Volunteering in Berlin

Moving to a new city like Berlin can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging to build a social network. Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded individuals, practice your German, and integrate into the local community while making a positive impact. Berlin offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from working with refugees to supporting local arts and culture. Here are some organizations where expats might be interested in volunteering.

Give Something Back to Berlin (GSBTB)

GSBTB is a popular choice among expats. It's an organization that connects new Berliners with local communities through volunteer work. They offer a variety of projects, including language classes, cooking workshops, and arts programs. Volunteering with GSBTB typically involves a few hours a week, with flexible scheduling options.

Website: gsbtb.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week

Berliner Tafel

Berliner Tafel is dedicated to reducing food waste and helping those in need. Volunteers assist in collecting surplus food from supermarkets and distributing it to social institutions. This role requires a few hours each week, with morning shifts available.

Website: berliner-tafel.de
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: A few hours per week, morning shifts

Serious Request

Serious Request is an initiative by Berlin's radio stations that raises funds for various social projects. Volunteers help with event organization, fundraising, and logistics. The time commitment varies but is usually more intense during the annual fundraising events.

Website: seriousrequest.de
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Varies, more intense during events

Moabit Hilft

Moabit Hilft is a grassroots organization that supports refugees in the Moabit district. Volunteers assist with language classes, legal advice, and cultural events. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours a week to more intensive involvement.

Website: moabit-hilft.com
Location(s): Moabit district, Berlin
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week to more intensive

Stadtteilzentrum Pankow

Stadtteilzentrum Pankow is a community center offering various activities for locals. Volunteers can help with workshops, cultural events, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: stadtteilzentrum-pankow.de
Location(s): Pankow district, Berlin
Time Commitment: Flexible, tailored to availability

Tierheim Berlin

Tierheim Berlin is an animal shelter that relies heavily on volunteers. Tasks include dog walking, cat socialization, and administrative support. Volunteers are expected to commit to regular shifts, usually a few hours each week.

Website: tierschutz-berlin.de
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Regular shifts, a few hours per week

Über den Tellerrand

Über den Tellerrand is a non-profit organization that brings together locals and refugees through cooking events and workshops. Volunteers help with event organization, cooking, and community building. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours a week to more intensive involvement during events.

Website: ueberdentellerrand.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week to more intensive

KulturLeben Berlin

KulturLeben Berlin provides access to cultural events for individuals with low income. Volunteers assist with event coordination, ticket distribution, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: kulturleben-berlin.de
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Flexible, tailored to availability

Bündnis 90/Die Grünen

Bündnis 90/Die Grünen is a political party that welcomes volunteers for various tasks, including campaigning, event organization, and administrative support. The time commitment varies but can be more intense during election periods.

Website: gruene.de
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Varies, more intense during elections

Berliner Stadtmission

Berliner Stadtmission is a charity organization that supports homeless individuals and families in need. Volunteers assist with food distribution, counseling, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours a week to more intensive involvement.

Website: berliner-stadtmission.de
Location(s): Various locations throughout Berlin
Time Commitment: Flexible, a few hours per week to more intensive