Der Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband Hessen

The German Paritätische Welfare Association, known as "Der Paritätische," is an umbrella organization of independent welfare services in Germany based in Berlin. Founded on April 7, 1924, the association has its roots in the "Association of Independent Private Non-Profit Welfare Institutions in Germany e. V."[1].

Der Paritätische sees itself as a service association that advises and supports its member organizations in professional, legal, and organizational matters. The central mission of the association is based on the idea of the equality of all people (paritas), which means that every person deserves the same respect and should have equal opportunities. The association particularly advocates for the interests of the sick and weak in society and engages in lobbying to defend their rights[1].

Der Paritätische includes more than 10,000 independent organizations, associations, institutions, and initiatives that cover a wide range of social work. Member organizations include, among others, the Good Templars, anthroposophical communities, the Association of Single Mothers and Fathers, the German Child Protection Association, women's shelters, migrant organizations, unemployment initiatives, and self-help groups from the health sector. The association offers training and continuing education programs for both paid and volunteer staff and supports its members in financing projects[1].

The German Paritätische Welfare Association is divided into fifteen state associations, including a joint state association for Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland. Each state association usually has its headquarters in the respective state capital, with exceptions such as the headquarters in Frankfurt am Main for Hesse or in Wuppertal for North Rhine-Westphalia[1].

Der Paritätische Hessen, one of the state associations, has recently engaged intensively with the challenges of the multi-crisis characterized by a shortage of skilled workers, climate change, inflation, growing inequality, and wars. The association is committed to supporting social institutions in this tense situation and has placed the focal topic "Securing Skilled Workers – Training for All" at the center of its work. Additionally, the association actively participates in the political debate to defend human rights and a democratic, open society[2].

In the current crisis, Der Paritätische Hessen has found that one third of social institutions have had to limit or discontinue their services due to a lack of funds. The association clearly positions itself against populist solutions and relies on complex, sustainable strategies to promote social-ecological change. Through public panel events and political demands, the association works to represent and support the needs of its member organizations and their clients[2].

The German Paritätische Welfare Association is thus a central actor in the social landscape of Germany, distinguished by its comprehensive commitment to equality, social justice, and the support of vulnerable groups.

• 1 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutscher_Parit%C3%A4tischer_Wohlfahrtsverband
• 2 - https://www.paritaet-hessen.org/fileadmin/redaktion/Texte/Publikationen/Jahresbericht_Der_Paritaetische_Hessen_2023_bf.pdf
• 3 - https://www.paritaet-hessen.org/fileadmin/redaktion/Texte/Jahresberichte/Paritaet-Jahresbericht-2021-barrierefrei.pdf