Show appreciation
Volunteering needs recognition. Those who volunteer give their time, skills and passion – without pay, yet priceless.
In Stuttgart, a vibrant culture of recognition is fostered. Recognition takes the form of awards, benefits, certificates, qualifications and public visibility. These demonstrate that this indispensable commitment is noticed and valued.
Why recognition is important
Recognition motivates, highlights commitment and strengthens personal bonds. It makes people feel that ‘my time is being put to good use’. A culture of recognition in practice helps to attract committed volunteers, retain them in the long term and recognise the diversity of voluntary work.
Volunteer Card
Committed citizens make a valuable contribution to community life in Stuttgart. The state-wide Volunteer Card recognises and supports voluntary work. As a token of recognition and appreciation, it offers volunteers attractive discounts and benefits at numerous cultural, sporting and educational institutions throughout Baden-Württemberg.
Forms of recognition in volunteering
Honours are a visible form of recognition and pay tribute to exceptional commitment in Stuttgart and beyond.
Honorary Badge of the State Capital of Stuttgart
The Honorary Badge is the highest honour awarded by the State Capital of Stuttgart for outstanding voluntary work. It recognises people who have shown exceptional commitment to the common good over many years. The Medal of Honour is presented annually by the Lord Mayor at the Citizens’ Reception. The decision on who receives the award is made by the City Council.
Honorary Coin of the State Capital of Stuttgart
The Honorary Coin recognises exceptional commitment within the city districts and the local community. It is awarded to people who, with great dedication, champion the interests of others, support projects or foster a sense of community at a local level. And: Good ideas are very much welcome – any citizen can nominate committed individuals for the Medal of Honour. Up to three Medals of Honour are awarded annually per city district.
Stuttgart Citizens’ Award
Every two years, the Stuttgart Citizens’ Award, organised by the Stuttgart Community Foundation, honours, raises the profile of and connects the large and diverse community of volunteers in Stuttgart. The prize money is provided by Stuttgart-based companies and foundations and amounts to several thousand euros per winner.
Stuttgart Citizen of the Year
The Stuttgarter Zeitung, the Stuttgarter Nachrichten and Volksbank Stuttgart recognise social commitment with the ‘Stuttgart Citizen of the Year’ volunteer award. Every year, three volunteering awards, as well as a special jury prize and a school pupils’ prize, are presented for voluntary social commitment.
Certificates and qualifications demonstrate commitment. They support personal and professional development and provide evidence of skills. This can be helpful, for example, when applying for jobs, undertaking training or studying.
Public visibility is an important form of recognition. When people’s commitment is highlighted, those involved feel valued. At the same time, real-life examples can motivate others to get involved.
- Articles on social media, in newsletters, in the press and on websites
- Dedicated formats and reports on volunteering
- Campaigns and projects that raise the profile of places and initiatives where people get involved
More on public relations
Companies and organisations can also recognise and support volunteering. They can create opportunities, facilitate shared experiences or highlight their staff’s voluntary work.
- Time off for employees to undertake voluntary work
- Social Days to combine volunteering with team building
- Partnerships with initiatives or organisations
- Internal communication about employees’ volunteering
Recognition within organisations
Recognition isn’t just about awards or official gestures. Organisations and initiatives can also do a great deal to ensure that committed individuals feel seen and valued.
Even small gestures, joint events or public visibility can show that your commitment matters.
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