STOISITS SPEAKS AT “COMMUNITY SERVICE AND RACISM”

On 6 May 2011, Ombudswoman Stoisits visited the Federal School Center in Hartberg where she participated in the event "Community Service and Racism" which is part of a series of events entitled Hartberg Europe Talks.

Apart from the Ombudswoman also the artist and curator Andreas Lehner was among the invited speakers. Hans Trsek moderated the discussion which took place on the occasion of the European Year of Volunteering.

Together with Ombudswoman Stoisits and Andreas Lehner, Hans Trsek discussed the topics of minorities in Austria, the importance of institutionalized volunteer work and its role during the European Year. Ombudswoman Stoisits also talked about the work of the Austrian Ombudsman Board. The discussion then focussed on developments within the social majority's view on minorities in Austria. Both speakers agreed on the fact that volunteering is of major importance for minorities and that it can be considered a "social adhesive".

The numerous guests had the possibility to ask questions throughout the event. At the end of the discussion and after various musical interludes by the school orchestra the students had prepared a buffet where all guests actively continued an exchange of ideas.