2024-09-09 08:25:48
Just before the national elections, non-profit organizations in Austria have presented their list of demands. Representatives of the approximately 3,000 organizations called for more involvement in political negotiations at a press conference on Monday – and not for the first time. Funding should also become more secure and efficient. Future social policy must also be more decisive and cross-party.
The list of demands of the Alliance for Nonprofit Organizations with its five umbrella organizations comprises a total of twelve chapters. The areas covered are social affairs and care, rescue services, nature and environmental protection, culture, human rights and education. The most important demands of the new federal government include strengthening the nonprofit sector, better involvement of civil society, care reform and a climate and nature conservation offensive.
“We need at least a six-week review period for laws,” demanded Anne Schlack, chairwoman of the Alliance for Nonprofit Organizations, at a hearing of the major umbrella organizations with representatives of the parliamentary parties, who were also present at the press conference. In view of the “increasing proliferation” of funding guidelines, Peter Kaiser of the Red Cross called for a uniform approach, ideally by a central body.
The next government must also ensure that effective, nationwide aid instruments are created for the non-profit sector and voluntary organizations in the event of major crises in the future – as was the case with the corona pandemic, said Yvonne Hochsteiner, Managing Director of the Austrian Social Economy. Diakonie Director Maria Katharina Moser, in turn, called for better framework conditions in care.
Volker Hollenstein, political director at WWF, emphasized the importance of a climate and nature conservation offensive, referring to the record temperatures of this summer. He called for a “strong climate protection law,” a billion for biodiversity, a soil protection package, and a building renovation offensive. A fund for promoting digitization is also necessary, as non-profit organizations currently have no access to these instruments.
All political guests present expressed their commitment to non-profit work. Andreas Hanger from the ÖVP, for example, emphasized the importance of volunteer work. The current government has already made a lot of progress in this regard. Sigrid Maurer from the coalition partner Greens also thanked everyone for the good cooperation during the corona crisis. “The non-profit organizations and also the NGOs are independent and that is how they should be,” she noted.
Julia Herr from the SPÖ also confirmed how important the cooperation with non-profit organizations had been during the crisis. Many of the demands from the catalogue are already in her party’s election manifesto. For Christian Ragger, the Freedom Party’s member, there is a need for regional, national and Europe-wide protection for non-profit organizations. Stephanie Krisper from the NEOS, in turn, supported the demand for better cooperation between parliament and organizations.
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Table of Contents
- 1 Austria elections[1]Non-Profit Organizations in Austria: Demands for Change Ahead of National Elections[2]As Austria prepares for its national elections, non-profit organizations in the country have presented their list of demands to the government. Representatives of approximately 3,000 organizations are calling for more involvement in political negotiations, secure and efficient funding, and a more decisive and cross-party social policy.[3]The Alliance for Nonprofit Organizations, comprising five umbrella organizations, has outlined a comprehensive list of demands across 12 chapters, covering social affairs and care, rescue services, nature and environmental protection, culture, human rights, and education. The most pressing demands include strengthening the non-profit sector, better civil society involvement, care reform, and a climate and nature conservation offensive.
Key Demands from Non-Profit Organizations in Austria
Strengthening the Non-Profit Sector: Non-profit organizations are seeking a more secure and efficient funding system, with a uniform approach to funding guidelines.
Better Civil Society Involvement: Representatives are calling for a minimum six-week review period for laws, ensuring that non-profit organizations have a greater say in political negotiations.
Care Reform: Diakonie Director Maria Katharina Moser is demanding better framework conditions in care, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to social care.
Climate and Nature Conservation Offensive: Volker Hollenstein, political director at WWF, is calling for a “strong climate protection law,” a billion for biodiversity, a soil protection package, and a building renovation offensive.
Digitalization Fund: Non-profit organizations are seeking access to digitization instruments, currently unavailable to them.Response from Political Parties
Political guests present at the press conference, including Andreas Hanger from the ÖVP and Sigrid Maurer from the Greens, expressed their commitment to non-profit work. They acknowledged the importance of volunteer work and the role of non-profit organizations in addressing social and environmental issues.
Austria’s Non-Profit Sector: A Overview
Austria is home to a vibrant non-profit sector, with organizations like the American Austrian Foundation[[[[[[[[
]and the International Rafting Federation[[[[[[[[
- 2 Current political issues in Austria
]operating in the country. According to Lusha, there are over 102 non-profit organizations in Austria[[[[[[[[
].
As the national elections approach, the non-profit sector is set to play a crucial role in shaping Austria’s social and environmental landscape. By understanding the demands and concerns of non-profit organizations, the government can work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable society.
Conclusion
The demands presented by non-profit organizations in Austria are a clarion call for change. By addressing these concerns, the government can strengthen the non-profit sector, promote civil society involvement, and drive social and environmental reform. As Austria looks to the future, it is essential to prioritize the needs of its non-profit organizations, ensuring a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow for all.
Current political issues in Austria
Non-Profit Organizations in Austria: Demands for Change Ahead of National Elections
As Austria prepares for its national elections, non-profit organizations in the country have presented their list of demands to the government. Representatives of approximately 3,000 organizations are calling for more involvement in political negotiations, secure and efficient funding, and a more decisive and cross-party social policy.
The Alliance for Nonprofit Organizations, comprising five umbrella organizations, has outlined a comprehensive list of demands across 12 chapters, covering social affairs and care, rescue services, nature and environmental protection, culture, human rights, and education. The most pressing demands include strengthening the non-profit sector, better civil society involvement, care reform, and a climate and nature conservation offensive.
Key Demands from Non-Profit Organizations in Austria
- Strengthening the Non-Profit Sector: Non-profit organizations are seeking a more secure and efficient funding system, with a uniform approach to funding guidelines.
- Better Civil Society Involvement: Representatives are calling for a minimum six-week review period for laws, ensuring that non-profit organizations have a greater say in political negotiations.
- Care Reform: Diakonie Director Maria Katharina Moser is demanding better framework conditions in care, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to social care.
- Climate and Nature Conservation Offensive: Volker Hollenstein, political director at WWF, is calling for a “strong climate
