AWO regional association says goodbye to Helga Kühn-Mengel after 32 years

AWO regional association says goodbye to Helga Kühn-Mengel after 32 years

At the latest AWO regional conference in the Medio Rhein-Erft in Bergheim, an era was ended. After 32 years in office, Helga Kühn-Mengel, a prominent figure of the workers' welfare, no longer competed. Their merits were recognized with standing ovation when the delegates from the AWO local associations of the district of Euskirchen and the Rhein-Erft district said goodbye. It was appointed honorary chairman by Axel Heiner Dabitz, the AWO district chairman and honored in the laudation as "modern Marie Juchacz", a respectful allusion to the founder of the AWO.

Kühn mengel, who was previously a member of the Bundestag, took the opportunity to give a brief review of her long career. In her speech, she emphasized that her tireless commitment to social issues resulted from her professional activity as a psychologist in the early support center for children in Cologne and from working with the AWO. "The AWO has created a lot of good for society, and a lot of it still works today," said Kühn-Mengel and emphasized how important the organization will continue to be.

Bergheim: The new dual leadership of the AWO

This year Werner Wamser from Hellenthal and Christiane Wenner from Brühl were elected as the new double leadership of the AWO regional association Rhein-Erft and Euskirchen. This decision reflects an endeavor to make the management structure of the AWO future -proof. In his speech, Managing Director Andreas Houska made it clear that the AWO was well positioned in 2023 with a solid balance sheet total of 60 million euros, despite some challenges that the past year brought with it. For example, he led the drastic loss of members to close several local associations. In other areas, such as Oberaußem, Erftstadt and Stommeln, however, there is an increase in membership.

The aim of the new leadership is to position the AWO not only as a service provider, but also as a "socio -political voice" in society. This is particularly important in the current political landscape, in which, according to Kühn-Mengel, anti-democratic and racist tendencies are on the agenda. "We will oppose these challenges," she promised, expressing her trust in the future work of the AWO.

a farewell and new challenges

The farewell of Kühn-Mengel was shaped by emotions. Her tireless commitment to social projects in the region was particularly emphasized. At the appreciation, the deputy mayor of Bergheim, Elisabeth Hülsewig, thanked the outgoing chairman for her years of work. The representatives of daycare centers also presented her a self -painted picture as a sign of recognition and appreciation.

The honors during the conference continued: Axel Heiner Dabitz also honored Hans Krings, Heide Royen and Georg Neunzig with the Marie-Juchacz badge. These recognition reward outstanding achievements within the organization and show how important the voluntary work of the members is.

The AWO is facing important tasks, and the new dual leaders are ready to accept the challenges of the future. In view of the current developments in Germany, it remains to be seen how the AWO reacts to new social needs and will continue to shape its role as a advocate of social justice and inclusion.

The AWO (Arbeiterwohlfahrt) has a long history in Germany that goes back to the Weimar Republic. In 1919 it was founded to tackle the social problems of the time, especially that of the working class. Marie Juchacz, the initiator, was one of the first female members of the German Reichstag and campaigned for social justice and equality throughout his life. Under its leadership, the AWO developed into an important provider of social services in Germany. Even today, the AWO stands for social participation, equal opportunities and combating poverty and inequality in all social classes.

In recent years, the organization has mastered various challenges that are characterized by social upheavals and economic uncertainties. There is an increasing need for social services, especially for migrants, single parents and the elderly. According to the current Report of the AWO On social developments in Germany, the demand for services in the areas of care, integration and advice is expected to continue to rise. These persistent challenges underline the relevance of the AWO as a social authority.

social challenges and trends

The social challenges have changed in recent years. Large social upheavals, such as Covid 19 pandemic, have tightened social inequalities and increased the pressure on social institutions. The AWO has reacted to these challenges with different projects and initiatives. For example, work aids for people are offered in many regions who have lost their workplace due to the pandeme -related economic decline.

In addition to these adjustment measures, the association also focuses on programs that aim to support mental health. In view of the increasing loneliness and stress infection, there are increasingly offers for mental health support that are accessible on site. The importance of social work in these areas is unmistakable and the recognition of local and national politics is growing.

member development and future prospects

The member development in the AWO is another important topic. While some local associations, as mentioned, had to close due to the loss of membership, there are signs of growth in other regions. The managing director Andreas Houska emphasized the need to set the AWO well for the future. By introducing modern communication means and targeted campaigns, the association hopes to win more people for its work and to move them to active membership.

A future-oriented approach could be the emphasized participation of the members. The AWO has already responded to the generation change in membership and is trying to actively involve younger members. They offer platforms for the voice of youth and are committed to their concerns. The AWO resources invests via social media and other digital channels to achieve their target groups and promote social engagement.

The path remains challenging, but the continuous adaptation to social changes and the focus on the needs of the members Challenges have grown.