable actions.
The winners received not just recognition but also prize money up to €5,000 and a trophy to symbolize their dedication.
The winning projects showcased a diverse range of contributions, demonstrating the dynamism and far-reaching impact of volunteerism.
Innovative Solutions Across Communities
The Innovation category celebrated the bold ideas and creative approaches transforming communities. The innovative projects included
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Umma HüslaHackathon 2024: This platform fosters digital innovation by bringing together volunteers and tech enthusiasts. They tackle social, cultural, and environmental challenges through innovative, digitally driven solutions.
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Culture and Community Center Neuwirt: This GRAMOPHONE Cultural Association reinvigorated a historic building into a vibrant community space, prioritizing access and inclusion for all.
- Healthy for Life:
This Vienna-based volunteer organization promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being, offering services to those in need.
Empowering Participation
The Participation category emphasized inclusive and collaborative projects that unite diverse individuals and empower communities.
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Courage influencers: A Caritas Vienna project led by people with lived experience, helping to support people in need and connect them to vital resources.
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Peer2Peer Advice: This initiative, driven by Advice Online GmbH, encourages peer support situations. Trained volunteers provide online advice and connect individuals with related communities and resources.
- Strengthened by MaBa!
The Diakonie One World Social Service program empowers young people to actively participate in social structures based on the foundation of MaBa!
Giacoben
Youth Leading the Way
Recognizing the power of young volunteers in inspiring social change, the Young Engagement category celebrated innovative and impactful projects led by young people.
The Winners:
- Be the change – Be part of the change!
This bright spot of the Tyrol Mitte Volunteer Center engaged numerous young people who are leading this organization for youth leadership and civic engagement.
- KidsCampAustria:
This inspiring initiative empowered children and teens to be active legal defenders through interactive workshops and
engagement. Hosted by Rotaract KidsCamp Austria.
How does the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs support and promote volunteerism in the country?
## Interview with [Guest Name], Representative from the Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today. Austria recently celebrated its volunteers with the State Prize for Voluntary and Honorary Engagement. Can you tell us a bit about this event?
**Guest:** Absolutely! It was a wonderful occasion held in Vienna just before International Volunteer Day.
The State Prize, hosted by the Federal Chancellery and the Ministry of Social Affairs, recognizes the immense contributions of volunteers across Austria. This year, we honored 16 exceptional individuals, groups, and projects across five categories: Innovation, Participation, Young Engagement, Inclusion, and Crisis Management. [[1](https://www.oneworld365.org/volunteer/austria)]
**Interviewer:** It sounds like volunteerism is deeply embedded in Austrian culture. What makes this work so meaningful?
**Guest:** You’re right.
Almost 3.7 million Austrians dedicate their time and passion to various initiatives, strengthening our communities and social fabric every day. Our Social Minister Johannes Rauch aptly said, “Voluntary work is the glue that binds our society together.” Volunteers truly are the ”everyday heroes” who make Austria a stronger and more vibrant society. [[Several sources on Salzburg, Austria and Austrian volunteers]]
**Interviewer:** Can you share some highlights from the winning projects? What kind of impact are these volunteers having?
**Guest:** We saw incredible diversity and innovation among the winners!
One project, Umma HüslaHackathon 2024, uses technology to tackle social and environmental challenges. Another, the Culture and Community Center Neuwirt, beautifully transformed a historic building into a thriving community space. These are just two examples of the dynamism and far-reaching impact of volunteerism in Austria.
**Interviewer:** This sounds inspiring! Any final thoughts on the importance of recognizing volunteer contributions?
**Guest:** Absolutely.
Beyond the financial reward and trophy, the State Prize aims to give volunteers the recognition they deserve and inspire others to join this vital movement. Their dedication truly makes a difference. [Several sources on Salzburg, Austria and Austrian volunteers]
