Berliner Freiwilligenbörse – a forum whose goal is to clearly demonstrate the numerous opportunities for active, selfless participation in the public life of the capital and to acquaint the public with a wide range of civic initiatives, projects and organizations in need of volunteers.

It is worth noting that «volunteering in Germany» has a two-century history. It has long been firmly «embedded» in society and enjoys significant state support. Currently, approximately every third resident (or – about 22 million people) devotes their time to socially significant activities.   

To support and develop this movement, a comprehensive system of programs and projects has been developed that go beyond simple «volunteering», offering participants not only opportunities for development but also partial financial or material compensation, as well as training and professional development.

The most in-demand «areas of application» of volunteer activity at the moment: 

-   community projects and events with social significance; 

-   assistance to people with limited physical abilities; 

-   provision of free services in youth centers, in structures of social support and rehabilitation of citizens; 

-   medical institutions, primarily: shelters, geriatric centers, hospitals; 

-   activities with children: orphanages and preschool institutions; 

-   voluntary work in theaters and concert halls, church parishes and affiliated organizations.  

Experienced specialists coordinating volunteer programs unanimously note that participation in volunteer activities helps unite people in their desire to do good deeds. This experience enriches a person's inner world, developing their moral qualities and bringing deep moral satisfaction from the awareness that real help has been provided to people in need.

Moreover, the positive feelings that arise during such activities have a beneficial effect on physical well-being and increase the overall level of life satisfaction. Participation in volunteer activities can positively influence future employment, since the experience gained through volunteer initiatives can become a significant, and sometimes decisive, factor when evaluating a candidate for a «job».

In particular, for pupils of general education institutions and students involved in volunteer work, such activity opens horizons for expanding social circles, enriching life experience, gaining opportunities to realize their abilities during periods without study, as well as for comprehensive personal development and strengthening self-confidence.

The Federal Ministry of Education, for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, BMFSFJ) regularly conducts studies demonstrating the evolution of volunteer activity. To date, volunteering in Germany is represented by a diversity of forms of participation adapted to different social groups and societal needs.  

The most popular organizational form in this regard continues to be the «classic» associations – «Vereine» (societies). More than 600,000 are officially registered. They «bring people together» around interests: from sports and culture to environmental protection. It is through them that the greatest amount of volunteer activity takes place.  

Alongside this innovative format, «Freiwilligendienste» (voluntary services) have emerged -  structured full-time programs that allow young people or older adults to «dedicate themselves» to serving society for a certain period of time: Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ), Freiwilliges Ökologisches Jahr (FÖJ), Bundesfreiwilligendienst (BFD). Recently, platforms and projects such as «Digital Volunteering», «Corporate Volunteering», «Mikroengagement». 

This year the 19th Berlin fair Freiwilligenbörse will take place on April 25 (Saturday, 11:00–16:00). Venue – the premises of the Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus, Rathausstraße 15, 10178 Berlin) and the adjacent area. The event will be accompanied by concert performances and stage programs. Admission is free.

Organizer Landesfreiwilligenagentur Berlin - an interdepartmental specialized body that focuses on issues of voluntary activity and public engagement.