VDE dialog: Dr. Hieber, Dr. Rick, what structural role does volunteer engagement play in the association?
Dr. Martin Hieber: In the association’s organizational chart, the Delegates’ Assembly is not placed at the very top by accident. The honorary presidium appoints the full-time executive board, for example. Not least for that reason, we are and remain a technical and scientific association supported by its members. This fundamental principle is important because it shows that volunteer work is not merely symbolic – it is our foundation. It supports the regional associations, the technical work, and ultimately the entire organization.
Dr. Kevin Rick: In practical terms, this engagement takes place in two areas: in the technical societies on the one hand and in the regional associations on the other. We currently have 28 of these associations, all independent and each with its own statutes. Members belong both to their regional association and to the national organization. Everything that happens there – excursions, events, networking meetings, member support – is run by volunteers. Without this commitment, there would be no regional associations. It’s that simple.
Hieber: What is also clearly stated in our statutes is the networking of members – bringing together people interested in technical and scientific topics and connecting experts. And of course this only works if members participate, help organize, contribute ideas, and exchange knowledge.
What tasks do volunteers typically take on in the regions?
Rick: The range is huge. Classic roles such as treasurer, board member, or representative for young members are part of it. But there are also people who simply make things happen – who organize events without holding an official position, run soldering workshops, or help with member events. In the jury of the VDE MINT Stars, for example, volunteers evaluate applications and award certificates. And there are real flagship projects: in the Kurpfalz regional association, the board has been working for two years on a strategic development project called the “Kurpfalz path to the energy transition.” Volunteers there work together with the power engineering society on local energy-transition topics and use the expertise of our members. That is truly strong engagement.
Hieber: And it shows that the tasks are not purely organizational. Volunteers shape content, develop ideas, and bring topics into the association. The statutes clearly state that regional associations represent the goals of the organization locally, cultivate technical-scientific and socio-political discussions, and enable professional cooperation and continuing education. That is not administrative work – it is substantive work.
VDE members belong both to a technical society and to a regional association. How does engagement differ between these organizational units?
Hieber: Technical societies are nationally oriented thematic units. They have full-time managing directors, larger conferences, and scientific focal points. Engagement there tends to be more subject-oriented and scientific. It involves lectures, studies, position papers, and professional decisions.
Rick: In the regional associations, things are broader. Different disciplines come together: power engineering, information technology, automation, medical technology – and they mix. Topics such as promoting young talent, social networking, and regional cooperation play a major role. And yes, we do notice that engagement is declining somewhat everywhere. But our member survey this year showed that more than half believe the association is one that thrives on participation – and that they are satisfied with the opportunities available. That is a very positive signal.
How do volunteers’ ideas and impulses feed into the association’s work?
Rick: In regional associations, this usually happens through regional managers or directly through the Delegates’ Assembly. That’s where topics such as recruiting young talent, membership fees, target groups, or strategic issues are discussed. But many individual members also simply call or send emails. Sometimes an impulse emerges from a brief conversation in passing.
How does cooperation between full-time staff and volunteers work in everyday practice?
Hieber: It varies depending on the project and region. There are strategy meetings or even entire weekends where regional associations come together to exchange ideas. Important decisions have been shaped in delegate task forces – for example regarding the structure of the association or the future of decentralized regional associations.
Rick: And in the technical societies there are completely different exchange formats again. There you meet experts who normally lead conferences or work on standardization. But in everyday practice it is usually very pragmatic: people call each other, plan things together, and coordinate activities. Professional and at the same time very human.
What qualifications do volunteers bring – and what might they learn themselves?
Rick: Many bring leadership experience from their professional lives. Otherwise, the group is very heterogeneous: students, young professionals, and people close to retirement. And yes, people also learn a lot. In Mannheim, for example, I organized the VDE Energy Forum together with a student from Kaiserslautern. He handled the marketing activities and later moderated on stage for the first time. For him, it was a real highlight – speaking in front of such a large audience and leading a professional panel discussion. Experiences like that are incredibly valuable.
Hieber: And they strengthen the connection to the association. When young people experience that they can take responsibility and have visible impact, a strong bond develops.
What opportunities exist for young members and students?
Rick: Plenty. The VDE ski trip to Davos has existed for four years – the “trip coordinator” is always a young member who serves as the local contact person. In university groups, young people can independently organize events using funds from the regional associations. Those who want to can also work in the Young Forums of the technical societies and dive deeper into subject areas. Young members are often also present when boards discuss important matters. In short: there are no artificial barriers – anyone who wants to get involved will find a place.
How is volunteer work made visible or recognized?
Hieber: Recognition takes many forms. Sometimes it is a formal award – an honorary pin, honorary membership, or a certificate for trusted lecturers.
Rick: And often it is simply a sincere “thank you.” Many volunteers are not motivated by awards. They do it because they enjoy the topics or because it gives them something to realize projects together with others.
Hieber: Exactly. I also believe that motivation for engagement is often intrinsic. People who enjoy organizing or speaking on stage don’t do it because they want to receive a medal.
What are the biggest challenges in attracting and retaining volunteers?
Hieber: Times have changed. Study schedules are more demanding and pressure on young professionals is higher. Traditional association life is no longer taken for granted. The organization must adapt and enable new forms of participation.
Rick: And we need to use volunteer engagement in meaningful ways. Our structures have grown historically, but not everything appeals equally to every generation. “association board member” or “treasurer” doesn’t sound very attractive to many people anymore. That’s why I prefer episodic volunteering – projects with a clear timeframe, clear target group, and clear workload, such as our trusted lecturers, the juries for the MINT Stars, or initiatives like “Apprentices Full Power.” Our volunteer base is aging and recruiting young people is becoming more challenging – but not impossible.
At the same time, membership numbers are declining. What do you think are the reasons for this?
Hieber: One has to say it clearly: the main competitor of any association that connects people is the internet. Networking now takes place primarily online. This is especially true for an organization like VDE, which is also a knowledge community. When people want knowledge or want to exchange knowledge today, they often go online instead of attending an event. That was very different 20 or 25 years ago.
What conclusions do you draw from declining membership numbers?
Hieber: We are further developing our offerings to make them even more attractive. We still consider personal, direct interaction indispensable – even in the digital age. And we do see that our offers are accepted when they are truly excellent and up to date. For example, our event on quantum computing in Berlin last year was sold out. New formats such as our music festival “bits, bonding, bassline” with 1,000 participants were also a huge success. At the same time, we have expanded our digital offerings and will continue to do so in the future.
Rick: Today we also need to communicate the benefits of membership more clearly. In the past, membership for electrical engineers was almost taken for granted. Today people ask: “What’s in it for me?” We must provide answers to that question, and those answers may differ from one member to another. One may benefit more from professional exchange, another from specific membership advantages or discounts. But what matters most is that we need engaged members who identify with our values – not passive members who simply pay fees. Associations where people join only for discounts usually lose their community life. That does not fit us.
Overall, do you see VDE on the right path?
Hieber: Absolutely. VDE has never been a static organization. Throughout its nearly 150-year history, it has continuously evolved – for its members, but also with and through its members. Without them and without their personal commitment, VDE would be nothing.
