Acts on the Promotion of a Voluntary Community Service Year (FSJ) or a Voluntary Ecological Service Year (FÖJ)
Gesetze zur Förderung eines freiwilligen sozialen Jahres (FSJ) bzw. eines freiwilligen ökologischen Jahres (FÖJ)
Persons wishing to commit themselves to a statutory voluntary service have an opportunity of enrolling in a voluntary community service year or voluntary ecological service year. This service year can not only be performed in the traditional social facilities, but also in youth work areas involving sports, culture – in libraries, museums or music projects – or the preservation of historic monuments. It is likewise possible to do the voluntary service outside Europe. The voluntary service year may be taken directly after graduation from school, a minimum age is no longer required. Voluntary service in Germany may be extended by six additional months after completing the initial 12-month period.
Starting in 2008, a voluntary service year may also be performed in development assistance projects.
Instead of a period of civic service, recognized conscientious objectors may also enrol in a 12-month statutory voluntary service with an approved service provider. Approval as a provider of voluntary com-munity service years or voluntary ecological service years (FSJ/FÖJ) – irrespective of a placement in Germany or abroad – is granted by the responsible authorities of the Land (Ministries/Senates).
At present, the draft legislation by the Federal Government on the promotion of youth volunteer services is currently in the consultation stages of the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. This legislation will provide a uniform legislative basis for the former Act on the Promotion of a Voluntary Community Service Year and the Act on the Promotion of a Voluntary Ecological Service Year, and it will enhance the educational character of the youth volunteer service.
