The Corona crisis is currently turning many things in our lives upside down. For example, the work of many associations has changed. Previously well-established forms of social and charitable support are no longer possible. Sport, culture and youth work have either come to a standstill or take place under restricted conditions. Many older volunteers have ended their commitment, not least because they belong to risk groups.

Yet the European idea of volunteering is alive and well! People actively live out their citizenship in voluntary engagement. It is in civil society that democracy comes into being, where personalities develop, and European values such as solidarity and non-discrimination are reflected in concrete terms. Volunteering is indispensable for our European identity.

The Corona measures have caused serious and long-lasting damage in this vital field. Isolation, closures and compartmentalisation have destroyed voluntary structures. Young people, in particular, have suffered from these political decisions. Politics have abandoned volunteering.

At the same time, it is interesting that there has been a shift from organised to individual and informal volunteering during the crisis, especially in neighbourly relationships. This gives me hope because people want to help and stand by each other. They want to contribute to the community, show civil courage and solidarity. “Social distancing” does not mean social alienation, quite the opposite.

Two current examples: On the future of Europe, I organise citizens’ conferences where people can contribute their ideas and suggestions; the response was overwhelming. Or: Recently, in my constituency in Bavaria, more than 3,000 people could be vaccinated in a single day, which could not have been done without the help of volunteers.

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