VOLUNTEERING IN AUSTRIA - What do volunteers do? How do volunteers and society benefit from this? How does the Ministry of Social Affairs support ...
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VOLUNTEERING IN AUSTRIA What do volunteers do? How do volunteers and society benefit from this? How does the Ministry of Social Affairs support voluntary engagement?
© Michael Holzer, Ministry of Social Affairs
LIST OF CONTENTS
Foreword3
What Volunteers do in Austria 5
Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off 10
How the Ministry of Social Affairs supports voluntary engagement 20
Foreword
FOREWORD
Volunteering in Austria enjoys privileged status. A total
of 46 % of the Austrian population over the age of 15 – a
considerable proportion – carries out some form of un-
paid voluntary activity and thus makes an indispensable
© S. Reich
contribution to social cohesion and to our high quality
of life. Alongside a successful employment policy and
an effective welfare state, volunteering is an essential
element of our social model.
In recent years, measures have been taken at a wide
range of levels and in a wide range of fields in order to
support and promote this voluntary unpaid engage-
ment. These measures serve to continuously improve
the framework conditions for the realisation of this
engagement. In the form of the Federal Act on the
Promotion of Volunteer Commitment (Volunteers’ Act),
for the first time a legal framework was also created to
support these important and valuable efforts for the
benefit of society.
This brochure is intended to provide a compact over-
view of the value, the significance and the diversity of
volunteering in Austria.
3
Foreword It shows that there are a wide range of motives for people to become active. For the individual involved, volunteering can not only represent an interest- ing change from professional or occupational obligations or training, but also constitute a good opportunity to acquire new skills, to develop own strengths, to take on responsibility, or to remain active throughout life. With a clear strategy, innovative projects, and above all with intelligent cooperation, we want to safeguard and guarantee the future basis and conditions for volunteering in Austria. This is an important contribution towards ensuring that the social quality of life in our country continues to be high. And that is why I would like to offer my warmest thanks to all Volunteers in Austria. With best wishes Alois Stöger 4
What Volunteers do in Austria
WHAT VOLUNTEERS DO IN AUSTRIA
A long tradition there are around 2.3 million people
Volunteer and honorary services can who are active voluntarily. About
look back on a long and great tradi- 2.3 million people are active in the
tion in Austria. The commitment to field of neighbourhood assistance. In
such activity is deeply rooted in wide comparison to 2012 there are actually
sections of the population. Austria 150,000 more people carrying out
owes its high quality of life not least voluntary work today. This means
to volunteers working in the areas of that voluntary engagement provides
welfare, health, culture and sports, added value for our society – but it
disaster relief as well as rescue and does not replace paid work.
ambulance services.
Great efforts
A strong commitment The amount of time invested in
A total of 46 percent of the population voluntary engagement is consider-
over the age of 15 carries out volun- able: the majority of those involved
tary activity – a tremendously high in voluntary work are active for up
figure. That means there are more to 30 days a year. The majority of
than 3.5 million people in Austria volunteers carry out these activities
engaged in voluntary activities. regularly, and many are active – often
In organizations and associations additionally – in temporary projects.
[
Volunteering not only offers an opportunity to contribute one’s experience and skills
in a useful way, but also represents a chance to acquire new competences, to develop
one’s own strengths and to take on responsibility.
5What Volunteers do in Austria
KNOWLEDGE:
What defines volunteer work or voluntary engagement?
One can differentiate between two forms of voluntary work or volun-
tary engagement:
■■ Formal voluntary work and/or honorary positions:
This refers to unpaid services rendered in organizations and associa-
tions (e.g. a voluntary fire brigade, emergency services, social welfare
institutions, sports clubs, cultural clubs or societies, environmental
groups etc.).
■■ Informal voluntary work and/or neighbourhood assistance
This is also unpaid but takes place in private settings outside one‘s
own household. It includes things like running errands, providing help
with housework or gardening, personal assistance etc.
