Economic mass initiative
VMI (Volkswirtschaftliche Masseninitiative) was a form of voluntary work in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) that took place outside of professional activity in leisure time, was mostly organized in groups, and served specific goals. Such goals could include clean-up work, renovation work in the residential area, maintenance of playgrounds or new buildings. In VMI operations, sports fields were built, forest paths were expanded and other useful activities were carried out.
Another goal was to beautify the living area.
The predecessor of the VMI was the Nationale Aufbauwerk (NAW), which had similar goals, but was primarily aimed at repairing war damage. In contrast to the NAW, the VMI was remunerated financially. Often the money was paid to the sponsoring association that organized the VMI mission.
VMI assignments were generally voluntary, although there was a certain peer pressure, as one would have excluded oneself by not taking part.
As part of the Socialist competition also could work collectives to VMI inserts undertake. Also housing communities attended VMI operations.
After the end of the GDR, there were attempts to revive the VMI, for example by the Technical University of Dresden . According to the press office, professors and students should maintain green spaces and clean lecture halls.
The voluntary unpaid work on weekends was also called subbotnik in the GDR, following the Soviet model .
Take part - more beautiful our cities and municipalities - VMI property in the city districts of Dresden West, South and Central
Take part - more beautiful our cities and communities - VMI property of the Dresden South district 1980/81
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Clemens, Heinz: How we became a house community, in: LeMO-Zeitzeugen, Lebendiges Museum Online , Foundation House of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany , URL: https://www.hdg.de/lemo/zeitzeugen/heinz-clemens-hausgemeinschaft .html Last visited: 23 December 2016.
- ↑ Idw-online.de - news TU Dresden plans "National Economic Mass Initiative (VMI)".