Honorary roles is undergoing a profound transformation. Demographic pressure, digitalisation and rising expectations of professionalism are reshaping how honorary activities are understood and carried out. In Switzerland in particular, where federal structures, a dense association landscape and the militia system have historically played a central role, honorary roles are not merely an addition to state provision but a key pillar of social resilience.

In the lead article, Senior Researcher Dr Oto Potluka provides an analysis of developments in honorary roles over recent years, drawing on current data. His analysis indicates that this transformation necessitates approaches that facilitate engagement without unduly burdening those involved. Fanni Dahinden, Head of the Competence Centre Vitamin B, presents afterwards concrete avenues for action to civil society actors seeking to maintain the appeal of their organisations for voluntary and honorary engagement.

In an interview with Sabine Fürbringer, member of the board of trustees of the Salvation Army Switzerland Foundation, we gain a personal perspective on how to find a suitable honorary role and what such engagement means today. The subsequent contribution by Dr Elisabeth Hasse examines liability in honorary roles. It is made clear that, despite the unpaid nature of such a mandate, it constitutes an organisational function with substantial legal responsibility. Finally, we present the newly published book Gutes tun von Anfang an, a concise yet practice-oriented introductory guide for all those wishing to assume responsibility within a nonprofit organisation. 

The issue can be downloaded here for free.