What motivates Austrian volunteers
A wide range of motives and making a useful contribution to
Austrian volunteers do a lot. And they the community (82 percent each),
do it for a wide variety of reasons. The getting into contact with people and
most important motives for voluntary contributing one’s own abilities and
engagement are: helping other people knowledge (74 percent each), remain-
(90 percent), enjoying the commitment ing active in later years (71 percent),
6What Volunteers do in Austria
committing oneself to an important (64 percent). The variety of motives
cause (68 percent), learning something are reflected in a multi-faceted and
new (65 percent), or benefiting oneself diverse volunteer culture.
Figure 1: Reasons for voluntary engagement (in %)
I want to contribute something
44 38 10 6 4
useful to the community
I would like to help others in this way 60 30 6 23
It increases my experience of life 31 36 14 14 4
It helps me in my job 9 14 16 56 4
I can contribute my abilities
35 39 11 11 3
and knowledge
I meet people and make friends 35 39 12 11 3
It gives me social recognition 23 32 21 20 4
It helps me to stay active 33 38 12 13 3
I enjoy it 44 38 10 5 3
It gives me the opportunity to
31 41 12 11 4
share my experience
It gives me the opportunity 30 35 14 17 4
to learn something new
I hope that the work will help me
7 9 12 68 5
to find a paid job
I do voluntary work because I’d like
26 32 17 21 5
people to help me too when I need it
Commiting oneself to an important cause 32 36 15 13 4
Is useful for me
25 39 18 13 4
Is absolutely true
Is largely true
0 20 40 60 80 100
Is not true at all
Is not really true Don´t know/no
Source: IFES - Institute for Empirical Social Research, 2016
7What Volunteers do in Austria
„ I do voluntary work because I enjoy helping others, making a
contribution towards society and at the same time remaining fit and active.”
“
Markus W.
For all generations proportion of volunteers is 43 percent.
Voluntary engagement is attractive The most active are 50-69 year olds
for all age groups. Everyone can (57 percent). Even in the age group
make a contribution. That is why of those over 80, more than a quarter
participation levels are high in all age are committed to voluntary activities.
groups. Among 15-29 year olds, the
© istockphoto.com/bmask
8What Volunteers do in Austria
Figure 2: Participation rates according to age
15-29 years 43
30-39 years 46
40-49 years 47
TOTAL 50-59 years 50
60-69 years 57
70-79 years 43
over 80 years 25
15-29 years 28
30-39 years 29
40-49 years 33
FORMAL 50-59 years 32
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT 60-69 years 38
70-79 years 31
over 80 years 15
15-29 years 28
30-39 years 32
40-49 years 28
INFORMAL 50-59 years 33
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT 60-69 years 40
70-79 years 28
over 80 years 16
0 20 40 60 80 100
Source: IFES - Institute for Empirical Social Research, 2016
[
Voluntary engagement is not only attractive for all age groups – it also contributes
towards solidarity between the generations and thus leads to a better mutual under-
standing and social cohesion.
9Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
KNOWLEDGE:
Where are people involved most
The largest proportion of volunteers are active in sports clubs and as-
sociations (approx. 588,000 persons). This is followed by disaster relief
and emergency services (approx. 515,000), the arts and culture and lei-
sure (approx. 440,000) and the social and health care sectors (approx.
367,000). Between three and four percent of the population, in other
words 294,000 and 220,000 respectively, carry out voluntary activities
in the environmental and church sectors as well in education and pol-
itics or in interest groups. Around 2% (147,000 each) are involved in
supporting refugees or local community activities.
