Brochure for new citizens

Getting the public involved | 47 46 | Volunteers – a vital asset for Heidelberg Heidelberg values its volunteers: with the Civic Engagement Coordination Office (Koordinierungsstelle Bürgeren- gagement) as part of the mayor’s of- fice, there is a central contact point for voluntary work in the city hall. Once a year, it awards the honorary plaque (Ehrenamtsmedaille) for outstanding civic commitment. The volunteer agency (Freiwilligen-Agentur) of the “Der PARITÄTISCHE” charity is an important municipal part- ner and an important contact for citi- zens who would like to get involved. An online database of volunteering opportunities can be found at www. freiwilligenagentur-heidelberg.de . The City of Heidelberg wants citizens to be involved from as early a stage as possible in decision-making on municipal projects, for example the redevelopment of the former US Army sites and the master plan for the Neuenheimer Feld area. To ensure the smooth running of this process, the city has drawn up “guidelines for public participation” (Leitlinien für mitgestaltende Bürgerbeteiligung) in consultation with the public. The people of Heidelberg also have access to a “planning list” (Vorhabenliste) that is updated regularly with details of current and forthcoming municipal projects. As well as indicating the stage a project has reached, the list also includes information on project costs and names relevant contacts. In this way, it facilitates dialogue between the city and its residents form an early stage of a project. You can direct any questions you have about public participation in Heidelberg to the mu- nicipal “coordination point” (Koordinierungss- telle). For more information, visit www.heidel- berg.de/involvement . Volunteers – a vital asset for Heidelberg For more than 15 years, the city administration has been supporting voluntary work. Getting the public involved Getting the public even more involved in municipal decision- making is very important to the City of Heidelberg. The Civic Engagement Coordination Office is happy to answer any questions about vol- untary work in Heidel- berg. Please visit www. heidelberg.de/buerger- engagement for further information.