Volunteering plays a key role in shaping the social infrastructure of many regions. A City Talk as part of the WIRinREGIONEN project was dedicated to the question of what conditions make volunteering successful, what challenges exist and how different players can work together.

The project objective is to find out which innovation factors strengthen or inhibit social innovation and civic engagement. The stories of those involved provide valuable information on the role of community spirit, individual values and the contribution of local initiatives to regional development.

The exchange showed that time, reliability and the ability to work in a team are essential prerequisites for successful engagement. Integrating new members, recognizing their interests and strengths and supporting them over the long term is crucial – a practice that is practiced intensively in sports clubs, for example. Successful involvement is also based on idealism, perseverance, courage and a genuine connection with the region.

In addition to local clubs, municipalities and social innovation initiatives are also important players. A sustainable culture of engagement requires supportive municipal structures, platforms for public visibility, active networks and an attitude that places cooperation above competition. This creates a wide range of sporting, cultural and social activities that strengthen the community and open up perspectives for different generations.

The city talk makes it clear that volunteering is a key to resilient, liveable regions – if it is supported by the right framework conditions.