WHY VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT PAYS OFF
New perspectives competences, to develop one’s own
Voluntary engagement is not only strengths, or to take on responsibility.
of great benefit to society, but also That opens up new perspectives for
to those individuals who do it. It’s many people.
worth becoming part of the Austrian
volunteers’ family. Voluntary work is More opportunities
not only an interesting change from Research shows that in voluntary
your usual work or training, but also work, abilities such as rhetorical skills,
an exciting chance to acquire new organisational talent, the ability to
10Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
work in a team or leadership qualities Voluntary engagement can lead to
are trained. Numerous companies take new social contacts, promote an
voluntary engagement into account active social life and increase one’s
when considering job applications. quality of life in general. Studies
For younger people, voluntary work have established a close connection
therefore also improves their personal between voluntary work and health.
chances in the labour market and Voluntary engagement can have a
their career opportunities. positive effect on health, well-being
and one’s self-esteem. People who
Staying active and fit do voluntary work are simply making
For older people, voluntary work more of their lives.
is an opportunity to remain active
and fit.
! INFO:
What speaks against voluntary engagement
People who have not done any voluntary work until now frequently ex-
plain this by saying that they have not been asked yet, or that there
was no requirement for it in their personal surroundings. Another ma-
jor reason is their lack of time, for example due to their obligations to-
wards their families. A lack of information also plays an important role:
just under four out of ten people surveyed stated that they know too
little about the existing opportunities to carry out voluntary work.
11Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
Figure 3: Reasons not to do voluntary work
I have never been asked 37 27 9 20 6
I never thought about it 34 27 13 20 6
My family life doesn’t leave me any time 32 24 15 24 5
I don’t feel capable due to illness or a disability 912 12 13 58 5
I can’t afford to 8 13 17 55 8
It’s not compatible with my normal work 20 19 12 42 7
I have had negative experiences 5 9 15 65 7
I don’t feel I can make a useful contribution 9 15 19 48 8
It’s not suitable for my age group 22 15 16 39 7
I've got too little information about the
17 28 16 32 7
possibilities of doing voluntary work
No attractive opportunities in my area 14 21 17 34 14
Is absolutely true 07 20 40 60 80 100
Is largely true Is not true at all
Is not really true Don't know/no
Source: IFES - Institute for Empirical Social Research, 2016
How one can become part of the Austrian volunteers‘
family
:
First point of contact www.freiwilligenweb.at is the first
For those who do not yet know point of contact. Freiwilligenweb’s list
how or where they can do volun- of organizations provides an overview
tary work, the volunteers’ portal of places where one can become in-
12Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
volved. The experts of the Volunteers’ It is also important that the borders
Centres in Austria are available to pro- to paid work are clearly demarcated.
vide advice and support for interested Voluntary activities which you enjoy
individuals and organizations. and which are connected with edu-
cation/training or further training
The right choice are particularly interesting. This not
It is important to find the right type of only makes the work easier, it also
voluntary work for yourself. Then you provides valuable abilities which one
benefit most from your engagement. can make use of in other fields of life.
[
Thanks to the variety and diversity of the Austrian volunteers’ family, everyone can
find an activity which appeals to them and which combines usefulness for oneself as
well as for society as a whole.
KNOWLEDGE:
How does one recognize an attractive voluntary work organization
Numerous organizations look for people to take on certain tasks on a
voluntary and unpaid basis. And people who work on a voluntary or
honorary basis donate their time and efforts. Both of these parties –
the person who commits themselves and the organization for which
he or she does it, have to be able to rely on certain standards. Taking
note of them and adhering to them pays – for volunteers and for or-
ganizations.
13Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
Framework conditions – quality goals
■■ Description of activities
Voluntary engagement should time involved, what the organiza-
be enjoyable and appeal to the tion has to offer, and the start and
needs of the volunteers. A de- duration of the volunteers’ en-
scription of the activity should gagement. An accurate descrip-
reveal the meaning of the engage- tion as well as clarity regarding
ment and the non-material ben- the obligations of the volunteer
efits and personal advantages it (e.g. confidentiality, duty of care)
provides. It should contain a short protect both sides from misun-
description of the organization, a derstandings and the volunteer
description of the activities to be from being overwhelmed, and
performed by volunteers, what is can avoid confusion or possible
expected from the volunteer and conflicts between employees and
his or her skills, the amount of volunteers.
