Socio-politcial Congress of ASB Germany in Hamburg

Socio-politcial Congress of ASB Germany in Hamburg

Franz Münterfering new ASB President

ASB Innovation and Quality awards

This year, a series of events mark the 125th anniversary of the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Germany: The “Social-political specialists Conference” in Hamburg in April, the anniversary celeberation in August in Berlin, preceded by our SAM.I. Forum, and the “Future Congress” in Munich in October.

The ASB Congress in Hamburg which has just ended, offered a wide range of lectures and discussion on topics such as in-patient and out-patient life and forms of care, foreign aid, civil protection, leadership and management, child and youth care and crisis intervention. High ranking representatives from politics and civil society have been gained for the lectures and practical forums, inter alia Sigmar Gabriel, SPD chairman and member of the German Bundestag, who spoke about ‚Responsibility of politics for a strong civil society’.

“Commitment to society is still immensely important”, Gabriel said and reminded of the common tasks that politics and organizations must face together – whether child poverty, fair payment, decent pensions, equal opportunities for migrants or promotion of volunteering. “The Government must create the necessary conditions”, Gabriel concluded his speech.

Quality and Innovation Awards 2013

For the third time, a Quallity Award was presented by the ASB and for the second time an Innovation Award. Every two years, the ASB honours its facilities in the areas of rescue service, in-patient

geriatric care, out-patient care, day care centres for children, and innovative projects. This year, the ceremony took place during the Socio-political congress in Hamburg.

The winners were able to convince the jury with their concepts in medical service and quality management in rescue service.

The winner of the Innovation Award 2013 was honoured for a project on democracy education of children and youth. The Innovation Award was first launched in 2009 and is part of a comprehensive quality development process in the ASB.

Franz Münterfering new ASB President

As part of the Congress, Franz Müntefering, former Federal Minister for Labour and Social Affairs from 2005 to 2007 and former Vice-Chancellor, was appointed the new ASB President who will

henceforth, in a honorary capacity, represent the ASB in national and international organizations as well as maintain contacts with relevant institutions in society, state and economy.

Details can be found on the ASB website.

News from the Samaritan association from the Ukraine: Strategic Ukraine Meeting at the ASB Socio Political Congress in Hamburg

During the congress representatives from ASB branches and the SSU Ukraine met to exchange about current projects and to discuss the further strategic development of the cooperation.

Ukrainian historical gift for ASB Federal Director Christian Reuter

A “Hetmanstab” was given to ASB Federal Director Christian Reuter by SSU Director Switlana Lewkowska during the ASB Congress as a historical gift for the 125th anniversary of the ASB. In the 17th Century, the “Hetmanstab” was given to the highest commander of the Cossacks.

Incidentally, the SSU is also celebrating an anniversary this year:

The Ukrainian Samaritan organization was founded 20 years ago and has since worked in close collaboration with the German Samaritans.