The 'Engagierte Stadt Bocholt' network is developing shared visions for the future

Under the title "Netzwerk Engagierte Stadt - Quo vadis?", a total of 21 representatives from Bocholt's associations, organisations and the local council gathered at the LernWerk on 23 June 2026. The full-day workshop took place as part of a process support initiative by the Federal Network for Engaged Cities and was facilitated by an external consultant.

The participants - representing sectors including nature conservation, theatre, social services, integration and civil protection - used the workshop to reflect together on the network's development to date and to generate new ideas for the future. The focus was on how voluntary work in Bocholt can continue to be effectively supported in the future and how the network can be further strengthened. The 'Engagierte Stadt Bocholt' network currently brings together 55 stakeholders from clubs, associations, businesses, politics and the public sector, as well as committed local residents. Together, they aim to promote the diverse range of civic engagement in Bocholt, further develop existing structures and create new initiatives.

During the workshop, ideas for the network's future direction were developed. The aim is to further expand the existing network structures and intensify cooperation between members. Proven initiatives run by the network, such as the Volunteer Academy and the Reading Mentors Network, are to be continued and further developed, as are established forums for exchange, such as the Digitalisation Roundtable or the Clubs and Associations Fair. The aim is to create additional opportunities for open exchange between clubs and organisations, so that they can learn from one another, share experiences and develop joint projects. Another key topic was recruiting new volunteers. In particular, the aim is to inspire young people to get involved in a more targeted way in future. At the same time, the network also wishes to focus more closely on the potential of active older people. To ensure that future initiatives are even better tailored to actual needs, a survey of Bocholt's clubs and organisations is also planned. It is intended to provide insight into the current challenges and support needs within the voluntary sector.

"The workshop demonstrated just how much experience, creativity and willingness to collaborate there is within our network. At the same time, it became clear that we need to raise the profile of the diverse range of voluntary work taking place in Bocholt. "If we pool our strengths and continue to encourage dialogue, we can inspire even more people to take up voluntary work"," says volunteering coordinator Francis Heitkötter. The workshop marked an important milestone in the ongoing development process of the 'Engagierte Stadt Bocholt' network. The outcomes of the workshop are now to be gradually fleshed out and implemented in collaboration with the network members. The aim remains to further develop the favourable conditions for voluntary work in Bocholt and to actively shape 'Engagierte Stadt Bocholt' together. For further information about the network, volunteering coordinator Francis Heitkötter is available to answer enquiries by email at ehrenamt(at)bocholt(dot)deor by telephone on 02871 9532346.