■■ Beginning and introductory
period
For a good start in voluntary closer look at their tasks and to
activity, an introductory period to decide whether it corresponds to
get to know each other is neces- her or his wishes, expectations
sary. In this way, the volunteers and abilities. For this purpose,
have the opportunity to have a when the activity begins it makes
14Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
sense to agree upon a trial period whether they want to continue
after which both sides can decide working together or not.
■■ Support for volunteers
Volunteers need a contact resources (volunteers’ coor-
person who is always available dination service). Alongside
so that they are not left alone this support, opportunities for
in case of problems. This is why interaction between the volun-
every institution enlisting the teers themselves should also be
services of volunteers needs to promoted, and if required clini-
appoint a contact person with cal supervision should be offered
the required competences and to volunteers.
■■ Responsibility and parti
cipation in decision-making
Right from the beginning of their volunteering, they need to have
activities, volunteers need clarity sufficient information about it. A
about what they can do and transparent organizational struc-
their obligations. In order to be ture makes it clear where they
able to identify themselves with can contribute their ideas and
the organization where they are how they can have a say.
15Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
■■ R
eimbursement of costs
In order that their unpaid en- which arise in carrying out their
gagement does not lead to tasks (materials, travel expens-
unwelcome costs for them, it es, postage etc.) are assumed by
should be ensured that costs the organization.
■■ Insurance
In order to protect both the course. In addition, liability in-
volunteers and the organization, surance taken out by the organ-
care should be taken to provide ization should cover all damage
sufficient insurance. Concluding caused by volunteers during
an accident insurance for the their activities.
volunteers should be a matter of
■■ Basic and advanced training
In order to maintain and im- personal development. In addi-
prove the quality standards of an tion, further training programmes
organization (also in comparison for volunteers contribute towards
to others), further training of staff them feeling that they are being
is indispensable. This is of course taken seriously and can lead to a
also true for volunteers and con- stronger sense of identification
stitutes an opportunity for their with the organization.
16Why Voluntary Engagement Pays off
■■ Leaving
A special feature of voluntary upon with them right at the be-
engagement is that it can be ginning which enables a smooth
ended at any time. However, an and frictionless exit for all those
‘exit mode’ should be agreed involved.
■■ Certificates
Voluntary work can be of use and the further training attend-
and significance for future job ed or skills and qualifications
applications etc. Volunteers acquired. To this end, there is an
should therefore be issued with Austrian volunteers’ pass (see:
a certificate indicating the time www.freiwilligenweb.at).
of service, the type of activity
■■ Recognition
Voluntary engagement should ways and in everyday dealings
be recognized and appreciated. with each other.
This should be shown in various
„
(Sources: IGFÖ – Association of Austrian Volunteers’ Centres; ULF – Independent
Provincial Volunteers’ Centre).
My voluntary work enabled me to get an insight into the occupation which I
could imagine carrying out in the future, while at the same time benefiting from
“
a legal framework and social insurance. - Elisabeth K.
1746 % active Cult
Millions
volun
honorary
Engagement
Neighbourly help
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Civil protection
Responsib
helping
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ambulanc
indis
useful
part
society
tasks
abilities
Chanc
experience
skills
© Socher Wolfgang, Upper Austrian Mountain Rescue strengths
supart team
ture deployment understanding
sport
compassion
church
e environment cohesion
animals
ntary together
3.5
effect
music
chester
clubs instrument
unity tradition
together
contribution diversity
bility
ealth
Quality
social
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spensable joy
meaning
important
Population
Free
Objectives
fun Team
energy
deciding
Volunteers’ family
ces Volunteers’ centres
Recognition
Volunteers’ pass fire service
voluntary work
pport honoraryHOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
HOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
Responsibility for voluntary work policy
Responsibility for policy on vol- regulates the framework conditions for
untary engagement at a federal formal voluntary activities, stipulates
level is concentrated in the Federal the framework conditions for formal
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs voluntary activities serving the public
and Consumer Protection. With a interest with a view to promoting such
variety of activities, measures and activities and fostering participation
services, it supports Austria’s lively in voluntary engagement. It also con-
volunteers’ culture. A clear strategy, tains conditions on the carrying out
an appropriate legal framework, of the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ), the
smart co-operation, a broadly-based Environmental Protection Year, the
dialogue and operational readiness Holocaust Memorial Service and the
create a solid basis and a framework Peace and Social Service Abroad as
for voluntary engagement in Austria. well as the Voluntary Integration Year.
