NRW volunteer card: Access requirements are made easier

In NRW, the requirements for obtaining the volunteer card have been lowered in order to recognise civic commitment even more. From now on, just four instead of the previous five hours of weekly commitment will be enough to benefit from discounts. In addition to the classic card in cheque card format, volunteers can also apply for and manage the recognition digitally via an app.

The volunteer card is a special expression of appreciation for the great voluntary commitment of the citizens of Bocholt. It combines this idealistic appreciation with a practical benefit for those people who spend a particularly large amount of time working for the common good.

Holders of the card can take advantage of various offers from public, charitable and private organisations at reduced rates. In addition to the state-wide discounts in North Rhine-Westphalia, the card is also linked to numerous local offers from the city of Bocholt and partners from the business community, associations and cultural institutions.

In order to facilitate access to this recognition, the state of NRW has adapted the criteria for awarding the card. The time required for voluntary work has been reduced from five to at least four hours per week; alternatively, 200 hours per year is sufficient. In both cases, the activity must have been carried out for at least one year.

Persons in possession of a valid youth leader card, the so-called Juleica, are also eligible to apply. The prerequisite remains that the voluntary work is carried out exclusively for third parties and on the territory of the city of Bocholt.

With regard to remuneration, the guidelines have been adapted to current tax conditions. While in principle no remuneration may be paid for voluntary work, the receipt of an expense allowance remains harmless within the scope of the statutory allowances. This applies to the lump sum for voluntary work up to an amount of 960 euros and the lump sum for training managers up to a limit of 3,300 euros.

The conditions for the anniversary volunteer card remain unaffected by the changes. This special honour is awarded to people who have been involved in voluntary work for at least 25 years. In contrast to the regular card, no minimum number of hours per year is required. The anniversary card is valid for life and can also be proposed for award by third parties.

The city of Bocholt also uses the advantages of digitalisation and participates in the digital volunteer card. Volunteers can use the free NRW Volunteer Card app to submit their application online and receive the card directly on their smartphone. The app also provides a comprehensive overview of all available benefits throughout the state. If desired, an analogue card can be issued in addition to the digital version or an existing card can be integrated into the app.

Interested parties can find the forms for the initial application, renewal and for the anniversary volunteer card on the municipal website at bocholt.de/ehrenamt. Alternatively, the documents can be collected in person from the Volunteer Agency at Langenbergstraße 18. Francis Heitkötter is available to answer any questions on the subject at the e-mail address ehrenamt(at)bocholt(dot)de or by telephone (0 28 71 / 953-2346).