What we learnt from the ideas workshop

What does a good engagement platform for Berlin need? We did not answer this question on our own, but discussed it together with volunteers, associations, networks and experts. Many important insights were gained in workshops, brainstorming sessions and discussions. Here we show what we took away - and how we are moving forward.

Many volunteers would like more guidance: Where can I find good information? Which programmes are right for me? That's why the platform is intended to be a clear entry point for volunteering in Berlin. It pools existing content, organises it clearly and explains important connections.

To this end, we are developing small guides, providing strategic tips and pointing the way to reliable advice centres. The platform does not replace anything - it complements and networks.

To ensure that the platform not only informs, but also really helps, we want to concentrate on one or two focus topics. Two areas were mentioned particularly frequently in the ideas workshop: further training and counselling , as well as dialogue between volunteers .

Both topics are associated with technical challenges - such as personalisation, search filters, user profiles and community management. Before we implement these functions, we check what is realistic. The aim is to create a platform with real added value - not just an empty promise.

The platform is intended to appeal to all those who get involved - but two groups in particular:

1. small and new organisations

They often have little time, hardly any staff and are overwhelmed by the amount of information available. The platform is designed to help them specifically: with easy-to-understand guidelines, verified sources and clear navigation.

2 Larger organisations and networks

There is sometimes concern that a new platform will crowd out existing services. But that's exactly what we don't want to happen. We want to promote cooperation, provide targeted links and make existing services visible.

There are many good further education programmes - but often there is no overview. Participants in the ideas workshop would like to see:

• Search filters (e.g. topic, price, duration, format)
• Personalisation (e.g. watch list, recommendations, notifications)
• Accessibility & multilingualism
• Good content & reliable providers

The important thing is not to create more offers - but to make existing ones easier to find. Quality and accuracy of fit also play a major role. The platform can be a strong compass here.

The need for new event formats is low - newsletters, mailing lists and existing networks work well. The situation is different when it comes to dialogue : many people would like to have places where strategic issues relating to volunteering can be discussed.

We are still examining whether such a digital exchange opportunity via the platform is useful and feasible - possibly also in cooperation with existing programmes.

There is money for projects - but the way to get it is often complicated. The major challenge is not in the search for funding, but in the application process.

Smaller organisations in particular reach their limits here. That's why we want to help with the platform:

• through simple guidelines
• through links to advice centres
• through strategic orientation

Our goal: less frustration, more clarity.

Many small initiatives cannot find suitable premises - this became clear. However, the problem cannot be solved by a platform alone. During the discussion, it became clear that we need to think beyond volunteering - for example, about public spaces that are empty in the evenings.

A digital overview with filter options, contacts and verified information can help. Important: The platform can only provide information, not manage rooms itself.

The ideas workshop has shown that a good engagement platform must do more than just provide a collection of links. It should offer orientation, network, make gaps visible - and help where there is a real need.

The aim is not to replace existing services, but to connect them more closely. After all, voluntary work thrives on exchange - and this is exactly what we want to make possible.