Hamburg marked World Humanitarian Day with a focus on practical humanitarian service and the contribution of volunteers.
At the Scientology Church in Hamburg, participants learned more about the work of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, an initiative created by L. Ron Hubbard around the principle that "Something can be done about it."
The initiative focuses on practical skills that can be used when individuals or communities need support.
The Hamburg gathering also reflected the important contribution of volunteers and civil society to community life. Scientology Volunteer Ministers have participated in humanitarian initiatives in communities and emergency situations around the world.
Humanitarian service can begin with something as simple as recognising that another person needs help and deciding to do something useful.
A fuller account of the Hamburg event, the Volunteer Ministers programme and the wider significance of World Humanitarian Day can be found in the eu newspapers full article on humanitarian service in Hamburg.
At its heart, humanitarian action remains about people choosing to turn concern for others into practical help.