First meeting at the district office sets an example for sustainability and community
Groß-Gerau district. Groß-Gerau district's volunteer repair initiatives met for the first time for a joint networking event at the district office . At the suggestion of the Mainspitze Repair Café, the meeting was organized by volunteer representative Melanie Götz and Fairtrade representative Stefan Leimbach together with Marta Wachowiak , head of climate protection.
Of the 13 initiatives in the district, seven Repair Cafés, each with eleven volunteers, participated. The goal of the meeting was to exchange ideas about organization, public relations, recruiting volunteers , and new opportunities for cooperation.
Diversity and commitment in the workshops
The Repair Cafés offer a wide range of services, from repairing household appliances, computers, bicycles, and entertainment electronics to textiles and knife and scissor sharpening . The initiatives emphasize that they are not in competition with commercial businesses
Offene Werkstatt Gernsheim eV offers a special concept : tools, materials and knowledge are shared there, making collaborative work possible – regardless of previous experience.
In addition to practical assistance, the focus is also on community . Repair Cafés promote encounters, create social connections, and facilitate exchanges across generations. Experienced volunteers who are active in several workshops at once—affectionately known as " wandering mechanics "—are particularly in demand.
Support from the district and outlook
The Groß-Gerau district intends to support this commitment even more in the future. A central overview of all repair services on the district website , supplemented with contact information, opening hours, and event information. Volunteers can also take advantage of the continuing education opportunities offered by the "Fit for Volunteering" program .
The district's volunteer office also provides advice on finding funding for training courses and lectures.
At the end of the meeting, there was also agreement that the exchange should take place annually in the future. The next networking meeting will be hosted Offene Werkstatt Gernsheim eV .
(Gross-Gerau-Red/PSGG)
