The second workshop: Feedback that moves

What does a platform that really supports volunteering in Berlin need to look like? We explored this question together with ten volunteers in March 2025. In an intensive focus group, we collected feedback on structure, support, spaces and design. The results help us to further align engagiertes.berlin with the needs of Berlin's civil society.

The idea of creating a central contact point for volunteering was very much welcomed. One thing was particularly important to the participants: up-to-date and reliable content . A good overview is not enough - the information must be accurate and well maintained.

What was requested:

• A calendar with a reminder function for funding deadlines
• Simple contact options for feedback and comments
• Opportunities for the community to help shape the site

The idea of a funding finder met with great interest. However, the challenges often begin after the search: the application process is the real problem.

Critical points:

• Many funding programmes are difficult to understand in terms of language and form
• The application process is often unclear
• Different requirements are confusing - especially for new initiatives

Possible solutions:

• Filter by funding type, target group, deadlines, effort required
• Clear topic keywords, information on documents and requirements
• Simple guidelines ("funding hacks") to help beginners

The discussion showed that space is a key issue - perhaps even more important than financial support. Small clubs and groups in particular need places to meet, plan and organise events.

What was called for:

• A digital room directory with photos, categories and prices
• Filters for equipment, accessibility, volume, type of use
• Information on the legal framework (e.g. insurance, tax)
• Possibility of rating by the community ("Tested & recommended")

The idea: a room finder that not only informs, but also supports.

The design of the platform was also an issue. The participants wanted a clear and calm design that creates trust - not too playful, but not too cool either. A mixture of two design routes that combine warmth and structure was best received.

The workshop confirmed this:

• The platform will help new volunteers and small organisations in particular
• Community involvement is crucial for relevance and timeliness
• Topics such as spaces and orientation are even more important than expected
• Tools must be low-threshold and practical - not only digital, but also understandable
  

The findings help us to further sharpen engagiertes.berlin: as a lively platform that thinks along with you, grows with you - and really supports committed people in Berlin.