LAGFA Berlin (State Working Group of Volunteer Agencies) is the umbrella organization for all Berlin-based volunteer agencies. It brings together experience, knowledge, and expertise related to civic engagement. It has been bringing Berlin’s volunteer agencies together since 1998—and has been organized as a registered nonprofit association since 2021. Since 2023, LAGFA has operated as an administrative office, which means it is no longer run solely by volunteers.
LAGFA Berlin sees itself as a central network of expertise for civic engagement in the capital. Its goal is to strengthen the structures of volunteerism in Berlin and to support Berlin’s volunteer agencies in their work. As an association, LAGFA focuses primarily on networking, professional development, coordination, and advocating for the political interests of its members.
What exactly does LAGFA Berlin offer?
- Promoting Civic Engagement: About Berlin’s Volunteer Agencies and the “ Berlin Volunteer Platform ,” people can easily search online for volunteer opportunities—with options from all over Berlin, ranging from social services to culture to the environment. The counseling and placement process itself is handled by the volunteer agencies, not directly by LAGFA.
- Networking & Exchange: LAGFA organizes regular meetings, workshops, and conferences. This strengthens quality, shared standards, and innovation within Berlin’s volunteer agencies.
- Public Awareness & Visibility: LAGFA is committed to raising the profile of volunteer work in Berlin and publicly highlighting the important work of the volunteer agencies.
Why is this important?
Berlin is large, diverse, and has many needs—in its neighborhoods, social organizations, and citizen initiatives. Without professional coordination and guidance, many good projects risk going unnoticed or falling by the wayside. Berlin’s volunteer agencies help build bridges: between committed individuals and those who need support; between different initiatives; and between volunteer efforts and administrative bodies. To this end, LAGFA strengthens the framework conditions and fosters collaboration among the agencies.
How can you get involved?
If you’re interested in getting involved, you can browse for suitable opportunities through Berlin’s volunteer agencies or the LAGFA engagement platform . Whether it’s a one-time opportunity, a regular commitment, or a project-based role—there’s something for almost every motivation. Interested organizations or initiatives can also post their own opportunities there to find new supporters.
