Embracing life, seizing the opportunities that come our way, and living a good life in a welcoming environment alongside people who are committed to fostering a sense of community—that is the DNA of the team at Freiwilligen-Agentur Altmark e.V. (FAA). We are guided equally by our desire to actively improve society for the benefit of those affected, and by the idea of not only encouraging but also empowering people to shape their own situation in society—and for society—in a way that makes life worth living and worth loving. To this day, the importance of volunteer work remains undervalued—or not valued at all—both politically and economically. We advocate for recognition of the contributions made by both individuals and nonprofit organisations. We are people of action; therefore, for us, utopia is both a method and a source of motivation and not only an idea for the better in an abstract future.
The FAA aims to empower people to take action for themselves and others, serving as a central bridge between citizens willing to volunteer and non-profit organisations in the region. The association's goal is to sustainably strengthen social, cultural and community life in Stendal and the entire Altmark through reliable volunteer structures. We are matching volunteers: Helping citizens find suitable volunteer opportunities through personalised advice or a digital engagement finder. We are supporting organisations: Assisting clubs and initiatives with volunteer recruitment, funding advice and grant applications. We are building networks: Connecting actors from civil society, politics, culture, and business, for example through the program "Engagierte Stadt“. We create spaces: Operating the "Kleine Markthalle" in Stendal as a vibrant hub for ideas, workshops, culture, and community exchange. We are enhancing recognition: Advocating politically and socially for greater appreciation and more stable funding structures for volunteering. And we promote diversity: Supporting the integration of refugees through targeted projects and hosting diverse initiatives like the regional Queer Meetup.
It is my distinct pleasure to introduce this UTOPIENALE conference as an annual cultural event to an international audience. We are very happy to be part of this vivid sign of resilience of culture and education initiatives in the communal district of Stendal, the federal state of Sachsen-Anhalt and Germany. This year, the invitation to a splendid group of young Israeli artists and researchers generates a chance for working on an even better future together.
Marion Zosel-Mohr
