Landesnetzwerk Bürgerengage­ment Berlin (LNBE) - Learning, strengthening, networking

Berlin lives from its commitment: from initiatives that strengthen neighbourhoods; from associations that do cultural, social or ecological work; and from the many committed people who get involved every day. In order for this commitment to remain effective and grow, it needs reliable structures, dialogue and knowledge. This is precisely where the Landesnetzwerk Bürgerengagement Berlin (LNBE) comes in.

The LNBE is a central network for civic engagement and civil society in Berlin. It brings together organisations, initiatives, administration and politics that want to strengthen engagement in the capital. The network sees itself as a political voice, a platform for exchange and a source of inspiration for a committed city. The aim of the LNBE is to improve the framework conditions for engagement, to network existing structures and to make the diversity of Berlin's engagement landscape visible.

In order to strengthen engagement in the long term, places are needed where knowledge can be shared and further developed - and this is exactly what the Civil Society Learning Centre offers. The Lernort is a service offered by the LNBE and sees itself as a space for qualification, exchange and professionalisation in Berlin's volunteering sector.

It offers events, workshops and learning formats aimed at associations, projects, initiatives and other civil society players. The topics range from organisational development and volunteer management to funding, diversity and cooperation with the administration.

All programmes are free of charge and open to all interested parties.

Counselling is a central component of the learning location. It is aimed in particular at smaller initiatives, associations and organisations that work with volunteers - and offers them a service that is unique in Berlin.

These individual consultations are carried out by experts from the network and are specifically designed to support what small organisations need most: Knowledge, guidance and professional support.

Typical topics in the counselling are

• Founding an association or initiative
• Amendment of articles of association
• Tax declaration and non-profit status
• Team development and team structure
• Vision, mission, purpose
• Project management methods
• Impact measurement
• Public relations
• Attracting young people to get involved

In this way, the Lernwerkstatt enables those actors who often have too little time, resources or access to professional counselling to develop further. If you are still unsure whether counselling is right for you, you can also try out a consultation session first.