Engagement, encounters and cooperation – how an association promotes community spirit in Darmstadt's north
Clubs are the heart of a community. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In this series, we introduce various clubs that make life in Darmstadt worth living.
United for Wixhausen
VereinT für Wixhausen e.V. is an association of church congregations, cultural and sports clubs, the volunteer fire department, and other organizations in the district. The association's goal is to strengthen Wixhausen as a vibrant, open, and livable community. At its core is the promotion of volunteer work and the creation of opportunities for interaction that extend beyond the boundaries of individual clubs. VereinT für Wixhausen organizes and supports larger events such as the Christmas market, the Day of Clubs, and district anniversaries – events that can only be managed collectively and that highlight the sense of community in the district. The association thus serves as both a driving force and a platform for pooling resources, connecting people, and enriching the cultural and social life of Wixhausen. We spoke with representatives of the association about their visions, challenges, and special highlights.
What is VereinT's vision for Wixhausen?
Our activities reflect the desire to make Wixhausen a vibrant and livable community. We create accessible opportunities for all Wixhausen residents and visitors to connect. In doing so, we aim to highlight volunteer work and encourage citizens to get involved.
How do you implement this in practice?
We focus on events and activities that span multiple clubs and that, due to their size, cannot be managed by a single club. The Christmas market is one example.
Which projects have the greatest impact in the community?
Actions with an event-like character – whether in the areas of culture or sports – are particularly effective. They need a reason, a "hook" such as an anniversary, the Christmas market, or the day of local clubs and associations.
Who are the driving forces behind the association?
These are our member associations and organizations – from church congregations to cultural and sports clubs, to the volunteer fire brigade and Mission-Leben Aumühle.
What are the biggest challenges?
Firstly, it's about raising awareness for our goals, especially given the many other activities in the neighborhood. Secondly, we need numerous volunteers for our events. But volunteers are a scarce resource – and sometimes difficult to mobilize given the sheer number of activities.
How can interested citizens get involved?
We invite everyone to participate actively – whether at specific events or as supporting members of the association. Every form of support is welcome.
Which events should you absolutely not miss?
The Day of Clubs, the Christmas Market and the district anniversaries are fixed highlights in the calendar.
They work closely with Merck. Why is this partnership so important?
Many of the conditions for attractive events can only be met with a strong partner like Merck. The association itself only charges a small one-time fee; contributions are entirely voluntary. However, costs arise for things like venue rental, advertising, artist fees, and equipment. Here, Merck supports us not only financially but also with practical supplies – from lounge furniture and beach flags to posters.
Liveable Darmstadt
powered by MerckClubs are the heart of a community. They promote social integration and bring people together. They enrich local life through cultural and sporting activities, offer educational opportunities, and engage in social projects. In short: They make a city like Darmstadt a livable place.
But that costs money. Membership fees aren't always enough. In this series, we present selected Darmstadt clubs supported by Merck – be it in sports, culture, the common good, or science education.
Each of these clubs has a unique history and contributes to strengthening the community in its own way. We asked the leaders what defines their club and how the partnership with Merck not only provides financial support but also fosters growth and development.
Learn more about the diverse nature of Darmstadt's club landscape and how Merck and its partners are working together to achieve more – for a region worth living in.