It is our ambition to optimize these
§
conditions further. „Voluntary years“
This refers to the Voluntary Social Year
Voluntary Act (FSJ), the Voluntary Environmental
The Ministry of Social Affairs ad- Protection Year, the Holocaust Me-
ministers the Federal Law for the morial Service, and the Peace and
Promotion of Voluntary Engagement Social Service Abroad as well as the
(Freiwilligengesetz). This federal law Integration Year – all of these are
20HOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
carried out in accordance with the Protection Year, Holocaust Memorial
Voluntary Work Act. Among other Service or Peace and Social Service
things it regulates conditions such Abroad. This is based on the fact that
as the recognition of organizations they comply with the Voluntary Act
(as provider), fields of deployment, and is conditional on the voluntary
the obligations of organizations and work lasting for a continuous ten
places of deployment, the duration months and being carried out with
of the FSJ, the detailed rules under a recognized organisation (provider).
which it is carried out, and quality
assurance. It also includes social Austrian Voluntary Council
insurance cover for participants, The Austrian Voluntary Council is based
the payment of pocket money, edu- at the Ministry of Social Affairs. It has
cational support and guidance, and the objective of raising the perceived
the payment of family allowance to value of voluntary engagement as a
young people. cornerstone of the community, and
to further improve the framework
Credits for alternative civilian ser conditions for voluntary work. The
vice (as an alternative to military Austrian Voluntary Council is an insti-
service) tutionalised forum for dialogue, and
The entry into force of the amendment is particularly involved in providing
to the Civilian Alternative Service Act advice, promoting networking, and
on 1 October 2013 made it possible to representing the interests of volun-
count the following towards statutory tary engagement and furthering its
civilian alternative service: a Voluntary development. Its members - for a
Social Year, a Voluntary Environmental period of office of five years - are
21HOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
representatives of the federal gov-
ernment, the federal provinces, the
:
Freiwilligenweb
www.freiwilligenweb.at is Austria‘s
towns and local communities, the social first internet address for voluntary
partners, the political parties as well engagement. Freiwilligenweb func-
as representatives of all significant tions as a central hub and networking
areas in which voluntary activities platform for interested individuals
take place. The Austrian Voluntary and organizations. It aims to provide
Council according to the Voluntary general and clearly structured infor-
Act was formed on 14 December 2012. mation on voluntary engagement in
Austria. For volunteers’ organiza-
Report on voluntary engagement tions, Freiwilligenweb represents an
The Voluntary Act lays down that a additional platform via which they
report on the status and develop- can present themselves. If someone
ment of voluntary engagement in wishes to do voluntary work, there
Austria has to be drawn up jointly is the opportunity to make direct
with the Austrian Voluntary Council contact with organizations which
at periodic intervals. The Second are registered in the database. The
Report on Voluntary Engagement in range of offers is being continuously
Austria was published in 2015 (see extended.
www.freiwilligenweb.at). A national
survey carried out in 2016 provides Volunteers’ centres
current figures, data and facts about Austria’s volunteers’ centres find
voluntary engagement in Austria (see places where people can do voluntary
www.freiwilligenweb.at). work as well as providing advice and
22HOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
guidance on the issue of voluntary tions, and supports educational and
engagement. They are a point of con- quality assurance programmes.
