Völklingen invites you to participate – The Day of Honor for the 77th Anniversary of the Basic Law On the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Basic Law, May 23, 2026, will be observed nationwide for the first time as a Day of Honor for Engagement and Volunteering. The initiative comes from Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and pursues a clear goal: to make visible that democracy does not only exist on paper but lives from the daily commitment of engaged citizens. For Völklingen’s Mayor Stephan Tautz, it was important that Völklingen also take part in this nationwide Day of Honor. Under the guiding theme “Engagement. Democracy. Solidarity.” the adult education center and the city library demonstrate through various events and participatory offers how lively and concrete democratic values are lived in everyday life – in volunteering, culture, education, as well as in efforts for nature and society. Völklingen residents share their stories VHS offer no.: 302020 Date: May 23, 2026 (10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) / May 24, 2026 (2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Location: Old Town Hall A special focus is on the two-day writing and audio workshop “Völklingen Stories” on May 23 and 24, 2026, at the Old Town Hall. Here, all Völklingen residents are expressly invited to contribute their own stories – from everyday life, from life in the city, and also from their engagement in volunteering. Regardless of previous experience, the principle applies: whether told, written, or recorded – every form of expression is welcome. Personal memories, small observations, and snapshots of urban life are collected. Together, texts and audio contributions are created that make the diversity of voices in Völklingen audible. Those who do not want to write can simply tell their story. The renowned radio drama author (contributions for Saarland Broadcasting, Deutschlandfunk, Bayerischer Rundfunk, SWR, RBB, among others) Katharina Bihler from the Liquid Penguin Ensemble develops texts and audio formats together with the participants. The workshop shows that storytelling, listening, and creating together are expressions of lived democracy. Participation is free. You can take part in one, two, or all three sessions. Exhibition “Mothers of the Basic Law” Opening: May 18, 5:00 p.m. Exhibition: May 19 to June 19, 2026 Location: Völklingen City Library, Old Town Hall Opening hours: Wed 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Thu 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Fri 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The exhibition “Mothers of the Basic Law” at the Völklingen City Library from May 19 to June 19 honors the women who played a significant role in the creation of the Basic Law. Their commitment – especially to equality – stands as an example of lived political engagement. Participatory Action “Square of (Free) Opinion” for Students Date: May 22, 2026 Students interactively engage with freedom of opinion: What is allowed to be said – and where are the limits of freedom of opinion? In this interactive activity, students actively work with statements according to Article 5 of the Basic Law and classify them: permissible opinion or hate and agitation? Accompanied by the married couple Susanne and Matthias Strittmatter, authors of the book “Dignity, Freedom, Equality – Our Basic Law,” participants experience democracy as a participatory process. Hike “Experience Nature Conservation: Warndt, Forest, Wonder” VHS offer no.: 300010 Date: May 24, 2026 Location: Restaurant “Blockhaus” at St. Nikolaus Pond Start: 3:00 p.m. Experience and understand nature: The guided hike through the Warndt shows how environmental and nature conservation are part of democratic responsibility – anchored in the Basic Law (Article 20a). The certified nature and landscape guide Jörg Dietrich will accompany the approximately three-hour hike through the Warndt. Selected stops will address topics relevant to the largest nature reserve in Saarland: biodiversity, hunting, forestry, animals, geology, hiking tourism, and industrial history. The hike takes place even in rain. Surefootedness and weather-appropriate clothing are required. A shared visit to a local establishment afterward is optional. Democracy lives from participation “The Day of Honor for the Basic Law’s birthday makes clear: democracy is not a given. It lives from participation, commitment, and responsibility – both in big and small ways,” says Völklingen’s Mayor Stephan Tautz. Whether a cleanup campaign, street festival, or game night at the senior center: on the Day of Honor, encounters and joint activities are the focus. Anyone who wants to participate with their own action in the nationwide participation program can find information at www.ehrentag.de. Registration for VHS Völklingen offers online at https://vhs.voelklingen.de, telephone information at 06898/13-2597.
Commitment brings democracy to life
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