Context
The COVID-19 crisis underscored the vital role of community and the dedication of volunteers and associations. However, it is essential to recognise that associations and voluntary efforts are not inherently self-sustaining. Association officers, in particular, encounter significant challenges. During the pandemic, the Bureau for Civil Society Engagement and Participation of Vorarlberg conducted over 1500 consultations, revealing a destabilisation within associations and a pressing need for support. In response to this, the Association Impulse Programme was created.
Objectives
The Association Impulse Programme’s primary objective is to foster the growth and vibrancy of associations across Vorarlberg. This programme is designed to enhance the associations’ capabilities and sustainability by providing them with easy and efficient access to expert knowledge. This approach aims to rekindle their enthusiasm and motivation towards achieving their goals.
Implementation
The programme evolved to address post-pandemic needs, focusing on organisational development, digitisation and inclusion. Prototypes for organisational development and digitisation were developed in collaboration with regional partners. For instance, the Vorarlberg Chamber of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammer Vorarlberg – WKV) partnered for project implementation, contributing expertise and financial support, while the ‘Inclusion Programme Module’ was implemented with the Austrian Civil Disability Association. External services amounting to approximately €12 000 were purchased for the creation of prototypes and test runs with users. The qualification and consulting of associations in the impulse programme ‘Corona’ cost approximately €20 000.