tact for people who want to engage in
voluntary activities – and at the same Volunteers’ fairs
time for organizations which want to The Ministry supports volunteers’
offer voluntary work. Together with fairs in the federal provinces. Volun-
local hubs they ensure that supply teers’ fairs are a good, successful and
and demand in the field of voluntary popular platform for the promotion
engagement come together. of voluntary activities in general and
for people to inform themselves
Volunteers’ centres offer initial and about voluntary engagement. At a
further training for volunteers and fair of this kind, it is possible to find
volunteers’ coordinators or organise out directly about the demands,
it. They also support the transfer of opportunities and conditions of vol-
expertise and carry out information untary engagement, and to express
work. The Ministry of Social Affairs one’s interest.
promotes their networking and sup-
ports their projects. Creating incentives for voluntary
engagement
Projects In the form of the Recognition Fund
The Ministry promotes projects which for voluntary engagement, there
are specifically related to voluntary exists an additional opportunity for
engagement that are of national support for voluntary engagement
significance as well as pilot schemes since 3 July 2013. The fund promotes
organised by volunteers‘ organiza- activities and initiatives which con-
23HOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
tribute towards the development or The Austrian volunteer’s pass can
realisation of innovative measures, be downloaded from: www.freiwil-
particularly activities or initiatives ligenweb.at.
designed to guarantee the future of
voluntary engagement in Austria in Initial and further training
the long term. The maximum sub- Organizations based on voluntary work
sidy for such activities or initiatives need to increase their efforts to be
amounts to € 15,000. attractive for voluntary engagement.
They need to provide guidance to
n-
Volunteer’s pass volunteers from the very beginning
ge
Freiwilli
pass
Voluntary engagement is about learning of their time with an organization to
and education. It is about personal the end so that the volunteer can find
development and the acquisition of his or her way within the structures
skills. The Austrian volunteer’s pass and processes of the organization
provides the opportunity to officially and become a part of it. And above
record competences which have been all so that the volunteer can work
acquired during voluntary engagement. according to his or her motivation
In this way, a volunteer’s pass records and skills and experience a high level
a personal development process. of satisfaction and meaningfulness.
This can provide advantages in the In order to fulfil these high demands,
world of work for younger volunteers volunteers need to have contacts
and those in employment – such as who are responsible for supporting
when they are applying for a job or them and their integration into the
developing their careers. organizsation. The functions of vol-
24HOW THE MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS SUPPORTS
VOLUNTARY ENGAGEMENT
ielen
VRecognition
unteer coordinator and volunteer DANK
!
manager demand a lot in terms of The Federal Ministry of Labour, Social
the specialist and person abilities Affairs and Consumer Protection is
of these persons. particularly interested in emphasis-
ing the excellent work carried out
In order to ensure that the training by volunteers and underlining its
of the persons responsible for vol- indispensability and significance
untary engagement is carried out for society. In various settings, such
on a standardised basis and at as as events and the presentation of
high a level as possible, the Federal awards, this great commitment is
Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and brought out from behind the curtain
Consumer Protection provides a so that we can appreciate it and say
manual for the curricula of courses thank you.
for persons in charge of volunteers.
In this way the ministry is making a
contribution towards quality assur-
ance and improvement in the field
of voluntary engagement in Austria.
25ROOM FOR NOTES ! 26
PUBLISHING INFORMATION Media owner and publisher: Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, Stubenring 1 1010 Vienna Place of publication and production: Vienna Editing: Dept. V/A/6 Layout and printing: Ministry of Social Affairs Title photo: © DOC RABE Media – Fotolia.com ISBN: 978-85010-472-2 The brochure can be obtained free of charge from the Brochure Service of the Ministry of Social Affairs on the number 01 711 00-86 25 25 or online from www.sozialministerium.at/broschuerenservice. All rights reserved: Any utilisation (also extracts) without the written permission of the media owner is prohibited. This particularly applies to any type of copying, translation, microfilming, reproduction on television or radio, as well as its processing and storage on electronic media such as the internet or CD-ROM.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF LABOUR, SOCIAL AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Stubenring 1, A-1010 Vienna Phone: +43 1 711 00-0 sozialministerium.at
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