Future pact for volunteering must include young perspectives

The measures already adopted by the federal government include increasing the lump-sum allowance for exercise leaders to 3,300 euros and the lump-sum allowance for voluntary work to 960 euros, exempting non-profit organisations from the obligation to use funds promptly up to 100,000 euros and increasing the exemption limit for commercial business operations to 50,000 euros. Further steps - in particular to reduce bureaucratic burdens - have been announced.

The Bundesjugendring has already put forward its demands for strengthening youth volunteering as part of the volunteering strategy, among other things. Politically, these concerns must now finally be heard. There is a particular need to reduce bureaucracy and create a stronger culture of recognition. One example is the current practice of checking criminal records in accordance with Section 72a SGB VIII, which represents a disproportionate hurdle for many volunteers. A centralised query option at the Federal Central Register, which only concerns the exclusion from activities, could provide noticeable relief here - without weakening the protection mandate.

In the view of the Federal Youth Council, the tax improvements that have been agreed can only be a first step. Further measures must follow that actually facilitate and visibly recognise the commitment of young people. The Bundesjugendring will constructively support the further process and represent the interests of young civil society.