About 100 residents of Mainz who are active in parent committees, the City Parent Committee, support associations, and independent play and toddler groups took center stage at this year’s Citizens’ Reception hosted by the state capital of Mainz. Mayor Nino Haase invited the volunteers to the Rheingoldhalle on Sunday, August 23, 2026, to thank them for their dedication.

The reception began with a musical welcome performed by students from the Peter Cornelius Conservatory of the City of Mainz (PCK). Mayor Nino Haase then addressed the volunteers with a welcoming speech.

“Our early childhood educators do impressive work day in and day out. But a strong daycare center also thrives on the commitment of parents and other supporters like you,” said Mayor Nino Haase. “Those who get involved in a daycare center do far more than just shape the day-to-day life of the facility. They strengthen the foundation of our urban community. After all, democracy begins where people listen to one another, tolerate differing opinions, and seek solutions together. Children observe very closely—you are role models to them. Your commitment deserves our respect and recognition. You give not only your time and energy, but also your confidence.”

Later, a casual get-together provided an opportunity for personal interactions. Over drinks and finger food, guests were able to exchange ideas and engage in conversation with one another as well as with the mayor, Jana Schmöller, the city’s commissioner for children’s affairs, and other members of the city council and city administration. A supervised play area was available for accompanying children.

Volunteer work at Mainz’s daycare centers takes many forms. The parent representative committees play an important mediating role between parents and the daycare team by advising the operating agency and the facility’s management on all key issues related to the daycare’s operations and by offering suggestions for shaping and organizing daily life at the daycare. They support projects, raise funds, assist with parties and field trips, and contribute their professional or personal skills. Much of this volunteer work takes place behind the scenes: addressing concerns, holding discussions, preparing for meetings and taking minutes, organizing events, or simply pitching in wherever help is needed. Children experience this involvement firsthand.

The City Parents’ Committee (StEA) plays a special role. It represents parents’ interests at the local level and incorporates their perspectives into the city’s advisory and decision-making processes. The StEA is represented by three members on the Youth Welfare Committee’s Working Group on Child Day Care. Among other things, the working group advises on fundamental issues related to child daycare and provides recommendations to the Youth Welfare Committee for its deliberations and decisions. In addition, the City Parents’ Committee is represented by one advisory member on the Youth Welfare Committee.

“Parental involvement is an important component of quality child day care. Parents bring the perspectives and concerns of families into the facilities and the political discussion, which are of great importance for the further development of services in our city,” emphasized Jana Schmöller, Head of the Department of Children’s Services. “I would therefore like to thank everyone who is willing to take on responsibility, act as a bridge, and help shape these services alongside their jobs and family lives.”

With this citizens’ reception, the state capital of Mainz expressly honors the many different forms of this commitment and also thanks the families and relatives who support these volunteer efforts.